Domingo Lee, a prominent Filipino-Chinese industrialist, diplomat and philanthropist, died on Friday at 90.
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) announced the passing of Lee, who played a significant role in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the Philippines and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Born on Nov. 15, 1934, Lee served as chairman and CEO of the Philippine Banking Corporation from 1987 to 1992 and was a director of San Miguel Corp. He was president of FFCCCII from 1987 to 1991 and later became its honorary president. The FFCCCII described him as a “pillar of unity, service and generosity whose life was a testament to exemplary service for both the Filipino nation and the Filipino Chinese community.”
President Corazon Aquino appointed Lee as Ambassador-at-Large for the Asia-Pacific Region from 1986 to 1987. He was a trusted member of official state visits under Aquino, leading trade and goodwill missions across Asia and the world.
Lee also served as vice-chairman of the HERO Foundation Inc., an adviser to the Metrobank Foundation and vice-chairman of the Lorenzo Ruiz Foundation for the Filipino Chinese Community. He actively supported various causes, including education, culture, and humanitarian aid.
Among his recognitions was the “Outstanding Alumni Award from St. Stephen High School.”
“Despite his varied achievements, he remained humble, approachable and deeply committed to his family,” the FFCCCII said, referring to his wife, Evelyn Lim Lee and children Rexford, Davy, Rosemarie and Redmond.
“As we remember Ambassador Domingo Lee, we recall not just his titles and accolades, but his profound kindness, his charities and his unwavering belief in the potential of the Philippines and its people,” the FFCCCII said.
“His legacy lives on in the public schools built by the FFCCCII, the communities uplifted, the businesses nurtured and the diplomatic bridges he fortified,” it said.
