Larry Henares Jr., passes away at 100

Hilarion "Larry" Henares Jr., has passed away. He was 100 years old.

According to his daughter-in-law, former BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, Larry died on Saturday, December 14.

"I am thankful to Papa because without him, I would not have been able to meet and marry my husband, Danby," she began her touching Facebook post, where she credited Larry for encouraging her to work in government and serve the country.

"Never did I dream that I would be in government, serving our country, if it were not for Papa. I am happy to be able to, in my small way, fulfill Papa’s dream that his children should serve their country after they have a successful career in the private sector," she said.

Kim recalled some of their memories, and expressed her gratitude for having been able to spend time together "discussing politics, governance, and just about any topic under the sun."

"I can still hear him playfully teasing me about my 'fascist' views against his 'liberal' views. I will miss being able to have intelligent discussions with Papa on everything and anything," she said.

"Although today is a sad day as he has left us, I am hopeful that he is now happy with my mother-in-law, Cecilia, in heaven. I am happy that he had found peace and that he is with our Lord, in his new everlasting body. I can just imagine his voice booming in heaven and making everyone laugh in heaven," Kim wrote, as she said a thanksgiving prayer "for the rich and blessed life you have granted my father-in-law here on Earth."

Meanwhile, the National Museum of the Philippines on Tuesday took to Facebook to pay their respects to the museum's "second Chairman of the Board of Trustees."

Larry was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in March 2010 and lasted only five months when he tendered his resignation to then President Benigno S. Aquino III, who was accepted it in August 2010.

Though short, his term saw a number of "approval and launch of far- reaching measures, including bringing new leadership to NMP with the appointment of then-Malacañang Museum head Jeremy Barns as NMP Director; the public unveiling of the restored National Cultural Treasure Una Bulaqueña by Juan Luna; the opening of new permanent exhibitions that still exist to this day at the National Museum of Fine Arts featuring the Far East Bank and Trust Company donation of the works of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo as well as the Amorsolo family bequest of sketches by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo; and the opening of the once-only exhibition National Cultural Treasures of Philippine Archaeology on the occasion of the declaration of 30 most important archaeological objects in the Philippines that were brought together for display," the museum said.

"Chairman Henares will be much missed by his many friends from throughout his long life, including many here at the NMP who remember him with great fondness. The NMP is deeply grateful for his service and contributions, and conveys its sincere condolences to his family," the museum added.

Born Hilarion Maramba Henares, Jr., Larry was an educator, entrepreneur, industrialist, economist, and a statesman, serving in President Diosdado Macapagal’s cabinet as Head of the National Economic Council. He also served as a Presidential Adviser to Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, offering his insights on economic and policy matters. During the latter’s administration, Henares championed the rights of women and children, particularly advocating for the right to breastfeed.

After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and later as an Eisenhower Fellow in the USA, he became the dean of two colleges at the FEATI University and the Lyceum of the Philippines, at the age of 25.

In the early 1980s, he became a passionate advocate for industrialization, championing the rights of Filipino-owned companies to receive privileges equal to, if not better than, those enjoyed by foreign multinational corporations.

Apart from hosting a radio and TV show, and writing an opinion column, Larry also produced several films showcasing the talents of his children, with his most memorable work being a documentary on President Ramon Magsaysay, which won a FAMAS Award for Best Documentary.

He was a poet and passionate writer, authoring numerous books on a wide range of topics, including history, science, and his profound love for his late wife, Cecilia Roensch Lichauco (†). 

Larry turned 100 in April 2024, which his family made sure to celebrate. "I would like to think that he enjoyed the celebration we had with the whole family," Kim said.

He is survived by his six children—Ronnie, Atom, Elvira, Danby, Juno, and Rosanna—who cherish his meaningful life with grateful hearts.

His remains will lie at the Heritage Memorial Park - Taguig City starting December 19 to 21, 2024. His brothers at the Tau Alpha Fraternity of the University of the Philippines, College of Engineering will perform their Final Rites.

— LA, GMA Integrated News