Danding leaves legacy of excellence

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo (Danding) Cojuangco Jr. passed away at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Global City, late Tuesday, leaving a void in the sporting community as he was widely considered to be in a class of his own in promoting excellence, sportsmanship and nationalism.

Cojuangco, 85, brought honor to the country by managing the Philippine basketball teams that won the 1982 Asian Youth title, the Jones Cup championships in 1981 and 1985, the Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 1981 and 1983, the FIBA Asia Clubs trophy in 1984 and the FIBA Asia Cup crown in 1985-86. He was the founding chairman of the Philippine Racing Commission and as a breeder, his thoroughbred Manila topped the 1 1/2 mile Breeders Cup Turf at Santa Anita, California, in 1986.

“I’ve always enjoyed sports because it promotes discipline, good character and pride,” he once said. “There’s a great deal of satisfaction in promoting our country through sports. When you hear our national anthem being played in a sports arena, you feel proud to be a Filipino. And when you play well and God-willing, win, it makes you even prouder.” Cojuangco was also known for taking care of athletes from equestrian to bowling to golf to volleyball to boxing and of course, basketball. “No matter how hard our athletes try, they need support,” he said. “They have to be assured of a future after their playing days are over.”

Cojuangco’s spirit of sportsmanship was exemplified in his donation of the UAAP men’s basketball trophy for three straight years to Ateneo, rival of his alma mater La Salle. He awarded the Blue Eagles a P2.7 million, 14-karat gold, 15-inch high trophy for each of their three titles and a P5.8 million, 14-karat gold, 17-inch high perpetual trophy for achieving a three-peat in 2017, 2018 and 2019. His values were carried over to San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang who has led the conglomerate to unprecedented heights.

SBP chairman emeritus and PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan expressed his condolences to Cojuangco’s family and said, “the country owes him an inestimable debt of gratitude for his many contributions across a broad spectrum of Filipino lives.” SBP president, Smart Communications president/CEO and Meralco PBA governor Al Panlilio said, “I join the nation in mourning the loss of Chairman Cojuangco. Aside from being a patron of sports, he was a pioneer who served the country both in government and the private sector.”

The PBA paid tribute to Cojuangco as a politician, diplomat, businessman, team owner and sports patron, thanking him for his “countless contributions to the PBA and sports.” Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone described Cojuangco as “a tremendous friend of Philippine basketball” and mourned the passing of an era.

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland played on Cojuangco’s San Miguel Beer team that topped the Jones Cup in 1985, and messaged from the US. “The Boss was a true sportsman, competitor and friend,” he said. “So sad (for) the end of an incredible era of love for basketball. His impact (is) forever on the basketball courts all around the world.” Engelland said it was “a huge honor to represent one of his teams.”

San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria was on Cojuangco’s Philippine team that took the Asian Youth title in Manila in 1982. He’s a perfect example of an athlete who was cared for by Cojuangco beyond his playing years. “I’m saddened by the loss of the godfather of Philippine basketball,” said Austria. “His passion and love for the game and generosity were unparalleled. His legacy will always be remembered and I’m so thankful I’m one of the many people he helped to be a part of it. Words are not enough to thank him for what he has done for Philippine basketball.”

PBA legend Hector Calma said, “Boss Danding was a father figure to me during my basketball career and my godfather at my wedding to Ines. My best memories of him were when I played for the national team under Northern Cement from 1982 to 1985. He was always present in all our local and international tournaments, treating all of us as one big family. I attribute the success of the national team at that time to his leadership which brought out the best in all of us. Boss Danding was a person with a big heart and he will be sorely missed.”