MikeLigalig.com

By Loy Palapos



The asphalt jungle, as a venue for the rat race, spells doomsday for the less earnest and the weak of heart. Many even decipher it as a do-or-die arena where the antagonists have to muster the art of annihilating the enemy in the most civilized manner. The contemporary jungle may be monickered in the most modern parlance; but just like the upheavals through the generations, it still sponsors the Darwinian dictum of “survival of the fittest.”

This is more pronounced in the business world. It is for this reason that he who defines himself as an effective businessman must be ready with his aces up his sleeves. Failure to respond appropriately to a crisis could usher in total disaster, that might as well be the end of his game. He must be updated with business climate and be alert at providing contingency measures, as the need arises.

Knowing Djingo Rama is being acquainted with a man who has gone through a rigmarole of highs and lows, of nerve-wrecking personal catastrophes and exhilarating family triumphs, of sweat, tears, and laughter. That he has gone through devastating ordeals that could readily derail an ordinary mortal, makes him an epitome of a survivor with feet firmly planted on the ground, but still keen enough to keep on rediscovering his potentials and reinventing himself to cope up with the trends.

Christened Zenaido Maslog Rama, he is the fourth of a broad of six children consisting of two girls and four boys. The eldest, Metodio, finished a Commerce degree at the De La Salle University, and is now based in Butuan City. Salvacion R. Temblor graduated at the Holy Ghost College (now College of the Holy Spirit) with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics, was with DTI as Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, and just retired recently. Cesar is a Civil Engineer from FEATI University and is a business entrepreneur in Tagbilaran City. Lorna R. Roluna is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Physics at the College of the Holy Spirit, and now is a faculty of DCPNHS. The youngest, Buenaventura, graduated Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at UB and is now based in California, USA.

Djingo saw his first daylight on June 5, 1947, just as the liberation of the country from the Japanese forces settled down, making him a part of the baby boomers. He started his studies at age seven at the Saint Joseph Jr. College (now Holy Spirit School). The Rama family migrated to Manila just after he received his elementary certificate. The boy from the province had to adjust to city life.

He enrolled at San Sebastian College for his secondary education. Considering the discipline and standardized training he experienced at SBC, he decided to continue his studies in the same school where he took up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

He learned the facts of life early. Family business reversal and change in family fortunes forced the fledgling Djingo to enter the world of business challenges at a most inopportune time. He became a salesman of Grolier International.

His efforts paid off; he excelled as top producer in his division. He also involved himself with Pacific Fund as an Account Executive, where he also excelled in selling. This early he realized the value of gutsiness and perseverance as basic rudiments in the business world.

The turning point of Djingo’s life took place in 1970. It was not part of his business plan, but it happened. He falls in love. The object of his affection was a beautiful teacher from Calape, Bohol who taught at Divine Word College (now Holy Name University). The name: Yolanda Ruiz Sepe. He decided to relinquish his single-blessedness; he and Yollie tied the knot on July 18, 1970. They have three children: Michelle, a Nurse; Donald, now married with two kids; and MD. All three are now residing in California with their mother Yullie..

Djingo first ventured in a single-proprietorship in 1973, when he put up D.R. Royal Sales, his flagship establishment, engaged in the distribution and sale of government office supplies and printed forms. Although a neophyte in a business already dominated by many ahead of him, he was undaunted. His determination bore fruits. He expanded to engineering equipment and supplies. Later, Djingo and Yollie put up another business enterprise to cater to Hospitals, plus laboratory supplies and equipment. The business climate turned out to be very positive to their new venture.

Yollie became a vital cog in their business. It was a hands-on policy the couple adhered to. There came a point when her job as an educator had to be sacrificed. Yollie had to resign from her job and concentrate on the family enterprises. It was also at this time when they decided to go into garment manufacturing, catering to hospital garments and school uniforms.

The couple does not believe in putting all their eggs in one basket. Aware of the need of transient and new families to live in a safe and decent environment in a fast growing city, they put up in 1988 the first ever Townhouse in Tagbilaran City. The new venture clicked. This made the couple decide to build more housing units. This led to the construction of Rama Apartments along F. Rocha Street.

Djingo’s rise in business is not just a product if wistful thinking. He has diligence and concentration seldom seen among young entrepreneurs. In his case, he stays focused on a project, even if at first pay-off is far-flung. And he works doubly hard. It is not surprising to see him already up and about at four in the moving daily, holding his rosary in prayer and ready to start his day with some business chores, which usually include out-of-town appointments.

Looking back at what he had gone through, Djingo can very much pride himself with a struggle well done. From nothing to something…it is a life worth emulating. Yet, he does not rest now bask on his laurels of success. He was trained to serve, following the Jaycee’s Creed which expounds, “Service to humanity is the best work of life.”

He had his firsthand taste of politics when he ran for a seat in the Sangguniang Panlungsod in 2001. The following election in 2004 he ran for Vice Mayor with Atty. Dan Neri Lim. The latter trounced the wife of the incumbent, but Djingo Rama took a back seat. This twice-in-a-row debacle could have intimidated the less persistent; but in his case, goaded by his desire to serve, the feat only whetted his appetite for public service.

Thus, he cast his lot once more in last Monday’s election, despite the gnawing fangs of previous electoral stings; and this time, the people started to wake up to his call. His winning the latest political derby signals his entry into a world that could put to good use the Jaycees’ Creed that has long been his philosophy in life.

As the late pro-people President once said, “Those who have less in life should have more in laws.” With this tenet, Djingo has resolved to reach out to the least of his brothers, and extend to them services government can offer and maximize the effects on them, so they too will feel being part of society. Progress, according to Djingo Rama, will take its course at the proper time and date. Misery cannot wait…action has to be now.

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