PRESIDENT Aquino has offered his condolences to the family of former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director general Cayetano Paderanga, Jr., who died last January 29 at the age of 67.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family of Cayetano Paderanga, Jr.,” President Aquino said in his statement on the passing of Paderanga.
“Whether it was to help rebuild our newly restored democracy in 1990, or in 2010, to rebuild our country’s capacity and confidence after a lost decade, Dondon Paderanga unhesitatingly accepted the call to serve in NEDA,” he said.
Paderanga served as NEDA chief under the Aquino administration from 2010 to 2012. He resigned from government office in 2012 for health reasons.
“He could have remained in the academe where he had earned the respect and affection of his peers and students. Instead, he went ahead and did his part, even if it risked his health,” the Chief Executive added.
President Aquino also described the former socio-economic planning secretary as a hard-working public servant and a kind man.
“Few individuals have had an opportunity to serve their country as he did, whether in NEDA, the Department of Agriculture, the Monetary Board or the ADB (Asian Development Bank),” he said.
“In each instance, he did so without any blemish to his integrity. As a member of the Cabinet, he undertook all his tasks with a smile, and gentle good-humor; he was not just a hard-working public servant, but a kind man who will be missed.”
In a separate statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda recalled that as NEDA chief under President Aquino, Paderanga helped reinvigorate the institution.
Secretary Lacierda also noted the establishment of the Public-Private Partnership Center under Paderanga’s watch. The center, he said, has played a significant role in the revitalization of the economy.
“His institutional memory and personal integrity made him an effective undersecretary of Agriculture and chief negotiator of the country for the WTO: and earned him the respect of his peers in academe,” Lacierda said.
“His good cheer, humble disposition, and intellectual rigor earned him the respect of so many, whether at home or abroad. We condole with his family, and join all who pause to reflect on his service to the nation during a life well lived,” he added.
Paderanga also served as NEDA director general from 1990 to 1992 during the administration of President Aquino’s mother, the late president Corazon Aquino. (PND)