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FEATI Founder’s Day: VLA remembered
The younger generation of FEATInians might be wondering what “VLA” stands for and what it has to do with studying in FEATI. But for those who have been around, VLA was and is a force that draws a myriad of emotions. It’s as if she never left…
VLA is Doña Victoria Lopez de Araneta, the woman whose driven and emphatic nature created FEATI University in 1946 together with her equally visionary husband Don Salvador Araneta. Yearly tributes to the legacy of VLA continue in FEATI University, from grandiose 100th commemorative birthday celebration in 2007 to more intimate and simple commemorations – ways which aptly fit the many facets of this woman who was bigger than life itself.
On March 6, 2010, the FEATI Community held a simple commemorative birthday mass celebration which highlighted VLA as a woman, boss and FEATI founder. Former FEATI President and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Felisberto G.L. Reyes and his wife were guests of honor.
Armando San Juan, a FEATI alumnus who has been working in FEATI for more than 30 years, shared that VLA was “good natured yet very strict. She was so demanding yet she was humble and compassionate.” San Juan recalled an incident where his fellow officemate, a fellow named Mr. James, resigned after he was caught shaving at his desk during office hours. He was quick to say that though VLA seemed intimidating, students did not hesitate to approach her because she always had ready smiles for them and would call them “my boys and my girls.”
Delia Maramot, a FEATI working student and alumna, who went on to teach in the University when VLA was President, said that VLA was fashionable and presentable all the time. She always wore skirts and expected her female staff to do the same. Maramot added that to this day she has retained this manner of dress that she emulated from VLA, especially when going to FEATI or other important activities. Attesting to San Juan’s testimony of VLA being intimidating, she recalled an incident where a fellow teacher hurriedly put on her uniform over her street clothes in front of her class when she saw VLA going about her morning routine of checking on classes. Maramot shared that VLA was a stickler for wearing uniforms properly and for following the school rules and regulations. She said that “If Doña Victoria visited the University today, she would be very happy to see that our students are now wearing uniforms.”
Both San Juan and Maramot depicted a woman who led by example causing many to be intimidated by her but also endearing herself to most of them. Through the eyes of San Juan and Maramot, the new generation of FEATInians caught a glimpse of a woman whose apparent love for FEATI University and whose passion for the mission of educating the youth are now part of a glorious chapter in history of the University. (KAL)
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