Family and friends gathered at the Turf Room of the Manila Polo Club to celebrate a meaningful milestone—the belated 80th birthday of the FVR Legacy Initiative/RPDEV
co-Chair, former Finance Secretary and Philippine Veterans Bank Chairman Emeritus Roberto F. de Ocampo, alongside the launch of Volume 2 of his collection of speeches, articles, and reflections.

In attendance were former members and officials of the Ramos Cabinet, directors and officers of Philippine Veterans Bank, close friends from the business community, and members of RFO’s family.

His daughter, Anna Monica opened the event welcoming guests and expressing belated birthday wishes for her father on behalf of their family.

In a heartfelt tribute, RFO honored three mentors who helped shape his distinguished career: the late Gen. Pedro Dumol, the late Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, and the late former President Fidel V. Ramos. The first three copies of Vision Matters 2 were presented to the Guests of Honor: former First Lady Amelita Ramos, Mrs. Rosario Melchor, wife of the late ES Alejandro Melchor, and Paul Dumol, son of the late Gen. Pedro Dumol.

Also present were former Labor Secretary Nieves Confesor, Monetary Board Member Romeo Bernardo, and former PVB President Renato Claravall, who delivered moving testimonials. Other distinguished guests included former BSP Governor Jose L. Cuisia Jr., former Finance Secretary Gary Teves, former NEDA Secretary and THE FVR Legacy Initiative/RPDEV Trustee Cielito F. Habito, businessmen Lance Gokongwei and Helen Yuchengco-Dee, and economist Bernardo Villegas, among many others.

From The FVR Legacy Initiative, the book’s publisher, Sam Ramos-Jones delivered a speech that captured the spirit of the occasion:
“Today, Dr. Ocampo gives us the opportunity to appreciate him fully as a visionary as he shares with us the second volume of his reflections through Vision Matters 2. As we pore through its pages, may his insights remind us that leadership anchored on integrity, discipline, and long-term thinking remains essential in a rapidly changing world.”

Adding warmth and celebration to the evening were musical interludes, including heartfelt song performances by the celebrant himself—much to the delight of his family and friends.