March 14, 2016, 9:46p.m. – MARY JOYCE Ong-Laig, who taught journalism and theology in UST, passed away in her sleep early Monday at the Missionaries of Charity’s Home of Joy in Manila. She was 80.
Laig, whose teaching career spanned nearly 50 years, was affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Ecclesiastical Faculties, mentoring countless students and seminarians.
A member of the Varsitarian staff, she earned her bachelor of literature in journalism in UST in 1957.
Laig co-authored Marriage and the Family: A Life of Love and Commitment with former rector Fr. Tamerlane Lana, O.P., and former assistant directors of the Institute of Religion Ana Ma. Ocampo and Thelma Santos. The book is the University-wide text for the subject Marriage and the Family.
Catalina Lituañas, assistant director of the Institute of Religion, said Laig was a virtuous colleague and professor.
“Ma’am Laig was very kind. She always found time to sit and listen, and was always available and accommodating,” Lituañas said. “[S]he was one of the most respected professors and one the pillars of this institute. She was one of the best.”
In 2007, Laig received the Golden Owl Medal for Education from the Philets Foundation of former students of the defunct Faculty of Philosophy and Letters.
Laig also wrote for Life Today, the cultural magazine published by the Spanish Dominicans in San Juan. Alhex Adrea M. Peralta