By JUNEP OCAMPO

What is the secret to a long and happy life? If you asked 96-year-old Reynaldo de Dios, he would readily share these two pieces of advice: “Never retire. And never stop learning.”

De Dios put his own mantra to good use, living to the ripe age of 96. Up to his death on May 5, 2024, he was still working, patiently editing his Insurance Philippines magazine. He was even looking forward to attending the Philippine Insurance Summit, which is happening today, May 30.

“Had he been alive, he would have been here at the summit. He never missed industry events. Even when he could no longer walk or speak, he would still attend,” said Michael Rellosa, executive director of the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA).

De Dios's career in insurance spanned an impressive 75 years. He co-founded the international publication Asia Insurance Review and was a pioneer in insurance education in the Philippines. His contributions to the industry are vast, ranging from conducting risk management seminars across Southeast Asia to organizing the Philippine Insurance Summit.

Passion for insurance

De Dios began his journey in the insurance sector in 1948 as a young clerk. His drive and dedication quickly saw him rise through the ranks, becoming the manager of a branch in Cebu by the age of 23. Over the decades, De Dios held various significant roles, including president of the Philippine Insurers Club and the Advanced Management Association of the Far East.

He was not just a leader but also a lifelong student, attending over 70 international conferences well into his later years. This commitment to continuous learning was not merely for personal growth but also to better serve and educate the industry. His weekly insurance column, which ran from the 1950s to the 1980s, was a testament to his passion for sharing knowledge.

Legacy of hard work

Even at 96, De Dios remained a vital part of the insurance community. He was not just an editor but an active participant in the industry, consulting for top companies like Mercury Drug and the Magsaysay Group.

His life serves as an inspiring example of how staying active, engaged, and continuously learning can lead to a fulfilling and extended career. He often advised retirees to keep themselves busy, laugh often, and stay close to loved ones. His own life was a testament to these principles.

In a visit of the author several months before his death, though De Dios could no longer speak, he communicated by typing his replies on his cellphone. He was proud to show the latest issue of the magazine he edited.

“These are my great-grandchildren,” he said, pointing to the two boys in the living room of his Quezon City house. “I am now 96 years old, and I am still editing Insurance Philippines. I will give you a copy now.”

Honoring a legend

Today, May 30, the Philippine insurance industry gathers at the New World Hotel in Makati to honor De Dios at the annual Insurance Summit, which he conceptualized. According to Eden Tesoro, chairperson of PIRA, De Dios’s contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark. “He is truly a one-of-a-kind figure who never tired of working for the industry,” she said.

Herminia Jacinto, president of the Insurance Institute for Asia and the Pacific (IIAP), reflected on De Dios's decision to transfer the organization of the Insurance Summit to the IIAP. She recalled his emotional attachment to the event. “When he transferred the summit to the IIAP, it was as if he was giving away a child,” she said. Yet, De Dios was content, confident that the summit would continue to flourish.

De Dios's life and career are a profound reminder of the value of dedication and continuous learning. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the insurance industry.

As De Dios himself once said, “A long life is truly wonderful when you have someone to share it with.” His journey, shared with his family and the wider insurance community, was a life worth emulating.