In Memoriam

Dr. Zoilo M. Lapus (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 1970)



The U.P. Society of Men mourns the passing of one of its brothers, Dr. Zoilo Mangalino Lapus ’65b.

Called by his fraternity brothers as Zoi, He was the President of the Philippine College of Swine Practitioners in 2016, was an Executive Director of Asian Pig Veterinary Society, Fellow in Philippine College of Veterinary Feed Practitioners, and a member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. In 2005 he was awarded as the Most Outstanding Pig Veterinarian in Asia by the VIV Asia and International Pig Topics magazine of the United Kingdom.

Brother Zoilo, may you continue to shine a light on us on your seat in heaven. You will be forever remembered, as you have contributed significant changes in the veterinary field!

A Tried and True Ratbuan, now and through all eternity!

Source: U.P. Society of Men Facebook

Dr. Elizabeth Y. Arcellana-Nuqui (1946-2023)

September 5, 2023



Ian Nuqui wrote a tribute to her mother, Dr. Elizabeth Y. Arcellana-Nuqui who passed away last August 22, 2023 at the age of 77.

Waiving Goodbye

I am Honesto Franz Maximillian Arcellana Nuqui Jr, 3rd of 4 kids and among other things part Honesto, Jr and part Franz Arcellana. Mama smuggled me in upon their return from the US in May 1976. I was born in October.

As I have advanced from child to teen to man, from the morning sun to a mourning son I have observed and wondered, pondered and revisited some of my Mama’s choices: the what when where why how, what things meant, meant to her, meant to me, meant to hurt, meant to protect, too many meants to mention.

So many questions from an over analyzer. I sought comfort in logic and reason, and then sympathy and understanding. Until finally realizing that to seek a definite answer is foolish and to covet an explanation is greedy. Any fraction of context is already such a gift. That long held opinions and beliefs are like malignancies wrapped around our heart, and to excise them comes at too great a cost. We must let nature take its course.

My only conclusion is that the handful of large decisions Mama made over her life probably never really mattered as much on how things have turned out. Rather it is the accumulation of the small and time-sensitive decisions that ultimately undermine and undo, compensate and correct for the large ones.

To love means to trust and giving the benefit of the doubt, and frailty and fallibility often trumps meaning or intention. To love fully is to accept, without always agreeing or understanding.

I have to stop looking back and curve-fitting on too few data points. I love Mama, and Mama loves me fills in all the gaps and blanks.
And now my mother is gone. Wala na si Mama, si Beth, si Maam EYAN.

I have to find a way forward without her, embracing the consequences and impacts of her choices like waves. I need to relax and let every ripple wash over me and allow each fading crest to carry me and nudge me further.

To live on and live with. To love on and keep on. Mama has drifted away but her love and care still washes ashore.

Post from Ian Nuqui Facebook

Professor Rosalina “Iday” A. Mendigo (1964-2023)

August 30, 2023



On behalf of the UP Baguio community, we want to express our sincerest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Professor Rosalina A. Mendigo. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Professor Mendigo’s profound commitment to her field and her dedication to her students and colleagues have left an enduring impression on all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. Her passion for learning was genuinely motivating, and her presence will be greatly missed by the entire academic community.

Let us find comfort from the cherished memories we have shared with Ma’am Iday and the lasting legacy she has established.

Picture and post from University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook

Sir OLE rests

Evangelista. Photo from the UPDIO Archives

Historian and UP Diliman (UPD) professor Oscar Llorente Evangelista, fondly known as “Sir OLE,” peacefully passed on Aug. 20 at the age of 88.

Evangelista was first hired as a clerk at the Office of the Registrar and the University Student Council in 1953.

He taught generations of students for almost half a century, starting in 1959 as an assistant instructor at the then College of Liberal Arts.

He witnessed the evolution of the University, taking part in the teaching and development of general education courses as part of the University College, then the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), then the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), which emerged in 1983 after the CAS was split.

In a Facebook post in Oct. 2022, retired political science professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, PhD, a key figure in the Philippine government’s negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, mused on Evangelista’s generosity of spirit.

“He served as student affairs officer at UP Diliman during the difficult martial law years, and somehow provided a buffer zone between the state’s repressive measures and students like us writing for the university paper or organizing for the student council and other organizations. What an inspiration they are of long lives meaningfully and happily lived… ” she said.

Twice, Evangelista accepted the call to serve the student body, first as the fifth Dean of Students (1978-1983) and then as head of the Office of Student Affairs (now known as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs [OVCSA]) from July 1985 to Feb. 1986 as VCSA.

Evangelista also served as Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs under three chancellors: Jose Abueva and Emerlinda Roman from Jan. 1990 to Mar. 1992; and again for Claro Llaguno from Nov. 1996 to Oct. 1999.

After his retirement in 2000 with the rank of Professor 12, he compiled all of his writings and published them in 2008 as the book Icons and Institutions: Essays on the History of the University of the Philippines, 1952-2000.

In a Facebook post dated Aug. 21, 2023, the Department of History, CSSP paid tribute to Evangelista, citing his exemplary service.

“Higit sa lahat, laging maaalala si Sir OLE ng kanyang mga kapamilya, kaibigan, kasama sa departamento at mag-aaral bilang isang mabuting tao na naging huwaran sa pakikipagkapwa at marangal na pamumuno,” they said.

In 2019, he and his wife Susan gave back to the college by renovating a room inside Palma Hall. It is now known as the Oscar and Susan Evangelista Reading Room.

Upon the news of his passing, tributes began to pour in from former students, including that of Jose Wendell Capili, PhD, a professor at the UPD College of Arts and Letters.

“I met him initially during my first year of teaching (AY 1988-1989). We were members of the UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) Electoral Board. Sir Oca was then Vice Chancellor (VC) for Community Affairs (previously, he was Dean of Students, 1978-1983).

Though I was a newly-hired instructor, Sir Oca was encouraging, generous and cheerful. The budget for university committees was limited then, so he often treated us to lunch at the UFS canteen. My stint with the electoral board started my career in university administration,” Capili said.

His wake was held from Aug. 21-22 at the Puerto Princesa Memorial Park.

Source: https://upd.edu.ph/sir-ole-rests