By Cyrus A. Natividad
Bonifacion V. Eslaban (May 20, 1928 – October 17, 2023). Photo courtesy of Filamer Christian University.
On October 17, 2023, Bonifacio Veto Eslaban died at the age of 95. A dedicated alumnus of Central Philippine University, where he obtained his BSC in Accounting in 1955, Eslaban’s life was marked by a profound commitment to Christian service in various roles. His contributions were numerous, and they touched many lives. Eslaban held significant positions throughout his life, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Filamer Christian University in Roxas City from 2002 to 2003 and Chairman of the Finance Committee at the same institution from 1995 to 2000. He also served as the President of the Capiz Provincial Medical Care Council, overseeing 13 hospitals in Capiz, both government and private, from 1975 to 1980. Additionally, Eslaban was a Member of the Board of Directors at Iloilo Mission Hospital from 1986 to 2005, a Member of the Finance Committee at the same hospital from 1997 to 2003, and a member of the IMH Corporation up to the time of his death. His dedication extended to Central Philippine University, where he served as a member of the CPU Corporation for several terms, from 1964 up to the time that he died.
Born in Dao, Capiz, on May 20, 1928, to his parents Pedro and Carmen Eslaban (both of whom have since passed), Bonifacio Eslaban left behind a legacy that lives on through his two sons, Jerry and Francis. Both Jerry and Francis were students at CPU, with Francis pursuing a degree in Agriculture and Jerry completing a degree in Electrical Engineering. Eslaban’s only daughter, Amelita Eslaban-Radam, followed in her father’s footsteps, earning a degree in Nursing at West Negros College before achieving her Doctor of Medicine at South Western University.
Eslaban furthered his education with Post Graduate Studies in Hospital Administration at the University of the Philippines Manila. His career saw him in roles such as Secretary and Treasurer at Dao Facoma, Inc., and in service to the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches as Treasurer. Additionally, he served as Administrator at Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and later took on the roles of Business Manager and Chief of the Accounting Department.
Eslaban’s dedication and contributions did not go unnoticed. He received honors and awards for his service, becoming a Regular Member of the Philippine College of Hospital Administrators in 1972 and attaining the distinction of Fellow Member in 1976. Bonifacio Veto Eslaban’s life serves as an inspiring example of Christian service and dedication to others, leaving behind a lasting legacy of selflessness and compassion.