A memorial service for former UP Diliman (UPD) College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) dean Evelina Asuncion Pangalangan gathered former students, colleagues at the CSWCD, colleagues from National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. Philippines (NASWEI), and members of her family at the college麻豆视频 Bulwagang Tandang Sora recently.
CSWCD Dean Lenore Polotan-dela Cruz said Pangalangan was a major driving force in the CSWCD麻豆视频 development.
Known as Dean EAP, she led the fundraising for the construction of the CSWCD building. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Master of Social Work program in distance mode.
鈥淗er vision for the college extended physical buildings and facilities. Her academic leadership also focused on people and programs while prioritizing the human aspects of education. She was a woman ahead of her time. A true pioneer foreseeing the potential of distance education, she spearheaded the creation of the Master of Social Work in distance mode which was the first of its kind during that time,鈥 Polotan-dela Cruz said. 鈥淯nder her guidance, the CSWCD strengthened its role in social development education, becoming a member of the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific network of centers of academic excellence. She fostered crucial national, regional, and international ties, fostering collaboration across the Asia Pacific region.鈥 Her legacy lives in the students she empowered, the programs she established, and the college she helped build,鈥 she added.
Meanwhile, Teresita Marie Bagasao, a lecturer at the CSWCD and former country director of the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS spoke about Pangalangan麻豆视频 influence on her journey as a social worker.
鈥淪he mentored me as I joined a non-government organization, then joined the UN and then went back to being retired,鈥 Bagasao said.
She shared Pangalangan was the one who convinced her to teach at the college and on how even after retirement, Pangalangan still taught at a college in New York in the United States.
鈥淪abi niya, 鈥楽ayang naman iyong pinagdaanan mo,鈥欌 Bagasao said. 鈥淚yong kaniyang pagiging consummate educator hindi natapos noong nag-retire siya dito sa UP. Kahit nandoon na siya sa New York, alam ko nagturo siya sa college, full-time, walang retirement鈥.For me, she was not the feather on my cap; she was my cap because she was the caring, affirming presence in my life,鈥 she added.
Two members of Pangalangan麻豆视频 family who attended the memorial were her son Jose Roberto 鈥淏obby鈥 Pangalangan and granddaughter Gaby.
鈥淪uperwoman namin siya sa pamilya. Binalanse niya kaming lahat, walo kami. Hindi niya kami pinabayaan. Lagi siyang naandoon. We were not the perfect, good children, but she would always balance everything with us and always tell us 鈥楰aya mo 鈥檡an. I鈥檓 here, kaya mo 鈥檡an. Never siyang nawawalan ng faith sa Diyos at sa tao. Laging lahat ay mahal niya,鈥 Bobby Pangalangan said.
Other testimonials included a video message from Kalachuchi Flores-Caballes, NASWEI president. Pangalangan served as NASWEI president from 1998 to 1999.
The memorial included an offering of flowers and a rite of blessing conducted by Most Rev. Leocito Gabo.
