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Message from the Rev. Canon Brian
J. Grieves
The Episcopal Church in the USA
I was so saddened by Frank’s passing. I knew he was battling a
serious cancer of course, but having just talked to him I was
surprised at the swiftness which came at the end. I knew how he
wanted to die in his beloved Philippines.
If this gets to you in time I would say: “The Episcopal Church, USA,
mourns the passing of Frank Longid while it celebrates the life he had
among us and the promise of eternal life. I personally feel this
loss for the whole Church, especially his beloved Episcopal Church in
the Philippines, for which he labored as a devoted Churchman. I
saw also his love for family and was honored to be a guest in his home
and to see that love abound.
His battle with cancer was a testament to his faith as he placed
himself ultimately in the care of his God. He was too young to
leave us so soon and the parting is painful, but as with his brother
Bob, we can say of him, well done, good and faithful servant.”
The Rev. Canon Brian J. Grieves
Director, Peace and Justice Ministries
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New Your, NY 10017
1-800-334-7626
fax 1-212-490-6684
brieves@episcopalchurch.org.
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THANK GOD
FOR FRANK IRENAEUS OMENGAN LONGID
Thomas Killip
Mayor, Municipality of Sagada
With deep sorrow, I speak before you on behalf of the municipality and
the entire community of Sagada in order to express our grief over the
death of a highly respected honorable native-son of Sagada. With
deep sadness, I wish to commiserate with the immediate family of Frank
Longid, with his wife Manang Muriel and all their children, his
brothers and sisters, in-laws, relatives and friends who are mourning
over his untimely demise.
And with a heavy heart, I speak as a father of a town that has lost a
great leader and elder. For FRANK IRENAEUS OMENGAN
“MATAY-EW’LONGID was not just a native of Sagada. More
than that he was a great father to all those he helped and whose lives
he touched, a highly successful businessman who did good in the big
city, not through patronage but through hard work and personal merits,
a respected professional, a pillar of a leader in church and
community. He is the profile of greatness in the way we Igorots
regard people who have proven their worth in life and have risen above
the ordinary. Among the Kanana-ey Igorots, such terms as
Kinmalantangan, Kinmuling, Nadayaw, Nangayawan are references to
persons of exceptional abilities, achievements, and qualities that
border on the extraordinary – at times even on the superhuman.
Such titles are immortalized in the hearts and consciousness of a
people for as long as the community exists. If applied to Manong
Frank the references are said with highest esteem.
How did Frank Longid earn such a distinction? Surely it is a
long story, a whole 64 years of colorful life – of epic struggles,
sacrifices, and determination to soar high and reach great heights.
But I shall not burden you with a roster of outstanding achievements.
Suffice it to say that he was a devoted father with four children all
full of promise; that at one time or another he was assistant
administrator of St. Luke’s Hospital and later became the first
administrator of Makati Medical Center, then took another job as
personnel manager of High Marketing, then sales manager of Marsman
before setting up his own company which he managed with great
success to the day of his death; he was current Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of Trinity College of Quezon City and President of the of
the St. Mary’s Alumni Association for the 6th consecutive term until
his death; that he may have other distinguished positions I may not be
aware of. Suffice it to say, too, that as a church leader
he was a conscience voice of our Church, at times taking the more
unpopular but more righteous position on issues affecting the people,
organizations, and institutions who sought his advice and skills.
Having known Manong Frank for many good years as a big brother and
friend, he was a person who would not want to dwell on his personal
achievements or his personal worth. To press him on the subject
was only to discover how irrelevant the question was. Instead
Manong Frank was more inclined to speak about those days in his life
that mattered most, the significant phases in his life that made his
whole character and person and that made him achieve and perform with
success.
Allow me to share with you some of the
experiences and episodes in his life that he considered significant.
For instance, he loved to recall his student life at St. Mary’s School
in Sagada, not so much about the excitement of high school days and
teenage life – these were cheap for him. He would look back to
the high standard of education and the spiritual growth he experienced
in the school. He believed that the intellectual, academic, and
spiritual foundations he derived from the institution were the
greatest factor and influence in his life and career and likewise
wished that other students would have the opportunity to experience a
similar growth and transformation in a Christian school like St.
Mary’s School because he strongly maintained that there was a
difference.
