Former Trade secretary Jose Concepcion Jr. passed away on March 6, 2024 at the age of 92.
Known as Joecon, he was also the founder of the election watchdog NAMFREL (National Citizens Movement for Free Elections) and former chairman of the board of RFM Corp.
Concepcion epitomized the patriot-industrialist, believing in the Philippines’ potential for inclusive and pro-Filipino economic development.
Under his leadership, RFM diversified into animal feed milling, poultry and livestock, securing a license from the American company Swift to produce processed meats in the Philippines.
These propelled RFM to become one of the leading food and beverage conglomerates in the country, aligning with its vision to provide mass-based, high-quality, and affordable products for every Filipino table.
As a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1971, he advocated for constitutional principles aimed at democratizing the nation’s capital base to bolster Filipino manufacturers.
Concepcion was adept at inspiring ordinary citizens to action, often employing aphorisms and leading by example. During the 1986 snap presidential elections, he mobilized thousands of Filipinos to join NAMFREL (National Citizens Movement for Free Elections), stressing, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
As secretary of Trade and Industry, he urged Filipinos to support local industries with the mantra, “Yes, the Filipino can.” during his detention under Martial Law, he organized fellow detainees to share chores and maintain order within their cell block.
He served as the barangay captain of Forbes Park upon retirement, famously stepping out of his vehicle one night to personally direct traffic and alleviate gridlock. As a civic leader, he championed causes such as the reform of Pasay City through the Pasay Citizens League for Good Government.
He also co-founded the Capitol Jaycees, the Bishop-Businessmen Conference for Human Development, and the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Concepcion was a dedicated scholar, holding an Associate’s Degree in Commercial Science from De La Salle University and a Bachelor’s Degree in soils and agricultural sciences from Araneta University. He was a pioneer in the use of radio-isotopes in the Philippines, employing them to determine optimal phosphorus levels in fertilizers for plant growth. He later published a paper titled “Radio-isotope Phosphorus in Plants.”
Throughout his life, Concepcion remained steadfast in his principles, believing that the only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Victoria Araneta, eight children, 31 grandchildren and twin brother, Raul.
Public viewing will take place from March 7 (Thursday) and March 8 (Friday), from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City. A requiem mass will be held on March 11 (Monday) at 1:15 p.m. at Santuario de San Antonio Parish Church, Forbes Park, Makati City.