By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Evangelica Diesto-Padernilla (seated) with friends from CPU University Church and Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC).
Dr. Padernilla, “Manay Vangie” to friends and family celebrated her 91st Birthday on July 28, 2019 at the CPU Educational Media Center. Speaking at the podium on her birthday, Manay Vangie emphasized the love and faithfulness of the Lord who gave her everything she enjoyed. She enumerated the blessings she received. Among them is the Doctor of Pedagogy, honoris causa, and the Distinguished Centralian Award in Educational Management which was awarded to her by Central Philippine University – in recognition of her outstanding achievements as an educator and academic administrator.
Dr. Padernilla thanked God for the long life and strength He gave her. She recounted her student days, her scholastic and co-curricular achievements in school. She was an athlete, choir member, dramatist, zarzuela lead artist, declaimer, Gospel Team member, and officer of various campus organizations. It was at CPU where she completed her Elementary Teacher’s Certificate (with honors), Bachelor of Science in Education, and Master of Arts in Education. She also earned units leading to Doctor of Education degree from CPU.
She started serving CPU as a classroom teacher and became school principal of the University Elementary School. Her exemplary performance resulted in the conferment of numerous citations to her by various local, national, and international organizations. Among others, she was recognized as distinguished alumna of the CPU College of Education; finalist in the Ten Outstanding Women Professionals Awards; Gintong Sikat Awardee as Outstanding Educator; Golden Heart Service Award as Outstanding Educator and Church Leader; Dakilang Ilaw ng Tahanan Award Year 2000.
Dr. Padernilla poses for a photo before her birthday celebration.
Her church-related efforts earned her many certificates and plaques of appreciation from the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. She was a delegate and participant in various trainings and conferences here and abroad. Her involvement in social action groups and religious organizations made positive influence in the lives of Ilonggos. She has authored several books, articles in education. She is a member of the CPU Corporation for many year up to the present.
The presence of her family, relatives and friends; alumni and members of the CPU Board of Trustees, CPUAAI Board and CPU Corporation justified the importance of her celebration. Manay Vangie was given tributes by some of the guests. In return she gave them a moment to have their photos taken with her. Everyone was entertained by music of the Centralian singing group called ‘Tulihaw’. A sumptuous dinner followed as the night continued to bring together Centralians and friends of Manay Vangie.
Dr. Padernilla was married to the late Godofredo C. Padernilla and they were blessed with four children, all Centralians, (1) Fredgel, (deceased) married to Imelda Donguines Espiritu (2) Godfred, married to Agnes Sanches; (3) Ramsay, married to Arlene Porras (4) Dr. Anabel Joy, married to Jose Romel Aragona Sajo.