UST ALUMNUS George Ty died on Friday after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 86 years old.
The Metrobank Group of Companies announced its chairman’s death on its Facebook page the same day.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Founder and Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty. He was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time,” the statement read.
Ty received an honorary doctorate in humanities, honoris causa, from the University on Aug. 7, 2014 for his philanthropy and for building one of the country’s biggest banks.
“We confer the honorary degree [on him] not only for his achievements in the banking industry but for his works that embody Thomasian values of commitment, competence and compassion,” UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. said during the conferment ceremony in 2014.
During his acceptance speech, Ty said the honorary degree was special to him since it was from his alma mater.
“Experience can be a very hard and strict teacher, sometimes even cruel, but the lessons you can learn from experience [are the ones] you will never forget,” he said.
Ty was the 75th person to receive an honorary degree from the University, joining the likes of Sergio Osmeña Sr., Manuel Quezon, Manuel Roxas, Corazon Aquino and the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin.
He founded Metrobank in 1962 at the age of 30 and established the Metrobank Foundation in 1979.
Last year, Ty was awarded Japan’s “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” distinction, given by the Japanese government to selected individuals who made achievements in areas such as international relations, culture and the arts.
Memorial services for Ty will begin on Sunday, Nov. 25, at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. Ahmed Khan Cayongcat and Angelika V. Ortega
