Benitez honored on her 40th day of passing

The late Sen. Helena Benitez, fondly called Tita Helen, will be honored and remembered on the 40th day of her passing away with celebration of masses and testimonial program today.

Leading the observance at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite is its president, Conrad Benitez and wife Ruby at 10 a.m. where the marker of the late Benitez who was the Orchard’s first chairperson will be unveiled.

The mass to be led by Rev. Fathers Paul Marquez and Alan Ibanez will follow, after which the testimonial will start with Sta. Lucia Land Inc. chairman Vicente Santos as the first speaker.

Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla and Mayor Elpidio Barzaga of Dasmarinas City will give their testimonies. Similarly slated to speak are Encarnacion Raralio, president, Imus Institute of Science and Technology; Amelia Alonzo, president, Sparks Phils.; Susan Guinea, president, Phil. Home Economics Association and Dr. Leanne Zuniega of the Orchard Ladies Association.

The colleagues of Tita Helen in women’s causes will give their testimonies led by Dr. Nona Ricafort, president, All Nations Women’s Group; Justice Aurora Recina, former chairperson, Commission on Human Rights and Dr. Leonida Ortiz, president, National Council of Women of the Philippines.

To speak on behalf of the Tirona family is Edgardo Tirona, while Dr. Amelou Reyes, president of Friends of GSP Foundation will give the closing remarks. The intermission numbers will be provided by Prof. Harold Galang of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Mer John Lagaya.

A mass will be offered at MiraNila, the Benitez’ ancestral house, declared a Heritage House in Mariposa, Quezon City. The program will be participated by the Benitez clan.

The Philippine Women’s University where Sen. Benitez once served as president and board chairperson will sponsor a memorial mass organized by its president, Dr. Jose Francisco Benitez who will deliver the eulogy at 12 noon.

On Aug. 24, a mass will be held at St. Malachy’s Church, the Actor’s chapel in Broadway ave., New York City to be con- celebrated by Msgr. Oscar Aquino and Fr. Erno Diaz, former chaplain of PWU and director of the Filipino Apostolate in New York City, USA.