Eminent educator marks centennial 2 Cardinals at Benitez’ centenary fete

MANILA, Philippines - The eucharistic celebration at the 100th birthday celebrations of former Sen. Helena Z. Benitez, now board chairperson of the Philippine Women’s University on June 23 and tomorrow, was and will be officiated by their Eminence Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle and Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, respectively.

The pre-celebration on the 23rd was held at Mira-Nila, the Benitez’ ancestral home in Quezon City, featuring the culinary creations of “Ang Sariling Atin Culinary Heritage Institute (ASA).”

Curated by Amy Besa, the culinary tribute to Tita Helen, as the noted educator and environmentalist was called, featured the best of Cavite and Laguna (where the Benitez clan come from) cuisine.

Among the delicacies served are especially prepared by chef Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam Brooklyn, chef Joseph Galvez of Purple Yam Malate, Cavite food historian Ige Ramos, chef Theodore Day Salonga of Ted’s in Sta Cruz, Laguna, Corazon Legaspi of Imus, Cavite and Sonny Lua of Asiong’s Cavite City.

Her birthday celebration tomorrow starts at 3 p.m. with a concelebrated mass by Cardinal Rosales, Rev. Fathers Wency Serafica and Paul Marquez, afterwhich food will be served.

Highlight of the celebration is the program showcasing the ten decades of love and service of Tita Helen to the nation depicted in dance, music and fashion of the different periods of her life and dreams. Featured are the PWU alumni and the singers and artists of Bayanihan, the national folk dance company of the Philippines.

As Tita Helen turns 100, she still wears different hats having led a distinguished career as a legislator, civic leader, diplomat, educator, art patron and environmentalist. She had served in various capacities under ten of the country’s Presidents starting with President Manuel Quezon.

While in the Senate, she made her mark as a committed and concerned environmentalist having authored the Municipal Forests and Watershed Act (RA 5752), the Philippine (Monkey-eating) Eagle Protection Act (RA 6147), Tamaraw Sanctuaries Act in Mts. Baco and Iglit in Mindoro (RA 6148) and the National Building Act (Ra 6541).

She likewise initiated the first-ever state of Philippine environment which served as the country’s input in the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden and was elected the first Asian, Filipino and woman president of the Governing Council of the UN Environment Program (UNEP).

Two years ago, her colleagues in the Philippine Senate honored Tita Helen by adopting Resolution No. 786 sponsored by Sen. Loren Legarda, citing her for her service to the Filipino people.

“She authored laws on the environment and sustainable development even before these became national issues,” she said. “She is a trailblazer who cannot help but be a positive force towards nation building,” Legarda added.

The Go Negosyo honored her with the Womenpreneur Icons of the Decade award and was bestowed honorary fellow by the Royal Institute of Education from the Royal Institution of Singapore.

The recent award accorded her was a plaque of appreciation given by the Philippne Home Economics Association which she founded in 1948 and a testimonial program organized by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines of which she is a GSP charter and life member.