Another pillar of Philippine PR has passed away. Oscar S. Villadolid (seated, left, in photo) died last week at the age of 79. His friends knew that for Oscar, who had been ailing, it was just a matter of time.
His friends and admirers in PR, journalism, and public service mourn his passing. For Oscar was a gentleman, a journalist, a writer, and PR practitioner of far- reaching accomplishments. Oscar was a prime mover in Philippine PR's pioneering role in the promotion of corporate social responsibility.
Oscar was the only one among PR practitioners in the country who got as far as serving as Ambassador, to the Holy See at that. He was also among the earliest TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) awardees (for Journalism, 1963).
He reached a career pinnacle in Philippine PR practice, Senior Vice President of PR, of San Miguel Corporation, which he served for many years. He was President of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and gave it flair and distinction. He was a successful man of abiding humility and complete lack of airs. He was always willing to help.
I liked Oscar as a writer, and thoroughly enjoyed reading his book on World War II, about how he and his family survived it. As a columnist, he was tops as a commentator on foreign affairs.
Oscar's beautiful summa cum laude wife, Alice, and their family, are now bereaved of the love and care of this kind compassionate man. As we, his colleagues in PR, also are. We looked up to him, and learned from him that a PR person can rise so high and accomplish big things but stay true and humble, faithful to his role as a family man and a leader in his chosen profession.
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