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DON TEODORO, THE MAN...THE VISION
Don
Teodoro V. Santos, known philanthropist,
devout Catholic, well respected and eminently
regarded in the community. It is but fitting
for us to bring into memory the life of
such revered personality.
February
23, 1915, a momentous day indeed, for on
this day, Teodoro was born to Don Teodoro
and Doña Africa Santos. A loving
brother to Afriquita and Ernesto. Together,
they built a respected and honorable family.
Teodoro,
Doring to his friends and TVS to his constituents,
was brought up with the determination and
dedication in life. He grew to be a lover
of arts, music, sculpture and of books.
He learned to stand with his decisions and
gave importance to work and studies. Frugality
was one of his |
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qualities, and though with great moods, was kind,
genial and unselfish. He loved to travel and took
charitable and meaningful trips abroad. He was
born with great ambition and with this, he was
educated at the Ateneo de Manila and pursued graduate
studies in the United States, majoring the fields
of Food Technology and Nutrition.
With
deep reverence in the Lord, he desired to help
uplift the poor plight of his fellowmen. With
faith and benevolence put together, countless
achievements were added to his cap. Sacrified
by denying his worldly needs, sacrifices that
brought great joy and goodness in his heart. To
name a few, he was a benefactor of several charitable
institutions, of seminarians and convents, feeding
centers particularly to the living Saint, Mother
Theresa's Missionary Sisters of Charity in Manila.
He helped facilitate financial support to the
construction of Asilo de San Vicente de Paul.
He supported many students in college and for
priesthood one of whom is an alumnus of this institution,
Fr. Arnold Rivera. He helped build schools of
the order of Franciscan Missionaries of the Virgin
Mary. Lastly, should we not forget our dear school,
now bearing this name, which with his generosity,
gave part of his land to be used in the building
of a school for the poor children of Mabalacat,
thus making his dream and of his people into a
big reality.
He
was a man packed with dreams for his people. A
man who had given his time and life for everyone.
But as life goes along the edges and strifes,
life is bound to end. He died of Hepatic failure
in San Mateo, California on the 14th, of September,
1983 at the age of 68.
Now
looking back with sincere gratitude let us value,
once more the life of this person. A life full
of generosity, love and exemplary sacrifices for
others. He died leaving an indelible mark in the
hearts and minds of those who really know and
regard this man. Let us remember that disparity
of beliefs and dispersion of ideas did not hinder
his strong determination to extricate us from
the bondage of ignorance and adversities. He truly
was a shining example and a true paragon of moral
and spiritual excellence. Now the challenge is
bestowed on us to continue his great mission.
Let us ponder in our hearts his principles and
aspirations. Let us not put an end to his vision
of love and service for others.
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