It is no wonder that he endeared his high school alma mater with
passion and dedication throughout his professional career until his
dying moments. I recall freshly our conversation with him
two days before his flight to the U.S. enroute to Germany for what
would be his last and final journey. He invited me and his
brother Ben for lunch and we discussed at length the proposal of the
SMS Management Committee of which I am a member, to elevate SMS into a
junior college. Even while he appeared gaunt and complained
about his deteriorating appetite which were already signs of a
debilitating condition, he was still discussing with zeal the subject
of a tertiary education for SMS. He advised that we give the
proposal deeper study. Then two weeks later he sent me a text
message from Germany saying he was working on some computations on the
proposed plan and shall send me soon some figures to reflect on.
The spirit! He was still working and giving part of himself to
others, to the institution he loved even in the throes of death.
But why should we be surprised at all? The capacity of Manong
Frank to share, that divine virtue in him to give and give and give
and give a part of himself everyday is already legend. Yes
Manong Frank’s day was never complete without sharing himself with
others be it in the form of an advice, a food for thought, material or
financial help, skills and wisdom. True to the motto of his alma
mater, “Adi Tako Bokodan di Gawis” which means “Let us not be selfish
with the Good” he had truly lived and fulfilled this virtue to the
end. That is why I believe him when he said, “There is a
difference being brought up in a Christian school and
atmosphere.” We see around many of us who are richer many times
over but are so impoverished in their hearts. Yes Manong Frank
we can see the difference.
On other occasions Frank Longid would recount their student days at
the University of the Philippines where he finished his degree in
political science. They were young Igorot probinsyanos
out to prove their academic worth in the different universities and
colleges here in the big city. He related that it was their
generation of Igorot students that was outraged by the book “Mother
America written by one of the most distinguished Filipino statesmen in
the person of Gen. Carlos P. Romulo where he made the statement that
Igorots are not Filipinos. At a time when bias against cultural
minorities was more patent and pronounced, the playing field was
clearly difficult for many Igorot students seeking a place in the sun.
But they held their ground and many succeeded with honors. It
was a time Igorot students, many from SMS, shone bright in their
respective fields. Engineer Bumasang topped the engineering
board, Dr Fred Zabala topped the veterinary board. Others
followed suit. But even after graduation from university,
recounted Manong Frank, one had to compete in life’s playing fields.
He did compete with stubborn perseverance and he did so with
remarkable success.
There is a saying that “the great oak was once a small nut that held
its ground.” I would like to think that Frank Longid was an
awesome pine that held its ground in the jungles of Manila.
There is a difference though for the acorn becomes a mighty oak in its
most natural habitat while this Sagada pine grew under unnatural
environs yet was able to hold its ground and grew tall despite, shall
we say, hostile circumstances.
Last month, on April 24, I called up Manong Frank from San Pablo City
in Laguna to inform him that the Sagada Little League Boys Baseball
Team and the Sagada Little League Girls Softball Team were both vying
for championship in the national little league series after having won
over the other teams in their respective brackets. The champions
in this series would be privileged to play in Oregon, USA against the
world’s best. Manong Frank asked me in his usual intimate
fashion, “Are you sure Tom that you are not fielding short players
like yourself pretending to be 12 year-olds?” I assured him that
our teams out of the 100 teams participating in the event were
probably the most legitimate players in the whole tournament. I
told him further that they deserved some applause because our teams
were selected from a tiny population of 10,500 souls and they were
able to reach this far in the event. All they needed was a taste
of ice cream in order to beat the heat. The other teams came
form big cities and provinces, well-trained and well-financed.
Early the next morning, he called up to say that he was able to raise
P40,000 for the teams but he wanted that a portion of the amount be
equally distributed among the players for them to use for some of
their educational needs come start of classes. He advised that
athletics should be used to enhance academics and to help develop
strong determination. If I may add, I believe Manong Frank saw
himself in these underdogs competing against formidable odds. In
effect he was telling them, “Go ahead and compete even in the most
uncertain fields. Hold your ground and soon you will become a
strong pine like me.”
But one of the most admirable traits of the man that I would not want
to miss out was Manong Frank’s propensity to go against what he deemed
unjust. It was not self-righteous crusade that propelled the man
but principles and his breeding as a Christian. It just
naturally stemmed from his person whenever the occasion arose. I
recall the dark days of martial rule when many people with potentials
and promise chose the sanctuary of silence in order to preserve
themselves, their careers, or even their limbs. Others kowtowed
to the powers-that-be as a quicker and surer way to climb up the
economic and social ladder. Manong Frank did not take advantage
and at times even took the unusual path of providing refuge for people
unduly suspected by the regime. He later joined the August
Twenty-One Movement and supported the United Opposition against the
dictatorship. At one time some years before the end of martial
law, I told him jokingly that it was better to take up arms but he
declared, “You know Tom I know what I can do and what I cannot do.
