Manuel Arepentido, finance officer and clerk of the Simbahayan community development office, died on Aug. 16 after a bout with cancer. He was 60.
His death was announced by UST on Facebook. “Nagpapasalamat ang Pamantasan sa kanyang dedikasyon at serbisyo,” the post read.
Arepentido was diagnosed with stage 4 sigmoid colon cancer that had metastasized to his liver and lungs in October 2024, his son Al Arepentido told the Varsitarian.
Arepentido worked for more than 40 years in UST, witnessing the transition of the University’s community development arm into the UST Simbahayan Community Development Office from its predecessors, the Office for Community Development and Office for Student Affairs and Community Service.
Arepentido obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the UST College of Commerce in 1986.
His son Al described his father as supportive, practical, and a “little strict.”
“[Kapag] napagalitan kami, kasunod nun [ay] lalambingin kami, explaining why he always put his family first,” he said.
Al also recalled how close his father was to students who approached his office for various needs.
“Palagi siyang nakangiti and parating tumutulong sa mga students. Always ‘gagawan ng paraan,’ marami siyang anak-anakan na mga students. Mga unang mga kuya and ate namin,” his son said.
Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipao, director of UST Simbahayan Community Development Office, described Arepentido as a dedicated colleague who ensured a balanced time with his family.
“When he was diagnosed with cancer, our conversations were almost the same as usual, but inevitably, his battle with cancer was a crucial one. It seemed he had accepted his condition with ease and but tried to fight the disease,” said Alipao.
For Asst. Prof. Christian Rimando, the office’s assistant director, Arepentido was not only a trusted workmate, but also a family to Simbahayan.
“I will always treasure the memorable moments I had with him. These include his fatherly advice about life and work, our joyful karaoke sessions where he always sang with heart to entertain us, and the warmth of his voice that gave life to the office,” Rimando said.
Arepentido’s wake will be held at Room 203 of St. Peter’s Chapel Mayon Branch in Quezon City from Aug. 17 to 20.
A funeral service will follow at St. Peter Crematorium Quezon Avenue. Interment will be at the Manila North Green Park on Aug. 21. Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos
