Dr. Ceferino L. Follosco, a well-loved industrialist and former secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has died at the age of 85.
The official cause of his death has not been revealed by his family.
Born on February 3, 1931 in Lanao del Sur, Follosco was a Renaissance man who received recognition for his works and accomplishments in multiple disciplines ? as an administrator, industrialist, and a academician.
He had diverse expertise, having earned degrees in BS Mechanical Engineering (Feati University, 1953), BS Electrical Engineering (Feati University in 1955), MS Agricultural Engineering (Iowa State University in 1962), and Master in Management (Feati University, 1963). He was also given honorary doctorate degrees in humanities by the Ateneo de Davao in 1991 and law by UP in 1992.
As an administrator during the time of Pres. Corazon Aquino, he was formerly secretary of DOST (1989-1992), an undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (1986-1989), and governor of the Board of Investments (1986-1989).
As DOST chief, he helped to develop a comprehensive Science and Technology Masterplan (STMP) that aimed for the modernization of the production sector through massive technology transfer, upgrading of research and development (R&D) activities, development of infrastructures, institution building, and development of manpower and science and technology culture.
In 1986, he reorganized the Metals Industry Research and Development Institute (MIRDC) and helped establish the Design Engineering Center Foundation Inc. (DECFI) in 1992.
As an industrialist, he chaired the CL Follosco Group with 10 subsidiaries. He first started his career at the G.A. Machineries as a service engineer rising to division head of manufacturing machineries, assembly of tractors and vehicles and developed various types of agricultural machinery, especially lowland equipment.
In 1969-1975, he worked for Ford Philippines where he was vice president for manufacturing and headed a team that produced the first Asian Utility Vehicle, the ?Ford Fiera? which was also exported.
The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) granted the title of Academician to Follosco in 2001 for his outstanding achievements in the field of agricultural mechanization and automotive engineering. He was the chairman of the Engineering Sciences and Technology Division of NAST.
Follosco was also affiliated with quite a number of professional and civic organizations among them as founding chairman of the ASEAN Agricultural Machinery Federation, president of AMMDA and PSME, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology and as a member of the Makati Business Club, Rotary Club of Manila and Management Association of the Philippines.
His remains lie at Chapel 6 of The Heritage Park, Bayani Road, Taguig City and may be viewed from 11am to 11pm from March 15 to 17. Memorial services will be held after the 11am mass on March 18, Friday.
