Features PERAA

How does one honor a man who has been honored so many times in life & in death? How does one pay tribute to a man who is larger than life, whose wit, humor & temper have either inspired or scared people away. Remembering, simply recalling what he did and what he stood for, these are more than enough to honor a memory & celebrate his life.

Dr. Armand V. Fabella, the only pioneer Trustee who sat in the PERAA Board from 1972 has been called 'a man of vision & resolve'.

Born in Paris, France in 1930, he opted to come back and worked in the country and he did so in various capacities under four presidents – Marcos, Macapagal. Aquino and Ramos – in the fields of finance, economics and education.

What is Dr. Fabella to PERAA?

He is considered as the 'Prime Mover' of PERAA, having been there for the Association all these years as founding Trustee and as the first Chairman of the Executive Committee in 1972. He was there during the conceptualization of PERAA and shared in its excitement and pride in having attained its first million in resources up to its first and fourth billion.

For the officers and staff of PERAA, he was a 'must' in the Annual Meeting and Conference and other major functions, giving life to gatherings. There was a perception then that without him around, meetings and conferences would be wanting in excitement.

He was the guiding spirit that set a clear standard of competence, inspiring and moving – even scaring - people to always put their best foot forward.

His concern for the safety of the Members’ Fund was so deeply rooted that nothing, not ailment nor discomfort would keep him from carrying his self-imposed duties.

Fourteen days before embarking on his ‘last trip’, Dr. Fabella met with the Investment Managers for updates on the market, the prospects and safety of the fund.

As PERAA marks its 37th year of service to private education and the nation, we find it opportune to celebrate the life of a man who chose not to take the well-paved road but rather the unpredictable and challenging trail in the deep but lovely woods. He did enjoy life and shared himself fully with others.

Goodbye Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the lessons on prudence and service. Thank you for the priceless legacy that is PERAA.

 

Note: This feature on Dr. Armand V. Fabella was published in PERAA's Annual Report 2009.