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
In Memoriam
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
Prof. Anelyn O. Yabillo (1968-2024)
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Prof. Anelyn O. Yabillo, a faculty member of UP High School in Iloilo, Division of Professional Education. She went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2024, while admitted at Iloilo St.Paul’s hospital.
Known to her colleagues, friends, and students as the gentlest soul at UPHSI, Ma’am Anelyn was a dedicated Math teacher and class adviser. For a season, she was the acting Principal of UPHSI, and Assistant to the Principal for a year under the term of Prof. Edelia Braga.
Ma’am Anelyn finished Bachelor of Science (Applied Math) in 1991 and Master of Education (Math) in 1996 at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV).
She is survived by her husband Zaldy and children Paul and Yza. The family has yet to announce the details of her wake.
Rest in peace, Ma’am Anelyn.
Source: University of the Philippines Visayas Facebook
Santanina Rasul, nation’s first and only woman Muslim senator; 94
Marlon Ramos
Santanina “Nina” Rasul, the country’s first and only Muslim woman senator, has died, the Senate announced on Friday. She was 94.
Rasul crafted landmark laws that reshaped Filipino society by promoting gender equality and allowing women to join the military service, among others.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of former Sen. Santanina Tillah Rasul, a trailblazer, legislator, educator, and beloved mother and grandmother,” Senate spokesperson Arnel Jose Bañas said in a statement.
“Nina Rasul leaves an indelible mark not only on her family, but also on the countless lives she touched through her decades of public service and unrelenting advocacy. Her memory will forever inspire those who strive for equality, education, and peace,” he said.
Bañas referred to Rasul’s life as a testament to her tireless dedication to public service and her commitment to the empowerment of women and marginalized communities, particularly Filipino Muslims.
“Her Senate career was marked by her steadfast commitment to advancing civil service and education reforms, promoting women’s and minority rights, and fostering peace in her homeland,” he said.
Impressive academic record
Rasul, who died on Thursday, was born in Siasi, Sulu, on Sept. 14, 1930.
In 1941, she graduated from Laum, Tabawan Elementary School in Tawi-Tawi as valedictorian, and in 1948 from Sulu High School in Jolo as first honor. In 1952, she graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
She later obtained a Master’s Degree in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines and earned doctoral units in public administration at the University of the Philippines, in 1976 and 1978, respectively.
Rasul began her career in public service in 1952, when she became a public school teacher in Siasi and Jolo until 1957; she later acted as a technical assistant to the Office of the President from 1963 to 1964.
She was first elected as barrio councilor at Moore Avenue, Jolo, Sulu, in 1960, where she served for one year; she was reelected in 1962 and served until 1963. In 1971, she was elected member of Sulu’s provincial board, a position she held until 1976.
Advocate for women, minorities
Rasul held several positions in government representing Muslims and cultural minorities throughout her public service career.
In 1966, she founded the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting not only literacy but peace, development, and women empowerment. She was also the organization’s chair.
During the term of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Rasul was commissioner of the National Commission on the Role of Women, now known as the Philippine Commission on Women.
From 1978 to 1987, she served as a commissioner representing Muslim and other ethnic minorities. She was also a member of the board at the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports in 1986.
Rasul served as senator for almost 10 years. She was elected to the Senate in 1987, making her the first Muslim woman senator. She served her first term until 1992 and was reelected that same year, the first Muslim to be reelected to that position. She held the post until 1995.
Lifelong mission
At the Senate, she was chair of the Senate committees on civil service and government recognition, and women and family relations. One of her most well-known legislation is Republic Act No. 7192, which she coauthored with former Sen. Raul Roco. The law enacted in 1992 instituted what is now called gender mainstreaming strategy into national laws and ensured that different government agencies, alongside women and women’s organizations, formulate programs, activities, and projects to address women’s concerns. RA 7192 also paved the way for women’s active participation in military training.
She also sponsored Republic Act No. 6949 declaring March 8 as National Women’s Day.
In 1990, she was appointed Unesco’s honorary ambassador.
In 2019, Rasul was conferred the Tandang Sora award in Quezon City given to outstanding women who embody the virtues of the award’s titular hero.
“Even after her tenure in the Senate, (Rasul) continued her lifelong mission to combat illiteracy through the Magbasa Kita Foundation, a program she spearheaded to uplift communities through literacy,” Bañas said.
He added that Rasul’s legislative achievements had “reshaped Philippine society.”
Rasul’s family requested that donations be made to the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc. in lieu of flowers. —INQUIRER RESEARCH INQ
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2010871/santanina-rasul-nations-first-and-only-woman-muslim-senator-94
Flora J. Medel-Lopez (BS Agriculture 1991)
Let’s offer a prayer for our departed alum. May she rest in peace.
If you have heard or read about any fellow UPLB alum who passed away, please inform us through https://alum.uplb.edu.ph/submit-obituary
Source: UPLB Office of Alumni Relations Facebook
Jose, III A. Ramirez (MS Agricultural Engineering 2000)
Let’s offer a prayer for our departed alum. May he rest in peace.
If you have heard or read about any fellow UPLB alum who passed away, please inform us through https://alum.uplb.edu.ph/submit-obituary
Source: UPLB Office of Alumni Relations Facebook
Niel N. Bebing (BS Chemistry 1994)
Let’s offer a prayer for our departed alum. May he rest in peace.
If you have heard or read about any fellow UPLB alum who passed away, please inform us through https://alum.uplb.edu.ph/submit-obituary
Source: UPLB Office of Alumni Relations Facebook