Long live the institution builder

TURNING 90 years old this June 11, Fortunato Battad PhD is a noted leader in institution building, having led five educational institutions in the Philippines.

Battad's journey to becoming a towering figure in the country's educational and scientific circles, however, was not easy as he had to literally work hard to get out of poverty. His father worked as a bus conductor while his mother was a cook for a Japanese garrison during the war.