It is with immense grief that we announce the passing of Dr. Grace Odal-Devora, mentor, researcher, artist, and friend.
A consummate educator, Dr. Odal-Devora guided countless students in the pursuit of knowledge and the creation of art. Warming herself to a different fire, she pursued new perspectives about society and pioneered scholarship about the “mutya.” Dr. Odal-Devora has always been a pillar of wisdom and the source of positive energy in the College of Arts & Sciences.
She is the epitome of the humanities, creative and always humane. Her kindness knew no bounds, always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues. A true original, Dr. Grace Odal-Devora lived the life extraordinary. When others stood still, she danced. When others walked, she flew.
Rest in peace, Dr. Grace. You will be deeply missed.
Source: College of Arts and Sciences, UP Manila Facebook
In Memoriam
Dr. Lourdes E. Abadingo
The University of the Philippines Manila deeply mourns the sudden passing of our very own Dr. Lourdes E. Abadingo, executive director of the UP Manila Development Foundation Inc., former Faculty Regent of the UP system, former Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents, former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and University Registrar of UP Manila, an esteemed professor and educator.
Our heartfelt condolences go to her bereaved family.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagmamahal at paglilingkod sa ating unibersidad at sa ating bayan, Dr. Abadingo.
Source: University of the Philippines Manila Facebook
Prof. Emeritus Elizabeth “Betty” R. Ventura, PhD. (1944-2025)
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Prof. Emeritus Elizabeth “Betty” R. Ventura, PhD. She was the Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology. A well-respected scholar and pillar of her field, she dedicated her life to the advancement of developmental psychology in the Philippines.
Her wake will be held at the Loyola Memorial Chapels, Commonwealth Avenue from today, February 27 until tomorrow, February 28. A eulogy will be held tomorrow evening. Interment will be at the Resurreccion family mausoleum in Baguio City on 2 March, Sunday
Source: UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Facebook
Sir Enrico “Ico” Villanueva (1972-2025)
With profound sorrow, the UPLB Department of Economics mourns the passing of Sir Enrico “Ico” Villanueva—a beloved mentor, colleague, and friend.
Sir Ico was more than just a teacher; he was a passionate educator who made the complexities of Money and Banking and Financial Economics come alive for his students. His deep knowledge, drawn from over three decades of experience in the finance industry, made his classes rich with insights that seamlessly blended theory and practice. A proud product of our department, he returned to his alma mater to give back, shaping young minds with the same rigor and dedication that defined his career.
Beyond the classroom, Sir Ico was a towering figure in public discourse, a respected voice in monetary and fiscal matters. His sharp analysis and fearless takes on national economic issues made him a household name, a trusted expert whose insights left an indelible mark on the profession and the country.
But above all, we will remember him for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his students and colleagues. He was a mentor who guided with patience, a friend who always had time to listen, and a scholar whose passion for economics was matched only by his dedication to service.
The loss of Sir Ico leaves a void in our community, but his legacy will continue to inspire. His lessons will live on in the countless lives he touched, the critical minds he helped shape, and the important conversations he started.
Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Sir Ico. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Source: UPLB Department of Economics Facebook
Ms. Helen Rose Laoyan Galgala Cadeliña (1937-2025)
The University of the Philippines Baguio mourns the passing of Helen Rose Laoyan Galgala Cadeliña, our former lecturer and dedicated nurse who served our university community with distinction.
We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones, friends, and all those whose lives she touched through her service.
Her remains may be viewed at La Funeraria Paz funeral home until 4:00 PM today, February 24, 2025 and will be transferred to Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Easter Rd., Baguio City.
A mass is also scheduled today, February 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
Her Interment will be on February 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Heaven’s Garden Memorial Park, Loakan, Baguio City.
Source: UP Baguio Public Affairs Facebook
Dr. Jose Maria “Joma” L. Escaner IV (1970-2025)
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Jose Maria “Joma” L. Escaner IV, Full Professor of Mathematics. A conscientious teacher and brilliant mathematician, he made contributions in the fields of actuarial science, mathematical finance, mathematical biology, and differential equations.
Joma earned from UP Diliman his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (1990) and Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (with a specialization in Actuarial Science, 1993), and his PhD in Mathematics (2001). He did part of his PhD research at Waseda University, where he had been a Research Student for two years in the late 1990s.
