EMILIANO “Nongko” Varon Jr., a UST alumnus and a longtime architecture educator in Bacolod, passed away on Jan. 2 following a heart attack. He was 83.
La Consolacion College (LCC) Bacolod, where he served as one of the founding deans of the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Interior Design, announced his death in a Facebook post.
“Throughout his career, he inspired generations of architects and artists to dream boldly, think critically, and build responsibly,” the post read. “His legacy is etched not only in the walls of our institution but also in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.”
Varon graduated from the old UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts in 1963 and was recognized with the Outstanding UST Atelier Alumni Honor in 2023.
He joined LCC Bacolod as a professor in 1973 and remained with the institution until his retirement while continuing his work as a practicing architect, completing various commercial and residential projects.
Varon also served as president of the United Architects of the Philippines Bacolod Chapter.
Former students remembered him as a stellar mentor whose passion for teaching left an indelible mark.
“He was loved by the students because he was considerate and understanding. He was soft-spoken and gentle with everyone,” Jen Iral, one of his students at LCC Bacolod, told the Varsitarian.
Another former student, Roberto Aguillon, said Varon was a blessing to every student’s life in college.
“As students, we saw his passion and dedication to impart in us the skills in drafting and design,” Aguillon said. “We would copy every single stroke of his penmanship until it looked like his.”
“Teaching to him is not a job but a passion,” he added.
A funeral Mass was held on Jan. 8 at St. Peter’s Chapel in Alijis, Bacolod City. His remains will be interred on Jan. 11.