Larry Henares was a Make My Day columnist, Former National Economic Council Chairman, and Presidential Adviser
Hilarion Maramba Henares, Jr., better known as Larry Henares, passed away Dec. 14, 2024, at the age of 100. He was best remembered for his opinion column, Make My Day, which became a staple of the Philippine Daily Inquirer during its peak readership. Henares also hosted a radio and TV program of the same name, earning him a lifetime achievement award from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for his contributions to broadcast media.
A true Renaissance man, Henares was also an educator, entrepreneur, industrialist, economist, and statesman who excelled in each of these fields. After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an Eisenhower Fellow in the USA, he became the dean of two colleges of FEATI University and the Lyceum of the Philippines at the age of 25.
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In partnership with his father and two siblings, their company was licensed to produce and distribute Mongol, Crayola, Old Town Carbon Paper, and Quink Ink. His exceptional business acumen earned him the recognition of his peers, who chose him to lead the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As a nationalist statesman, Henares served in President Diosdado Macapagal’s cabinet as Head of the National Economic Council. In the early 1980s, he became a strong advocate for industrialization and fought for Filipinos to receive the same privileges as American multinational corporations. Henares also served as a Presidential Adviser to Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, offering his insights on economic and policy matters.
A filmmaker, Henares 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 also a radio and TV broadcaster. He was a founder of Progressive Broadcasting Corporation and chairman Emeritus of UNTV. For these activities, Henares was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).
Henares was a poet and avid 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 is survived by his six children—Ronnie, Atom, Elvira, Danby, Juno, and Rosanna—who, with grateful hearts for his meaningful life, bid him a loving farewell.
His remains will lie at the Heritage 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.