Dominic Sytin was a silent worker for Philippine progress.

His niche was not in fancy cars that ferry people from point A to B, but in vehicles which move the economy forward.

He made heavy equipment affordable to the small businessman, the countryside trader, to the promdi farmer, and to local governments.

If roads are being paved, goods hauled, earth moved, buildings erected, farms modernized, water canals dug in many places today, he surely played a big role in making these happen.

His was the classic story of guts and grit. He inherited neither great wealth nor a famous name. Far from being discouraged, he harnessed these handicaps to fuel his dream.

And with a good head on his shoulders, which is matched by a good heart, he and his brothers were able to grow their business portfolio, adding a P2 billion car assembly plant in Clark, resorts, and one of the country’s biggest chemical companies.

He had gone to one sector where others fear to tread: in manufacturing. I am confident that his dreams will not die with him.

He was a good friend to me, as he was to many others, from all walks of life, in all parts of the country. He was a UP double business major who was a source of brilliant ideas. His death must be given justice, and his works honored.