FOR YEARS, Marie Carisa “Cai” Ordinario wrote stories on the economy and educated students on the intricacies of economics, finance, and agriculture.
Ordinario, a veteran journalist and faculty member at the UST Department of Journalism, passed away on Nov. 17 at the age of 45, after battling colon cancer.
Prof. Jeremaiah Opiniano, chair of the UST Department of Journalism, remembered Ordinario as someone who “strives and quietly perseveres in doing better news reporting.”
“Cai represents efforts by Thomasian business journalists to produce better economic journalism. Her stories provide pointed implications to policymakers, businesses and ordinary Filipinos. Students she had handled may have been lucky to feel the pulse of daily business journalism,” said Opiniano.
Ordinario completed her undergraduate studies in journalism at the University in 2002, and was a reporter and news editor for the Varsitarian.
Known by her students and colleagues as “Ma’am Cai,” Ordinario handled courses on business and economic reporting, macroeconomic indicators, and media and society.
Christian Patrick Laqui, a journalism alumnus and a reporter at PhilStar.com, said Ordinario was a very compassionate and kind teacher.
“Naiintindihan niya mga struggles namin and never niya kami pinagdudahan. Sa pagtuturo niya parang nagiging loveable ang business journalism,” he said.
“Noong first time kong magco-cover ng PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) no’n for TV, hindi ko alam anong gagawin, siya [ang] nilapitan ko and she never hesitated to extend her help to me,” Laqui recalled.
The University honored the late academic staff in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“Ms. Ordinario leaves behind a legacy of journalistic excellence, attested to by the various accolades she had received,” the post read.
Chander Ubalde, Ordinario’s cousin, remembered her as a happy and energetic family member.
“There’s always excitement building up towards the day she arrives [at our home in the province]. Mayroon kasing laging dalang pakulo, pa-games, chismis, biruan. She’s an important and necessary formula to make a family occasion momentous,” he told the Varsitarian.
BusinessMirror, the newspaper where the late journalist served most of her career, remembered Ordinario as a reporter who “illuminated truths and inspired countless students and colleagues.”
“The awards notwithstanding, the most important trophies in ‘Ate Cai’s’ heart are embodied in the admiration and gratitude of countless aspiring young journalists whom she mentored in and out of the newsroom,” the business news outlet said in a Facebook post.
The UP College of Media and Communication also mourned the loss of the late educator in a post on Wednesday.
“She guided young journalists with patience and insight, reminding them that journalism is a public trust and a service to the people. Her presence in the classroom and newsroom was marked by humility, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to truth,” the post read.
Ordinario completed her master’s degree in communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2019, where she served as a lecturer in business journalism.
The Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), where Ordinario served in various capacities, mourned its former president.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues and students. Her dedication to journalism and mentorship will be remembered,” the post read.
Institutions that Ordinario covered joined in mourning her passing.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the economic planning body, honored the late economic journalist on Wednesday.
“Ms. Ordinario was a brilliant and dedicated journalist whose work illuminated complex economic and development issues with clarity and insight. Her ability to translate technical matters into compelling stories empowered the public to better understand the forces shaping our nation,” the post read.
The PSA remembered Ordinario, who advanced their advocacies by raising public awareness through her reports on statistics and the economy.
“With Cai’s passing, the PSA has lost a steadfast ally in ensuring truth and balance in the reporting of national statistics and economic issues. It has been a privilege for us to collaborate with her,” said National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa.
Ordinario’s remains were cremated on Nov. 19. A memorial was held on Nov. 19 and 20 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (Claret Church) in Quezon City. With reports from Micah G. Pascua
