Since its humble beginnings, the University of Baguio (UB) has continued to uphold a culture of academic excellence. Through the enduring legacy of its founders, UB continues to thrive into the current day, providing balanced, quality education at every level to students from all walks of life. Today, the university celebrates the life and times of its beloved patriarch, Dr. Fernando Bautista, commemorating decades of exceptional service and heart.
Tatay Fernando’s roots can be traced back to 1908 in Tondo, Manila. In his formative years, he worked as a bootblack to support his elementary and high school education, and while pursuing an elementary school teaching certificate, he worked as a plumber. He graduated in 1928 with honors and began to work in the academic sector as a model demonstration teacher while he took up night classes at the University of the Philippines. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in1034, and his Master’s in Education in 1936. After serving as an assistant principal at the Gregorio del Pilar Elementary School and the principal of Rizal Elementary School in Manila, he married Rosa Castillo in 1938, and together, they established the Baguio Technical and Commercial Institute – also known by the community as Baguio Tech.
This year marks the 117th birth anniversary of UB’s beloved Tatay, an occasion commemorated with a Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Most Rev. Rafael Cruz, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio City. Prior to the mass, Most Rev. Cruz, along with members of the Bautista family, visited the Founder’s Garden, where they offered prayers, placed flowers, and bestowed blessings in honor of the late founder.
Following a welcoming presentation featuring the UB UBBUK Cultural Dance Troupe and the ringing of the victory bell with UB President Engr. Javier Herminio Bautista and Dr. Virgilio Bautista, the ceremony was moved to the Cardinals Gym. Accompanied by music and hymns courtesy of the UB Voices Chorale, the mass formally began.
During his homily, Most Rev. Rafael paid tribute to Tatay Fernando’s incredible journey om building an institution that is able to serve and uplift the community; he enjoined the Bautista Family, their friends, and the staff and students of the university to continue praying for them, as they are surely also praying for and watching over the community.
The beautiful tribute to the late founder was filled with heart and a profound understanding of the life that Tatay Fernando had led during his time. Most Rev. Rafael highlighted his role as an upstanding citizen of the community, shaping the futures of hundreds and thousands of students alongside his wife Nanay Rosa Bautista and giving back to the community that had embraced them wholeheartedly.
After the mass concluded, the esteemed guests enjoyed a pleasant luncheon at the university Centennial Hall. The noontime meal served as a formal end to the day’s celebration, a period allowing family and friends to congregate over a good meal, reminiscing over good memories and making new ones for the future.
Tatay Fernando’s legacy and spirit continue to live on not just through his family but in the members of the faculty and staff who continue to dedicate their time and efforts to ensuring that the students receive a good education through the university. His life as a dedicated educator continues to inspire generations of young minds from all over the country and the world. As the University of Baguio continues onward into the future, it carries on the legacy of its beloved founders, honoring the memory of Tatay Fernando and Nanay Rosa through academic excellence and community service.
