Romeo Soliman David
Retired Brigadier General

Romeo, who was born in the historic hometown of his mother on June 25, 1934, grew up and attended public schools in the capital town of San Fernando. He graduated with distinction from Pampanga High School in 1951 where he excelled not only in academics but also in extra-curricular activities in sports, student government and as editor of the Sports Section of the school organ, "The Pampangan".

Following his high school graduation, Romeo enrolled in a famous engineering school in Manila, Philippines. After completing a few units in his engineering studies, Romeo secured a nomination from his local congressman in the second district of Pampanga for admission to the Philippine Military Academy. He took and passed the competitive examination for admission to the famed military academy. His test score was the highest in his congressional district and entitled him to one of the two spots allotted for the entire province of Pampanga.

At the Philippine Military Academy, Romeo showed his academic and physical prowess. He became a boxing champion at the academy and a popular coronation escort for beauty queens in Baguio City and in Manila. In 1956, he graduated with the top percentile of his class and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He trained as a jet pilot and joined the Philippine Air Force. As a bright and promising young jet pilot, he was sponsored by the Philippine government to train in the United States, among the best jet pilots in the world.  Late in his military career, he was again sent abroad and this time for advanced study at the United States Air War College in Air University, Alabama USA.

To complement Romeo's military credentials, he earned a master's degree in Business Management at the Asian Institute of Management of Metro Manila in 1972.  He also obtained a master's degree in Political Science at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama USA in 1983, concurrent with his study at the United States Air War College.

As an air force officer Romeo rose to the ranks as he took up assignments and increasing responsibilities. He served as military air base commander and commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Regional Unified Command III. After his retirement from the military service as a brigadier general, President Corazon C. Aquino appointed him as president and chief operating officer of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in 1987-1989. At Philippines Airlines, he served with distinction as senior vice president in 1989-1993 and as executive vice president in 1993-1995 

President Fidel Ramos tapped Romeo's leadership and business management skill and requested him to serve as president and chief executive officer of Clark Development Corporation and Clark International Airport in 1995-1998. His executive ability attracted billions of dollars in investments from foreign and local investors, which created thousands of jobs and small businesses for the local residents around the sprawling former United States Air Force Base.

Romeo received many medals, military awards and commendations. His illustrious military career and professional accomplishments have been recognized by many organizations including the Province of Pampanga as Outstanding Kapampangan.

As a military officer, Romeo was awarded Distinguished Graduate Awards from the United States Air War College and from the Command and General Staff Course, AFP; Golden Wings; Campaign Ribbons and Distinguished Unit Badges; Military Commendation Medals; Military Merit Medals; Distinguished Aviator Cross Medals and Distinguished Service Medals.

In addition to the above awards, medals and commendations, Romeo was honored with the Distinguished Graduate Award from Auburn University; Outstanding Rotary Club President; Golden Aviator Award from the Philippine Air Force Flying School Alumni Association and the prestigious Cavalier Award from the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association. As an outstanding citizen and a role model, the towns of Floridablanca, Mabalacat and Porac of the province of Pampanga individually passed municipal resolutions naming him as an "adopted son" of the three municipalities. He is also an honorary citizen of Milpitas, California and Las Vegas, Nevada USA. 

 Paraphrasing a respected member of the print media who wrote to a popular columnist of the Philippine Star,  "General David, who had given almost a lifetime in the service of his country as a soldier and as a civilian is the only military man I know who is more civilian than any of us who never wore a military uniform". His unique personal management philosophy and leadership style make him rise above the "rest of the best" among his fellow giants in the corporate world. The retired general who has more time now for his loving family and playing golf with his friends is the current Chairman of the Board of Rainbow Rising High Co., Inc., a natural gas producer based in the island of Palawan.

 Romeo is married to the former Pilar Mascunana. Their blissful marriage produced a son named Romeo, Jr. and three daughters named Annette, Suzanne and Shella who are all very successful in their chosen professions. (Andro S. Camiling - 03/28/01)