The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) community pays tribute and offers a lifetime of gratitude to the late Dr. Francisco “Frankie” L. Roman, Jr., the former chairman of the PLM Board of Regents.
Chairman Roman passed away peacefully in the evening of May 5, 2023. He was 76. He is survived by his wife Thelma and children Robi and Rica.
Dr. Roman was a seasoned professor of business at the Asian Institute of Management prior to taking the helm of the PLM Board of Regents in 2019. He served as board chairman until March 2023, when he asked to step down from his post due to an illness.
Dr. Roman graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master in Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University before pursuing further studies in the United States. He went on to secure a Master in Economics from the University of Hawaii’s East West Center and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the prestigious Harvard Business School.
Beyond his accomplishments, PLM colleagues will always remember him fondly for his passion for teaching and concern for improving the learning experience of students.
“We mourn the passing of our esteemed colleague Dr. Roman. He had been a dedicated leader for the PLM community in all four years of his stay in the University. We are forever grateful for his service,” University President Emmanuel Leyco said.
President Leyco visited Chairman Roman weeks prior to his death and recalled that he still talked about ways to address concerns within PLM and how the institution can be further improved.
In his resignation letter, he cited his deteriorating health and shared his realization from the PLM experience that "the future of the country lies not in educating a few elite MBAs but in the broadening of the skill sets of as many college graduates in as many fields as possible."
“May he rest in peace knowing that we all appreciate his unwavering dedication,” Prof. Leyco added.
Atty. Relson Moral, a member of the Board of Regents, said he will remember Chairman Roman with utmost admiration.
“Dr. Frankie Roman is a respected academician who shepherded and led the PLM Board of Regents throughout the pandemic. During times of uncertainty due to COVID-19, he remained steadfast and clear-sighted in continuing the services of PLM for the students and in performing the University's mandate to continue to provide quality higher education, in whatever manner it may be done,” Regent Moral said.
“During board meetings, he was very keen on all the academic issues, with the best interest of the students, faculty and staff always in his mind.”
“Dr. Roman's dedication to PLM is unparalleled, and I believe that he should be remembered as among the most committed chairpersons of the Board of Regents, serving PLM until his death with all his capacity and giving it all to the best of his ability,” he added.
“He will always be a part of PLM's history.”
The PLM community extends its condolences to the Roman family. May he rest in peace.
