On February 20, 2022, Ruby Leah Agnir (nee Ordinario), 82, of Wesley Chapel, FL and formerly of Franklin County, MA (Greenfield and So. Deerfield) joined her Lord after a brief battle with lung cancer at the Regal Palms Assisted Living Facility in Largo, FL. Her daughter Rowena Rantanen, son-in-law Eric Rantanen, son Frederick Agnir, daughter-in-law Christiana Carter and caregiver Ann-Marie Ricks were by her side in person, while friends and family members joined through internet live streaming technology.
Ruby was born on February 2, 1940, to Rev. Roman and Tereza (Rubio) Ordinario in Davao City, Philippines. Her husband was the late Rev. Dr. Federico “Eddie” Agnir, whom she married on April 30, 1961, at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in the Philippines.
A musical prodigy, Ruby enjoyed a lifelong passion and career for over 70 years as a professional musician starting with her playing the pump organ at 9-yrs old for her church. Working as an organist and music director for a multitude of churches throughout her life, her most recent positions include the music director for Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL and organist for St. Elizabeth Episcopalian Church in Zephyrhills, FL.
Ruby will fondly be remembered by her students as she taught piano, organ and voice for over 50 years. Community theater as well was one of her passions, as she participated in dozens of plays and musicals in various roles including music director, actor, singer, director, and producer. She was the founder and artistic director of the community theater group The Green Room Players (Greenfield, Massachusetts), whose proceeds were donated to non-profit organizations including The ALS Foundation among others.
She was also a retired college instructor of speech, theater arts, and music education courses. She majored in English, Speech, and Theater Arts from the University of the Philippines and holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Silliman University (Dumaguete, Philippines).
Additionally, she was a life member of many organizations including Order of the Eastern Star and Ladies of the Oriental Shrine of North America, holding various offices. She was also a member of the American Guild of Organists and the American Choral Directors Association as well as a life member of the American Mensa Association, the High IQ Society.
A published author, Ruby’s books include Prisms showcasing her original poetry and Fairy Gifts (Tales of Enchantment) – a set of original plays written for Youth Theater. Additionally as part of her passion to serve, she authored the books In Our Music, God and Upward Beyond the Brim, both collections of essays and other writing aimed at inspiring artists who use their talents in houses of worship.
Ruby’s husband, Federico (Eddie), pre-deceased her in 2018. She is survived by her three children, daughter Mirla Thompson (Wilmington, NC), daughter Rowena Rantanen (Apex, NC), and son Frederick Agnir (Clearwater, FL). She also is survived her brother Sadiri Ordinario (Santa Clara, CA), her sister Elizabeth Weil (Ann Arbor, MI) and her six grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday March 11 from 6-9pm at the Friendship Hall of the Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley, Chapel, FL.
True to her musical vocation, a Musical Memorial Service designed by Ruby herself will be held Saturday March 12 from 1-3PM, also at Atonement Lutheran Church.
To watch the live stream Saturday Memorial, go to: discoveralc.com and scroll down and click “live stream.”
Ruby donated to several charities. With that in mind, the family wishes memorial contributions to The ALS Foundation or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name.
Ruby Agnir Obituary (1940 – 2022) – Wesley Chapel, FL – The Recorder (legacy.com)
In Memoriam
Yohann Teofilo Christian R. Banta (BS Biology 2018)
Let’s offer a prayer for our departed alumnus. May he rest in peace.
If you have heard or read about any fellow UPLB alumnus/alumna who passed away, please inform us through https://alum.uplb.edu.ph/submit-obituary
Source: UPLB OAR Facebook post
UP CURSOR’s Official Statement on the Death of Chad Booc
UP CURSOR’s Official Statement on the Death of Chad Booc
Earlier today, we have received reports that human rights activist and our very own alumnus Chad Booc was killed yesterday, February 24. This was later confirmed by his close friends and family. The AFP once again claims Chad’s death to be a result of an “armed encounter with NPA rebels” [1].
Chad was a BS Computer Science student of UP Diliman. After graduating as cum laude, he chose a path less traveled instead of pursuing a conventional career in the IT industry. He boldly and selflessly went out to serve the indigenous communities as a volunteer mathematics and science teacher for ALCADEV, a Lumad school in Surigao del Sur. Since then, he had devoted his life to serving the people in whatever way he could [2,3].