I have to be honest with myself.” What really mattered was that
Manong Frank was not just a passive bystander and was not taking
things sitting down. He saw the oppression and the injustice and
he knew where to stand.
Three months ago, true to his habit of sending me food for thought
through text messages, he cautioned me about the three deadly sins of
a leader: (1) Wealth without Work (2) Religion without Sacrifice
(3) Business without Conscience. Manong Frank, I did not fully
get the significance of this particular message when you sent it but I
wish to send you back my compliments with my deepest respects:
1. On Wealth without Work – Manong Frank, you burned the
midnight candle all your life. You had such a high work ethic
and you were proud about it. Even at the height of your success
you kept working, even harder than ever. Work and industry were
part of your daily menu for a healthy life. I know that you
worked even to your last breath.
2. On Religion without Sacrifice – Selflessness and
self-sacrifice had been a way of life for you. It was the
concrete practice and manifestation of your Christian faith. You
offered much of your precious time, resources, and efforts so others
could live better lives. What better way to live and lead a
Christian life than to love and help your neighbor.
3. On Business and Sacrifice – You had been a true steward of
God’s bounty. You shared it well with others. In the worst
of times you did not take advantage of the situation for selfish
personal ends but you chose the righteous way. You took risks
when you saw injustice and oppression.
Ladies and gentlemen, this time as we mourn, let us remember that
FRANK IRENAEUS OMENGAN LONGID was a baptized Christian and had lived a
Christian life all his years with us. In some occasions Manong
Frank reminded us that he was living a second lease in his life, that
one time years ago he almost died after undergoing surgery for another
kind of ailment but through prayers and the Grace of God he was
granted an extension. That is why he explained in the course of
his last treatments that if God really intended to summon him he could
only bow down in the Lord’s service.
And so while he will be departed physically from us, we must have Hope
and Faith like in that moving drama of Easter, that he will rise up to
a Newness of Life. We must thank the Almighty for giving us
Frank Iranaeus Omengan Longid as gift of love for us. As human
beings we mourn, but as Christians we should regard his death as a
Celebration of Life!
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EDUCATION AS HERITAGE: A TRIBUTE TO MANONG
FRANK
Dr. Elizabeth Macliing-Solang
Twenty-two years ago today, I was a medical student and was helped by
Manong Frank in my last two years in college. He paid my
medicine proper tuition fees for four semesters which then amounted to
about three thousand five hundred pesos per semester. That was a
lot of money during that time. I was one of the first of Manong
Frank’s many scholars.
Education as heritage is Manong Frank’s legacy to many of us.
Truly, one’s educational attainment is a lifetime achievement that no
one can take away from you. Manong Frank gave such high regard
to education and generously shared his resources so that many would
have access to education.
My accumulated first few months salary would be given back, not as
payment because Manong Frank’s sincere and generous help can never be
repaid, but in appreciation for his help and so that others may be
helped as well.
In his avid and concrete support for the education of others, Manong
Frank or “Matay-ew” to many of us, is an embodiment of the wisdom of
Sagada Igorot Elders who say, “Let us not keep to ourselves or be
selfish with what is good. Rather let us spread it forth to
all.”
Truly, kanan nan amam-a ay mangwani, “Adi tako bokodan di gawis.
Ipeyas nan gabay ya sika.” Siya sa si Manong Frank isnan
panangtulongna is adu ay eskwela.
Dat kasin kanan nan amam-a ay mangwani:
“Ma-id bumato is ipogaw
Am-in et mapadong ngem wada nan ma-id kumbos
Di kanemnemnemanda gapu is kinagawis
Si Matay-ew nan esa,
Napadong ay egay dadlos naam-ama
Ngem kaneg Pinading ay mabuybuya,
Masudok ya ma-iliwliwa
Kinagawis ay mensuluwan ta.
Datako, sak-en, sik-a
Gawis obpay nan mensilbi
Is kabagyan, kailyan, ya kaili
Nan kinagawis Manong Frank ay tumulong si eskwela et sinumya tay ma-id
imot na ya inpalubos nan pamilyana – si Manang Mel, nan an-akda
(Frankie, Francine, Derek yas Robbie), ya bebsat na (Manang Catherine
yas Edith, Manong Norman, David, yas Ben).. Ken dakayo, iyaman.
Marpo na ken sak-en, nan pamilya ya nan am-in nan kolaryo. As we bid
farewell to Manong Frank, we pray for his peaceful passage to the
Great Beyond. |
