Inday Pining-A mother to all

CEBU, Philippines - She had different names to different people. While she was definitely Mama to her children, the gracious woman was actually mother to all, whether she was "Inday Pining" or "Nyora Pining" or "Ma'am Pining." She touched hearts and lives in her own characteristic way.

There are many heartwarming anecdotes about Mrs. Josefina R. Gullas. These are told by the many people who have had the good luck of being either witness or recipients of the benevolence of the admirable lady. These are documented in the book Remembering Inday Pining by Dr. Eladio C. Dioko, PhD.:

Norma Suico, former clerk at UV, working directly under Ma'am Pining, observed that the woman remained very concerned and supportive of her children, although the three were already professionals and had families of their own.

When Eddie (Eduardo), the eldest boy, became Governor of Cebu, the good mother would send snacks to his office. She wanted the Governor's visitors to be served snacks, knowing that most of them were coming from faraway places in the province. And every time the Governor would visit her at UV, the mother's face would light up in joy.

She was quite fond of Dodong (Jose Jr.), the youngest. She kept on reminding him to be careful about his health. She always had biscuits and a piece of banana ready for him, to make sure he wouldn't go hungry. When Dodong, who was then very active in basketball, sprained his ankle during a game, Mama Pining was very much worried and reminded everyone in the house to make sure that Dodong would not take a bath after having his "hilot" (massage).

She had a soft heart, as well, for Inday Sering (Gliceria), the eldest of the three. Mama was worried about her health since she had this thin and light build. And, noticing her now married daughter's simple ways, the mother pointed out to her that a wife should pretty up herself a little for her husband.

Inday Pining had a special affection for people with handicaps. Whenever she saw UV students on crutches or physical deformities she would go out of her way to engage them in a small talk, ask about their families and the course they were taking at the University. Always, the conversation would end with her telling the student that he or she didn't have to pay tuition anymore.

Mrs. Clandia Francisco of the Gullas Medical Center related that during a Christmas party among hospital employees some 20 years ago, she met Inday Pining for the first time. She kept her distance at first, conscious of the high stature of the woman; but her husband egged her to approach the woman and she did. Inday Pining smiled at her, patted her shoulder and said hello. Mrs. Francisco was instantly put at ease by the sincere motherly gesture. 

When Mrs. Francisco's husband died in 1982, Inday Pining joined them in mourning. And the kind woman directed the hospital administrator to raise Mrs. Francisco's salary, apparently to compensate for the loss in the family income. This was a big help to the widow because, with three kids to provide for, a really bleak future loomed before her at the time.

Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu, himself attested to the special qualities of Inday Pining. The Cardinal recalled, in an interview a few years ago, "She was not only generous, she was a brave woman. As a member of the Parish Council or other church organizations, she would speak out what was in her mind although she was aware others had a different idea on an issue."

Judge Lorenzo Paradiang, Jr., a UV scholar in his student days, spoke during the necrological service for Inday Pining: "Unlike other known personalities, you did not walk with heroes, so to speak. You walked with the humble and the lowly. Unlike others of your social stature, you did not talk in language elegant and with affectations. You talked with your heart, and on first name and nickname intimacy. Unlike other philanthropists, you [gave] in silence and anonymity."

The Judge continued, "[Your children] and their respective children are not your only children and grandchildren, I venture to say. In a way we, too, and thousands more, feel with sweet sorrow that you are our mother as well, and a grandmother, too, to our children."

Inday Pining would have turned 109 years old two days ago, on March 13. She passed away in 1984. (FREEMAN)