Alfelor Matriarch Celebrates 96th Birthday

A life well-lived and a loving family around her ---  only  few of the things that Dra. Remedios Rigoroso-Alfelor, the loving wife of the late Camarines Sur Governor Felix O. Alfelor Sr. still enjoys. Indeed, she could not ask for more having been blessed with so many good things that life has to offer.

On December 30, 2010,  Dr. Alfelor, fondly called “Wawa” by her loved ones and friends, celebrated her 96th birthday.  As expected, it was colorfully marked with both presents and presence, especially by her siblings who never forget to come home just to join her on her special day.  

A simple yet remarkable ceremony was held at the UNEP Gymnasium and was attended by UNEP personnel, faculty members, relatives, friends and colleagues, particularly from the academe.  

Ms. Deli Alfelor-Tibi, UNEP Executive Vice President and concurrently the university’s VP for Finance was on top of the preparations.

“My sisters coming from the other side of the coast came to see our mother and celebrate another year of blessings with her.  We are also thankful for those people who stay and keep sharing this special day with us. This is again another year of giving joy and inspiration to every soul and life that she has touched.” 

Wawa was known for her dedication to promote quality education, not to mention her affiliation to various civic and socio organizations which caters to the needy and the less privileged.

“Wawa is not just a teacher to her students- she is also their mother who treats her students like her own siblings. She encouraged them, above all things to pursue their education and use it as tool to better themselves,” Ms Deli recalls.

Where UNEP is now, it is because Wawa have poured not just her time and talent, but also herself into making the university one of the institutions that stands out from the rest.  Now, it is living up to its name as the HOME OF GLOBAL Achievers, a legacy that UNEPians will continue to celebrate today and onwards.    (Lizel S. Macatangay)