Civic chief Chito Sobrepeña: A legacy of sunshine

‘Amongst many issues, Chito was a champion of bringing out one of the best in individuals, then shining a light-weight on that’

I couldn’t bear in mind precisely how I first met Chito Sobrepeña. Whatever the method, I feel I might have landed on the identical commentary: it’s as if I’ve all the time identified him. Largely, I attribute this to his heat and disarming disposition. Partitions shortly come down if you discuss to him, since you really feel secure and welcome. It was a continuing chorus from those that got here to the wake that they bear in mind Chito as depicted in his portrait: smiling, from ear to ear, and all the time prepared to interact. 

He was a kind of uncommon individuals with the power to make you are feeling that every little thing else is tuned out if you communicate to him, as a result of he’s fully and thoroughly tuned in to you. Regardless of his stature as long-serving Metrobank Basis president after an illustrious authorities profession and plenty of different skilled accomplishments, he by no means made it about himself when he interacted with individuals. He listened first, all the time.

Then he made you are feeling seen and useful not solely throughout conversations, however even exterior of that. Everybody spoke fondly about his serial thoughtfulness, receiving little presents or private messages from him all year long. Numerous individuals on the wake confirmed private messages they obtained from him throughout vital milestones, like birthdays and marriage ceremony anniversaries.

Relatedly, he was all the time beneficiant when giving appreciation and went out of his strategy to construct a tradition of honoring what is sweet in others in his circle of relatives and past. Amongst many issues, Chito was a champion of bringing out one of the best in individuals, then shining a light-weight on that. It thus comes as no shock that each the Metrobank Basis Excellent Filipinos program and the multi-sectoral Nationwide Academics’ Month marketing campaign are efforts which are synonymous along with his title.

Once I transitioned to a job in company social accountability in 2022, I couldn’t have requested for a greater mentor. Although a acknowledged pillar within the area, his method was private reasonably than authoritative, participative reasonably than directive. He assured me from the beginning that he needed me to succeed, and he actually walked the discuss. He entrusted key issues and choices to me, then backed me up after I made them, whereas all the time being prepared to provide recommendation or be a listening ear after I wanted to assume out loud. I used to be lucky to witness firsthand the day by day self-discipline, excellence, and methodical method that he instilled within the group, which have been behind what might typically seem to the surface as easy in how the muse carries out its work.

Along with studying from him, he established my standing each internally and externally. He went out of his strategy to introduce and construct me up amongst not simply the muse’s key stakeholders, however even amongst his private contacts. In different phrases, he opened door after door for me. After listening to the tributes and swapping anecdotes in the course of the wake, it was clear that a part of his impression was opening doorways for numerous others, too. By facilitating this introduction or making that referral, he willingly drew from his great community to pursue prospects in moments of alternative or present help in moments of want.

He was gracious all through the whole transition and his bigness as an individual was evidenced by his willingness to create area for different fingers — like mine — to nurture the work to which he devoted his life. Reflecting on it now, it should not have been all the time straightforward to let go of what you have got painstakingly cared for; it takes an incredible quantity of belief, give up, and humility to let others in. However that’s Chito for you, in the identical method that he made certain everybody had an opportunity for his or her voice to be heard in any assembly he convened.

In certainly one of our final exchanges in the course of the week of his operation, he informed me: “My perception is that God actually loves MBFI and GTFI since this factor occurred solely when you find yourself firmly on board. Do convey our [work] to higher heights!!” In the midst of such devastating developments that he and his household have been going via, he nonetheless discovered time to provide me power, consolation, and reassurance. 

I’ll without end carry you in my coronary heart, Sir Chito. No matter heights we could possibly attain is due to the items of your coronary heart’s energy and braveness that you just left with all of us. In the course of the last viewing after the funeral Mass, as I approached you, just one phrase stored on repeating in my thoughts: “Thanks.” In the long run, that was all I used to be in a position to utter to you and your loved ones throughout that last goodbye. Thanks for a life well-lived that may without end stand as a shining instance. Thanks to your dedication and repair. Thanks for being a mentor to me and to numerous others. You introduced mild to the lives of so many individuals and shone mild on others who do the identical.

Although our hearts are darkened by ache, peace glimmers nonetheless as a result of ultimately you might be reunited with the Perpetual Gentle to whom you supplied every little thing. I can see you dancing in the direction of Him, smiling such as you all the time do. And there the Lord is, smiling the most important smile again at you, with arms extensive open. 

A toddler who has labored with a lot love and pleasure for his nation has returned to his true Residence, within the loving embrace of the Father. We pray for him at the same time as we pray to him, as we do our half to honor his legacy. – Rappler.com

Philip “Boyet” Dy succeeded Chito Sobrepeña as president of Metrobank Basis (MBFI) and govt director of GT Basis (GTFI) in 2025. He beforehand served as chief of workers with the rank of undersecretary throughout the whole tenure of Leni Robredo because the 14th vp of the Philippines.