PROF. JOSE Dakila Espiritu, former assistant dean of the College of Education, died last Feb. 2 following heart failure. He was 65.
Considered as one of the pillars of the college, Espiritu was hailed as a Service Awardee for 35 years in 2015 and was a recipient of Dangal ng UST Award for Outstanding Professor in 2007.
He authored several books for the College of Education, two of which were “Panitikang Filipino” and “Gamiting Filipino sa Antas ng Tersyarya.”
Espiritu also served as the chairman of the UST Filipino Department and later on became principal of the Education High School.
In 1972, Espiritu earned his bachelor’s degree in education at the University and completed his master’s degree in language teaching at the University of the Philippines in 1977.
He finished his doctorate in applied linguistics at the Philippine Normal University in 1995.
Condolences and prayers from former students, colleagues and friends of Espiritu flooded social media.
“Sir Dakila was strict. He comes in class carrying his book and discusses lessons beyond what’s on it. He is full of wisdom,” said Rose Marie Rementina, a former student of Espiritu.
“Outside the class, he is approachable and a true mentor. I will never forget his words, ‘pagbutihin mo, anak,’” she added.
“Sana, ‘di man ako maging sindakila mo, mamana ko kahit kapiraso ang iyong husay at ang iyong puso,” UST Center for Campus Ministry head Richard Pazcoguin said in his Facebook post.
Colleagues said Espiritu would always be remembered for his remark, “Babaunin ko sa aking buhay na isa akong magaling na gurong pinanday ng panahon at pagkakataon.”
Espiritu’s wake will be until Feb. 8 at Funeraria Paz in Sucat, Parañaque. His remains will be cremated on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Manila Memorial Park Crematory.
