The industry is shocked and saddened by the unexpected demise of Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde, at the age of 51.
Secretary Remonde was an industry leader having served as Chairman of the Advertising Board of the Philippines (AdBoard) in 2003 and 2004.
"Cerge Remonde was also the Trustee and Comptroller of Ad Foundation for five years. A very committed, firm believer of industry “reform politics” and Ad Foundation advocacy and non-partisan thrusts," added Allen Velez, advertising veteran who worked with Remonde for many years.
Among his great accomplishments, Secretary Remonde was Chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) (Union of Philippine Broadcasters) for six consecutive terms.
KBP president Herman Basbaño’s statement on the passing of Remonde reads, "KBP mourns with deep sorrow the demise of Secretary Remonde, who had distinguished himself as the only KBP chair who had served for six consecutive terms. His death is not only a big loss to the broadcast industry but to the country whom he has really served with utmost dedication.
One of his many accomplishments with KBP is to institutionalize the training of its provincial chapter officers. With what he initiated, the KBP now has a good crop of future leaders. The KBP leadership and its members will definitely miss him."
The Secretary was found unconscious in his bathroom, apparently having suffered a heart attack. He was scheduled to hold a press conference at 11AM. He just celebrated his birthday in December.
Secretary Remonde lies in state at the Heritage Park Memorial Chapel where it will stay for two days. The advertising industry will hold a mass headed by affiliate KBP today, Wednesday January 20 at Heritage Park, at 6PM.
From Heritage Park, he will be brought to Malacañang, after which he will be lain to rest in his province of Cebu.
