The father of rural banking

Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Sr., after whom the famous street in Quezon City was named, was a Nacionalista Party stalwart known for his fiery speeches on the Senate floor. When one of his aides complained why he still associated with a particular Senator who opposed Nacionalista Party-led legislation, Amang Rodriguez answered with a very well remembered classic line: “Politics is addition, not subtraction” – which is still a very wise dictum followed today as far as Philippine politics is concerned.

Shrewd politicians like GMA, Erap Estrada and most particularly Joe de V take the principle of addition very seriously, uniting warring factions and putting up coalitions even among the most unlikely political bedfellows. (Some make the mistake though of adding women instead of politicians as their bedfellows). The smart ones keep adding allies instead of subtracting. After all, in this country, if you don’t know how to add, then you’re a dead duck – politically, that is.

Those familiar with Philippine politics say that Amang Rodriguez is known as “Mr. Nacionalista” for his devotion and loyalty to the Nacionalista Party, skillfully steering it through some of its most turbulent times when the party was struggling to retain leadership in the political scene and refusing to switch alliances even when the going got tough.

But not many people know that Amang Rodriguez was the author of Republic Act 720 or the Rural Banking Act of 1952, which paved the way for the establishment of rural banks that served as credit institutions for the poor in the rural areas. No doubt that certain piece of legislation helped a lot in uplifting the lives of the poor, mostly farmers, fishermen and small traders in the rural areas who, during those days, had no choice but to turn to usurious moneylenders for their credit needs. Rodriguez – who was one of the longest serving Senate Presidents with 10 straight years in the post from 1953 to 1963 – believed so much in the potential of rural banking that he himself put up the first one – named the Rodriguez Rural Bank – in Pasig shortly thereafter with the help of his children.

This example by the Amang led to the establishment of 18 other rural banks in various parts of the country in 1953, which quickly grew to 26 banks by 1956. A group of rural bankers led by Alfredo Don “Piding” Montelibano Sr. of Bacolod City eventually formed an association which was later incorporated to serve as an official entity that represented the rural banking system. Those who are familiar with Amang’s character said RA 720 was just a natural consequence of his concern in upgrading the lives of the masses through such laws.

Banco Rodriguez – the name by which the Rural Bank of Rodriguez is known at present – is inaugurating its new head office along Sixto Avenue in Pasig today with Senator Loren Legarda as guest of honor.  Banco Rodriguez is now run by the third generation members of the Rodriguez family headed by Amang’s grandchild, Maritess Rodriguez Mendoza-Pineda, married to businessman and Philippines Inc. chairman Jesus “Susing” Pineda. When Maritess took over as president, she reorganized the bank with a new set of professional managers to run the bank together with her sister Elizabeth, but still carrying on the same vision and legacy of Amang Rodriguez to bring micro-finance services to farmers, small merchants, entrepreneurs and numerous ordinary people who are trying to uplift their lives.  No doubt the bank will continue to have a significant role in the economic and social development not only in Pasig but in the nearby locations of San Mateo and Antipolo in the province of Rizal.

I can barely recall how politics was during the early ’50s, but I remember an uncle, the former Speaker Danieling Romualdez, telling us that the Senate during the days of Amang Rodriguez was dynamic and vibrant, with the senators mostly regarded as illustrious legislators who served their constituents with pride and distinction. In fact, those familiar with Philippine political history recall such outstanding political figures like Claro M. Recto, Jose P. Laurel, Jovito Salonga and their peers because they were such distinguished figures who excited the people with their intellect but tempered it with humility and sobriety.

Many have expressed disappointment at some of our legislators today who seem to devote more time grandstanding through endless investigations supposedly “in aid of legislation,” instead of focusing on the job of legislation. Old politicians like Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez are surely missed these days – because over the years their kind seems to have faded away.

* * *

Email: [email protected]