MY family and I join the entire nation in mourning the passing of Dr. James G. Dy, the president and chief executive officer of Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.

His passing is indeed a tragedy for all, with the Philippine government in general and the Philippine National Police in particular losing one of its most noble allies, a fine statesman with a wry sense of humor and the passion to help the poor and the needy.

I have so many fond memories of Dr. Dy since the PNP was created in 1991. A friend to all Philippine presidents, PNP and Armed Forces chiefs, members of the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of the government, the press and people from all walks of life, he surely have touched countless hearts.

In 1994, he and I were among the nearly a dozen people presented with a plaque of appreciation by then President Fidel V. Ramos during the PNP founding anniversary. FVR was with then DILG chief Raffy Alunan and then PNP chief, General Recaredo Sarmiento.

Wearing our ‘Amerikanas,’ I still remember how we talked with each other while we marched in front of a big crowd at the Camp Crame grandstand and later shook hands with FVR. A picture of that unforgettable event adorn a small room in our house, with Dr. Dy smiling as FVR shakes my hand.

I have been a witness to many courtesy calls made by Dr. Dy and his fellows to sitting PNP chiefs since then. In fact, I have lost count of how many ‘big ticket’ donations he has made to our police force, all aimed at helping the PNP.

It was also him who initiated a memorandum of agreement with the PNP which provided free hospitalization for policemen wounded in the line of duty or the so-called ‘wounded in action’ or WIA cops. That MOA has helped countless police officers and men since then.

In one occasion at Camp Crame, I even joined him in a short ride with top PNP officials on board an E-Jeep he donated to the PNP national headquarters to ferry persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women visiting or having business transactions inside the camp.

His sense of humor is also infectious, with the crowd laughing each time he cracks a joke. I still remember how he broke the house down in Camp Crame when he spoke about how the Chinese General Hospital has been the birthplace of brilliant babies.

He referred to a ‘baby genius’ who was able to speak six or seven months after he was born. The old man said the baby learned these words in the following order: Mama, Papa, Dede, Yaya.’ When repeated so many times, the baby’s words brought trouble to his dad, he said.

Dr. Dy has also invited me and our common friend—actually his main liaison to the police force–Jimmy Cheng, the publisher of United Daily News and a co-founder of the PNP Press Corps to many ‘lumpia parties’ in his sprawling Greenhills house in the past.

It was in his home where I was able to rub elbows with some of the country’s most influential persons while preparing our own delicious ‘lumpia.’ While looking at the Dy’s large swimming pool, I also learned that Dr. Dy is a powerful swimmer who makes it a point to finish so many laps each day which an average person like me can’t do.

During his much healthier days, Dr. Dy also made it a point to host a small dinner party to PNP chiefs, PNP spokesperson and heads of PNP national support units who have been with us thru the years. It was his simple way of recognizing our officers and their feats.

In many of our conversations, he also never failed to mention his admiration for then Leyte (1st District) Representative, now House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The two are very good friends from the Philippine Constitution Association where Dr. Dy was the vice-president for finance. And yes, Dr. Dy loved the Philippine Coast Guard that he became a top official of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

He also was appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as an Ambassador of Medical Tourism, a feat he achieved as a result of his successes in both the field of medical business and tourism.

The last time I saw him was in 2018 when I arranged a surprise 70th birthday party for Jimmy Cheng and asked some friends and Dr. Dy’s staff to join the occasion. I told Jimmy that he should join our family dinner then and he agreed.

Having no inkling about it, Jimmy on that night came early to join me, my wife Candy and daughters Kyra and Camille for a dinner in Springdeer, a popular Quezon City Chinese restaurant.

Jimmy was surprised after seeing his staff in one room and I simply told him it was just a coincidence. Then the guests started arriving one-by-one. Former PNP chief General Nick Bartolome was there; former PNP Officer-in-Charge, Gen. Dindo Espina was there. Former PNP spokesman, Gen. Wilben Mayor was there. And to his surprise, our friends Don Antonio Tan, Nelson Guevarra and Dr. Dy and his wife arrived to join us. The presence of those wonderful people really made Jimmy’s day.

This week, it was Jimmy who told me about the sad news. I later found out that Dr. Dy had joined our Almighty Lord last July 29. A statement from his company said it all: “Dr. Dy was not only a visionary leader but also a compassionate mentor who touched the lives of countless individuals.”

“His legacy will forever be in the hearts of those he inspired, guiding us with his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. As we grieve the loss of a remarkable leader, let us remember his vision, determination, and kindness.”

“ Let us honor Dr. James G. Dy by continuing to embrace his spirit of compassion and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of people around us.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Dr. Dy’s family and friends. May they find comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on, and his influence will continue to help and inspire people for generations to come.”

The PNP headed by General Benjie Acorda joined the nation in mourning the death of the staunch supporter of the police force. “The PNP is forever grateful to Dr. Dy for his untiring support and philanthropic works particularly his initiative to provide free medical care to wounded PNP personnel at the Chinese General Hospital,” the police force said.

“Through his generosity and compassion, the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association which he leads, along with his fellow captains of industry, has continued to change many Filipino lives especially the needy and the disadvantaged

In his honor, the PNP shall continue to promote his advocacy for good governance and community support to build a better nation. May he rest in eternal peace,” the PNP said.

President Bongbong Marcos led the many leaders including PGMA and PRRD who visited the wake of Dr. Dy at the Heritage Memorial Park.

Before he passed away, Dr. Dy was the concurrent chairman of the board and president of the Chinese General Hospital Colleges, the chairman emeritus of the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Inc., president emeritus of the World Lee Family Association, a governor and vice-president for finance of Philconsa and a governor and national treasurer of the Philippine Red Cross.

Describing Dr. James Dy as ‘unstoppable who defied all odds ’ would really be an understatement. The man really lived a life worth living. With his achievements and his philanthropic ways, he really made an indelible ink in our dear country especially during the major challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m very grateful that my family and I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Dy who was really a beacon of strength, a larger-than-life man who will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, a statesman, a philanthropist, a humanitarian worker, a modern-day hero.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Goodspeed my friend.