Last February 2021, Chad – along with other Lumad students, teachers, and elders – was arrested during a violent raid dubbed as a “rescue operation” inside the University of San Carlos – Talamban campus. The police claimed, with no evidence, that the volunteer teachers were training children to be part of the New People’s Army (NPA) despite the University administration denying these accusations. With the Lumad students being part of a bakwit school program where they were learning how to read and write, Chad and six other detainees were released, but only after three months [4].
This instance is just one of the many attacks by the state elements against the Lumad communities. For years, Lumad schools have suffered from aerial bombings, closures, illegal arrests, extrajudicial killings, red-tagging, and other forms of military assaults. Against all these, Chad, alongside other teachers, never gave up their endless struggle to protect the indigenous people and their lands. In a “democratic” society such as ours, it should not be a crime to be indigenous or to defend indigenous people and their rights.
Chad was not only a staunch defender of the rights of the Lumad people. He wholeheartedly immersed himself in marginalized communities to learn from them and serve them to the best of his abilities. His death is a huge loss not only to his family and friends, but to the communities he lived with and the individuals he inspired as well.
Chad was one of the countless activists baselessly red-tagged and helplessly murdered by the military in order to silence the administration’s critics. Even in his death, he was accused of being a member of the NPA. Amid the threats he faced, he persevered in his community endeavors and remained steadfast in the democratic movement.
There has been no official evidence to support that Chad was part of the NPA despite repeated claims by state forces, resulting in his release last year. Contrary to the reports by the military, the CPP-NPA also claimed that no armed encounter took place in New Bataan, Davao de Oro — the area of the supposed encounter between Chad’s group and the military [5]. It should also be noted that the CPP-NPA is also known to publicly honor and acknowledge the death of their members.Thus, there is no reason to believe that Chad’s death was indeed due to an armed encounter between the AFP and the NPA.
As the UP Association of Computer Science Majors, we honor the selfless life of Chad Booc, and remember his heart to fight for the underserved. In light of today’s loss, we condemn the unjust and inhumane killings of Chad Booc, the Lumad volunteer teachers, and all those who sought to defend the marginalized and silenced. We urge media outlets to remain objective in their news reports as they should first and foremost be the ones to stop the spread of misinformation.
With roughly two months away from the National Elections, the Organization strongly encourages everyone to educate themselves on the different stances of the candidates and support a leader who promotes a culture of peace and civil discourse, not one of unjust killings and baseless allegations.
May Chad Booc continue to live through us as we embrace what it genuinely means to be an Iskolar ng Bayan especially on a day where we commemorate the People Power Revolution:
“Higit sa lahat, ang mandato natin bilang iskolar ng bayan ay maisabuhay natin nang buong puso — at ‘yun ay paglingkuran ang sambayanan.“ – Chad Booc (2017)
#JusticeForChadBooc #StopTheKillingsPH
[1] Lumad teacher Chad Booc, 4 others slain in Davao de Oro – military: https://www.rappler.com/…/lumad-teacher-booc-others…/
[2] Who is Chad Booc, the activist arrested in Cebu with the Lumad?: https://www.rappler.com/…/things-to-know-chad-booc…/
[3] From computers to communities – https://up.edu.ph/from-computers-to-communities/
[4] TIMELINE – The plight of the Lumad evacuees in Cebu: https://www.rappler.com/…/timeline-plight-lumad…/
[5] CPP accuses AFP of fabricating ‘encounter’ to cover-up Chad Booc’s death: https://mb.com.ph/…/cpp-accuses-afp-of-fabricating…/
[6] The UP Parser interview with Chad Booc in September 2017: https://www.facebook.com/…/a.10153525…/10155648264621131
Source: UP Association of Computer Science Majors Facebook post
Dr. Ronaldo M. San Jose (1970-2022)
UP Integrated School is mourning the passing of one of the pillars of the institution, Dr. RONALDO M. SAN JOSE.
He was a professor in the Department of Mathematics and College of Education and became the administrator of UPIS from department to department, associate principal, and principal.
His service as a teacher, counselor, and administrator is non-negotiable; and his contribution to the formation of curriculum and organizing walks in UPIS.
He is an inspiration to students and alumni, parents, fellow teachers and staff, and friends of UPIS.
Not only is she a fun teaching companion, she is a true and best friend to many.
Thank you very much for 30 years of service to UPIS, Sir SJ.
We love you.
*
My deepest condolences to the San Jose family.
***
UPDATE
SJ’s wake is at Boy Santiago Funeral, Sta. Ana, Ampid, San Mateo, Rizal (beside cockpit arena).
Interment is on Wednesday, March 2, in the morning (no specific time yet).
