ILIGAN CITY鈥擜dvocates of Mindanao development are mourning the death on Monday of former chairperson Luwalhati Antonino.
She just turned 81 a week earlier.
Fondly called 鈥淟u鈥� by friends and colleagues, Antonino was the agency鈥檚 first woman chairperson, 鈥渟teering it towards unrelenting service for Mindanao鈥� from 2010 to 2016.
鈥淪he was one of Mindanao鈥檚 strongest allies and loudest voices in the national government,鈥� read a statement from MinDA.
MinDA recalled how Antonino 鈥渞allied all Mindanao key government officials and business leaders to solve the Mindanao power crisis back in 2012, leading to the creation of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee.鈥�
鈥淪he was also the woman behind the Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters (MindaNOW!) Program in response to the dwindling forest cover and frequent typhoons and flooding in Mindanao,鈥� MinDA added.
鈥淭hrough the Treevolution that she spearheaded along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mindanao gained the Guinness World Record for Most Trees Planted within an hour,鈥� it added.
As MinDA chairperson, Antonino is remembered for 鈥減ersonally lobbying for a fair and equitable budget share for Mindanao and MinDA鈥檚 programs and projects.鈥�
鈥淭o have worked alongside her was to witness a masterclass in leadership imbued with compassion and humanity. Her words were not just directives; they were lessons in living and serving with dignity and integrity,鈥� said MinDA deputy executive director Romeo Montenegro.
Prior to serving MinDA, Antonino represented South Cotabato in Congress for three terms, from 1992 to 2001.
She is the wife of former General Santos City mayor Adelbert Antonino, and mother of former South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
Although the Antoninos no longer sought elective office since 2013, they continue to be active in politics through local party Achievers with Integrity Movement (AIM).
鈥淭he City of General Santos mourns the death of one of its pillars, who had contributed a lot in all aspects of its development. Eternal repose unto your soul, Ma鈥檃m Lu. We will forever cherish you,鈥� said a statement from city councilor Virgie Tiongson Llido, a stalwart of AIM.
Born in Upi town, now part of Maguindanao del Norte province, Antonino earned a chemical engineering degree from the University of Santo Tomas, and a graduate degree in business administration from the New York University. She used to work for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Antonino鈥檚 remains lie in wake at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City. Her burial is set on Nov. 2.