Page 7 - WashingtonSyCip_Bio_Excerpt_2nd_Edition

There is now a greater call to align one’s personal sense of purpose to the idea that
even small acts at work can exponentially affect the community, and the country, in a
positive way. WS had always emphasized this role and for SGV to constantly strive to
achieve a Philippines that comprises of men and women unafraid to take up positions
of leadership and management; who live with integrity; who are engendered with the
spirit of doing what is right, even when it is challenged.

Our Purpose is the spirit of WS’ legacy and on his centenary, we reaffirm and
celebrate his extraordinary life and the enduring lessons we were fortunate enough to
learn from him. In commemorating his brilliant life, we hope to sustain his positive
influence on many more generations of business professionals.

th
The first edition of Wash, Only a Bookkeeper had won in the prestigious 29
National Book Awards in 2010 for Best Book (Non-fiction Prose). When he was still
alive, many would comment that perhaps, he might consider a second volume to his
biography to which he would politely decline.

th
On the 100 anniversary of his birth, we thought it fitting to add a final chapter to this
book that covers the last years of his life from 2009 to 2016. He had devoted his later
years to his advocacies while continuing to sit on Boards. Even when his heath was
failing, he would attend meetings, organize dinners, read on the latest business issues and
spend time mentoring many of us. He would remark that time was too precious to waste.

In updating this book, we wish to acknowledge the participation of the AIM Scientific
Research Foundation for reprising its role as co-publisher. We are deeply grateful to
the SyCip family, in particular WS’ children -- Vicky SyCip-Herrera, George SyCip
and Robert SyCip – who generously gave of their time, knowledge and memories of
their father. We are honored that Butch Dalisay agreed to write for us once again and
provide a masterful closure to the story of the bookkeeper we all loved and admired.

If WS had his way, he had wanted to live to 125 years old to celebrate the centenary
of SGV. We are absolutely certain that when SGV turns 100, his legacy will still be
very much alive because he has bequeathed us with an enduring purpose. It can then
be said that, he had his way after all.

Wilson P. Tan
Chairman and President
Board of Trustees
SGV Foundation, Inc.

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