DR. WALTER Randolph Jalgalado, a Thomasian doctor and educator who served as president of the Central Student Council and became a pioneering member of the Dominican Network (Domnet) Youth Group, died on Aug. 16. He was 52.
His death was announced by UST in a Facebook post.
“Dr. Jalgalado, an educator who helped form generations of Thomasian student leaders as a sought-after resource person and facilitator, brought his leadership skills to the wider Dominican family when he joined the Dominican Network International,” the post read.
Jalgalado obtained his medicine degree from the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1998.
During his time at UST, he belonged to the founding batch of the Domnet Youth Group, a religious organization established in 1995 and comprised of students from various schools run by the Order.
Fr. Jeffrey Aytona, director of Caleruega Philippines who had worked with Jalgalado in the Domnet Youth Group, remembered the late doctor as a “true Thomasian and Dominican in action.”
“We traveled to many places where Domnet was being launched throughout the Philippines,” Aytona recalled. “Our experiences as Domnet and Thomasian leaders deepened our friendship and our brotherhood.”
“As leaders, we were formed not just knowing what truly matters but living our vocation to the fullest,” he added. “That’s why, Doc Walter’s brand of leadership, service, humor, and disposition is something that UST should be proud of.”
Jalgalado also served as president of the UST Central Student Council and was among the recipients of the 2021 Distinguished Thomasian Alumni Award.
He served as secretary general of the Aquinas University in Bicol, now known as UST Legazpi, and medical director of the UST Legazpi Hospital. He also co-founded the Aquinas University Center for Campus Ministry.
“His steadfast dedication and compassionate spirit touched the lives of countless students, employees, and the entire Legazpi Thomasian community,” UST Legazpi wrote in a Facebook post.
“A man deeply rooted in the Dominican way of life, Dr. Jalgalado’s legacy of service, faith, and love will forever be remembered,” it continued.
Jalgalado ventured into public service, having served as a board member of Camarines Norte’s first district and the province’s health officer.
His wake is being held at Rizal Premier Chapel of Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque. A Mass will be offered on Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. before internment. Marco Luis D. Beech
