USC, alumni mourn passing of former university president

Photo courtesy of SVD Philippines
Photo courtesy of SVD Philippines

THE University of San Carlos (USC) announced the passing of its former president Fr. Margarito “Mar” Alingasa, who died at the St. Arnold Janssen Home in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. Alingasa was 91.

In a statement, the USC administration requested the entire USC family to pray for the repose of his soul.

Several netizens who are USC alumni commented on SunStar Cebu’s Facebook post on the priest’s death expressing condolences.

“Our deepest sympathy to Fr. Mar’s families! He was my USC president when I finished my master’s degree,” said Flornita Cobile.

“Rest in peace, Fr. Alingasa. Thank you for (your) service and prayers,” Eva Taclap Villariasa commented.

Alingasa was a native of Bohol. He was the second Filipino president of the USC, serving the university from 1975 to 1979.

Alingasa was ordained at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay in 1957. He obtained his Master of Arts Degree in Audio-Visual Communication from the Indiana University.

The current USC administration recalled some of the priest’s valuable contribution to the institution.

The USC said during his term, Alingasa oversaw the Filipinization of the USC, as mandated by Presidential Decree 176, which covered all private corporations and educational institutions.

“He successfully steered the University during this financially and emotionally difficult period of transition that saw the end of subsidies from Germany leaving USC to find alternative sources to support its programs, starting with professional chairs from the late John Gokongwei Jr., followed by San Miguel Corp. and the Sycip Gorres and Velayo Foundation,” the university said.

The USC said it was also during his term that pioneering research institutions in the country, the USC Cebuano Studies Center and the Office of Population Studies, were established.

Moreover, it was during his presidency that the University’s College of Nursing, now under the School of Health Professions, was established along with the development of the Instructional Media Center.

Even after his term as USC president, Father Mar was said to remain active in advocacies and helped in the establishment of the Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water Foundation.

He was also a member of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Family and Life. (WBS)

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