Virtual Luksang Parangal is on March 1, 6:00-8:00 PM. Details to follow.
Source: University of the Philippines Integrated School Facebook post
Ronell D. Guadalupe (BSEcon’11, UPV)
Our sincere sympathies to the family of Ronell D. Guadalupe (BSEcon’11, UPV).
He was an active member of UPV Oeconomicus.
Source: UPV Office of Alumni Relations
Asst. Prof. Mae Claire G. Jabines (1978-2022)
The Social Sciences Federation mourns the passing of a brilliant and passionate College of Social Sciences faculty, Asst. Prof. Mae Claire G. Jabines.
Prof. Claire was a kind soul. She served as a mentor on political science courses and has shown great excellence as an academician — in publishing local and international journals and spearheading public services. Indeed, UP has lost another great mentor.
Our deepest condolences also to the bereaved family of Prof. Claire Jabines.
And to you Miss Claire, thank you for imparting your wisdom to us and for inspiring us to grow with honor and excellence. May the Lord keep your soul under His wing.
For further donations, you may send your help through:
Landbank Account Name: Mae Claire Jabines
Landbank Account Number: 3177176191
Source: Social Sciences Federation – UP Cebu Facebook post
Leonardo “Narding” D. Tamondong (1940-2022)
Leonardo D. Tamondong, of Upper Tumon, died Jan. 21 at the age of 81. Viewing and last respects will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 7 at Our Lady of Peace Funeral Home, Barrigada. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1 p.m. at Santa Barbara Catholic Church, lower level, Dededo. Interment will follow immediately at Our Lady of Peace Memorial Gardens, Windward Hills, Yona.
Source: https://www.postguam.com/obituaries/leonardo-d-tamondong
Atty. Raul S. Anlocotan (MMBM’89, UPV)
Our sincere sympathies to the family of Atty. Raul S. Anlocotan (MMBM’89, UPV). He passed away January 30, 2022.
Source: UPV Office of Alumni Relations Facebook
Pioneer sociologist and former UP OAR Director Fe L. Rodriguez-Arcinas passes away
Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc
The University of the Philippines (UP) sadly announces the passing of UP sociology professor and former Director of the UP Office of Alumni Relations (UP OAR), Professor Fe L. Rodriguez-Arcinas, on February 3, 2022.
Prof. Rodriguez-Arcinas was a pioneer Instructor of the UP Diliman Department of Sociology and Social Welfare, established in 1952. She undertook groundbreaking studies in the socio-economic structures of the urban poor, including those residing in the UP Diliman campus in the 1950s. She went on to become UP Professor of Sociology.
Prof. Rodriguez-Arcinas took charge of the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (CIDS) in 1988 as Executive Director.
One of her students, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista, recalls: “Professor Arcinas took any responsibility that fell on her lap very seriously, walked extra miles to carry them out, and persevered despite obstacles—whether it be leading the Philippine team in an international research project on labor contract migration, teaching her courses, or ensuring that the position of the department she led was understood by higher administration.”
UP Professor Emerita of Psychology Dr. Maria Cecilia Gastardo-Conaco, another former student, shared her recollections: “As starting UPD instructors in the mid-1970’s, I and my cohort perennially looked up to the senior faculty for role models and behavioral guidance. The Sociology Department, right beside the Psychology Department, was a convenient source of empowered, competent, and energetic female academic models to aspire for. Prof. Fe Arcinas was at the top of my list—knowledgeable without being arrogant, power exercised without the aggressiveness, hard work done without looking bedraggled. She was my ideal of grace and kindness in a stressful academic cooking pot, the soft touch that packed a punch. She also appeared to have achieved the precarious balance between the demands of work and family life, something I always struggled with. But seeing her successful equilibrium gave me hope. I have never been able to look as well put together as Mrs. Arcinas but I hope, to some extent, that I have been able to embody the kindness and generosity she always exuded in this competitive academic world of ours.”
Prof. Rodriguez-Arcinas was appointed Director of the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) from 1989 to 1993. She beefed up its database and established the mailing list for the University’s publication for UP Alumni, the Carillon, and the OAR’s alumni directory. Those who worked under her in the OAR remember her as “strict but approachable, reasonable and fair.”
Source: https://up.edu.ph/pioneer-sociologist-and-former-up-oar-director-fe-l-rodriguez-arcinas-passes-away
Former OAR Director Fe L. Rodriguez-Arcinas (1928-2022)
The UPS-OAR would like to extend its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy for the passing of Former Director, Prof. Fe L. Rodriguez-Arcinas.