(Press Freedom column; Nov. 15)

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

DMC President Concha speaks on life at 70

“I feel good, my body is weaker but my mind is sharper. And I feel wiser, much wiser.”

“Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes arrived to personally hand a gift to DMC College Foundation president, Atty. Alberto P. Concha during his 70th birthday celebration last October 21.”

DMC College Foundation president, Atty. Alberto P. Concha had this to say with regard his recent celebration of his 70^th birthday last October 21.

“The Concha Family pose for a picture during Atty. Alberto P. Concha’s birthday celebration.”

With his better half Filomena Concha, who is a successful businesswoman; and equally successful children, Atty. Albert T. Concha, Anne Marie Montaño, Engr. Richard Concha, Dr. Gerald Concha and Atty. Diana Charlette Concha, the DMC President is beaming with pride as he goes about his daily routine in the school after a speaking engagement during a seminar held at the DMC Auditorium this week.

After yet another message relaying encouraging words of wisdom to a group of students for the nth time in his career, this writer chanced upon the DMC President in his office for a brief chitchat on life, career and his vision for DMC College Foundation.

Here is an excerpt of our interview.

Tyrone: Good day sir, I’m going to start off with this question, how is life different at 70 as compared to, let’s say 40? or 30? And in what way?

President Concha: I feel good, my body is weaker but my mind is sharper, I feel wiser. There are a lot of things I used to do physically when I was younger that I find it hard to do nowadays. However, I see things more clearly now. I can decide with better precision. I have even more patience in my day-to-day routine and decisions.

Tyrone: What do you consider as your crowning glory or the biggest achievement in your life, thus far? And why?

President Concha: I take great pride in building my businesses, and most especially the academe I worked hard to help stand, the DMC College Foundation. I also have the Rural Bank of Rizal, Inc. and my other businesses to be proud of.

(Aside from DMC College Foundation, the Concha family also owns a number of businesses including the Rural Bank of Rizal, Inc., Concha Construction, Mennen’s Gift Mart, Zanorte Industries, Hot FM, La Concha Bakeshop, among others.)

Tyrone: In turn, what is your biggest setback?

President Concha: Frankly speaking, I cannot recall of any. I guess I’m just an optimistic person.

Tyrone: How do you see yourself? As an educator? A lawyer? Or a  businessman?

President Concha: I see myself as a jack of all trades, a master of none.

Tyrone: How do you want to be remembered?

President Concha: I want to be remembered as somebody who leaves behind a positive legacy for the young ones to follow, like making DMC as it is today.

Tyrone: Describe your relationship with your wife?

President Concha: Very good. With such an adorable woman as my wife, I’ve never ever committed a violation to our marriage.

Tyrone: What advice can you give us, the young generation?

President Concha: Study hard, work hard. It’s such a cliché but, take it from me, that’s the secret of success.

Tyrone: What is your vision for DMC College Foundation 10 to 20 years from now?

President Concha: Make that five years from now because I see DMC becoming a university in five years time.

Tyrone: What are the initial and major steps do you suggest in making such outlook a reality?

President Concha: With such lofty vision, we are constantly looking for qualified and outstanding personalities to help us achieve such goal. Doctorates, and those with masteral, we are looking for you.

Tyrone: Considering the very radical nature of a few students nowadays, do you still believe in total student empowerment?

President Concha: I do not completely believe in that because I still think that the students must be guided accordingly.

Tyrone: With the 2010 elections fast approaching, any plans of seeking government office? Why?

President Concha: Even in my younger years, going to politics have never crossed my mind. You cannot serve two masters at the same time. I believe that being in politics and also having your own business is too much that one may succeed but the other will eventually fail. I’d rather stick to what I know I can do with the passion needed to succeed.

Tyrone: What value do you seek most in an electoral candidate?

President Concha: Kana makamao gyud na kandidato. And as far as I can see, they are all good. Every single one of them has something to say. What is important is for the people to have the choice and for us to have a President that is really voted for by the people.

Tyrone: Any views in the current batch of Presidentiables? What do you look at in choosing the next Philippine President?

President Concha: They are all good and are all deserving to become President, even Erap is good. Dili biya ka ma Presidente kung dili ka makamao.

Tyrone: Do you really believe that honest elections is in the horizon?

President Concha: I still believe in honest elections. I choose to see the goodness in people. As long as we believe in it, as long as we start correcting our past errors within ourselves, there will always be a chance for honest elections. It all starts within each and everyone of us. Like the ABS CBN slogan, “Ako ang Simula.”

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(For your comments and suggestions, do drop a word in my email address tyrone_shakur2001@yahoo.com, or in my mobile phone number 0919-8405811. And remember, professionalizing our media starts with students actually enrolling in the course Mass Communication. Be part of the DMC Family, enroll and become a Mass Communicator.)