Throughout his more than three decades of teaching, Joma guided undergraduate, MS, and PhD candidates through their academic journeys, instilling in them a passion for mathematics and a commitment to honor and excellence. The University recognized his dedication to and excellence in teaching when he was conferred the UP Diliman Gawad Tsanselor para sa Natatanging Guro in 2021.
As the Academic Head of the Institute’s Mathematical Finance and Actuarial Science Group, Joma played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and fostering an inclusive academic environment. A regular member of the DOST National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), he was known for his contributions to understanding mathematical models in finance and insurance, with numerous publications in WoS- and SCOPUS-indexed journals. His notable works also include studies on parabolic equations, the unique solvability of singular partial differential equations, and innovative approaches to quantile risk measures using extreme value theory.
In addition to his teaching and research, Joma had served the University and the Philippine mathematics community in various capacities: He was Assistant College Secretary and later the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the College of Science. He was former president of the UP Diliman Mathematics Foundation. At the time of his passing, he was President of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), after serving for two years as Treasurer.
Beyond his academic achievements, Joma was known for his warmth and kindness towards his students and colleagues. He will be sorely missed.
Source: UP Diliman Institute of Mathematics Facebook
Leopoldo Mañalac Clemente, Jr. (1938-2025)
By Clariza Concordia, UPMPRO
Leopoldo M. Clemente Jr. (UP Diliman, BS Business Administration, 1959), a distinguished alumnus of the University of the Philippines and leader in the global finance community, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2025, at the age of 86.
Clemente was best known as the president and chief investment officer of Clemente Capital. Alongside his wife, Lilia, the firm’s founder, he helped launch the First Philippine Fund on the New York Stock Exchange and pioneered the first private equity fund in China.
Beyond his achievements in finance, Clemente was a dedicated supporter of his alma mater. Since the 1980s, he served as a member of the board of trustees and as chief investment officer of the Friends of the University of the Philippines Foundation in America (FUPFA). In 2022, he received the UP Alumni Association Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award.
He will be remembered for his commitment to excellence and his dedication to family, friends, and the global community.
Clemente is survived by his wife, Lilia Clemente; his sister, Carmen Clemente; and his nieces and nephews, Jose, Roberto, Rene, Ramon, Jaime, Sylvia, Raul, and Peter, and their families. His warmth and unconditional love will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Church of the Risen Lord in UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Asst. Prof. Louie P. Balicanta (1977-2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Asst. Prof. Louie P. Balicanta, former Chair of the UP Department of Geodetic Engineering (DGE) and Director of the UP Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry (TCAGP).
Sir Louie was more than an educator; he was a mentor, leader, and an unwavering source of inspiration to the countless students and colleagues he guided throughout his career. His dedication to excellence and his passion for advancing the field of Geodetic Engineering have left an enduring legacy not only within the UP DGE but also across the entire Filipino Geodetic Engineering community.
His contributions have profoundly shaped the lives of those who were fortunate enough to learn from him. Sir Louie’s wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his craft will forever remain in our hearts.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the immeasurable impact he has made. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to reach greater heights.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. May his memory always be a source of light and inspiration to all.
For those wishing to pay their respects or extend support to the family, please await further updates on this post. Kindly refer to details provided in the comment section.
Source: UP Department of Geodetic Engineering Facebook
Daniel “Danny” C. Guillen (1948-2025)
The UP Alumni Association Davao mourns the passing of Daniel “Danny” C. Guillen (UPLB BS Agriculture 1972), former UPAAD director, co-founder and trustee of UP Mindanao Foundation, and husband to former UP Mindanao dean Teresita V. Guillen.
Source: UP Alumni Association – Davao Facebook
Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano (1959-2025)
The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano on January 7.
Usec. Savellano, from Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, was the Undersecretary for Livestock of the Department of Agriculture, and designated as oversight official of the NTA and presiding official of the NTA Governing Board.
When he was then the Deputy House Speaker and Representative of the 1st District of Ilocos Sur, he was part of formulating the Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP) with NTA officials and other stakeholders in 2020.
During his two terms as governor of Ilocos Sur, he initiated the KABSAT Caravan, a prosperity program giving free–farm machineries and inputs to all farmers in the province including the tobacco farmers.
His dedication, leadership, and invaluable contributions to the agency and to the upliftment of the life of the tobacco farmers will forever be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time. His legacy continues to inspire us.
From the NTA Family.
Source: National Tobacco Administration Facebook