MARIA
MINA LUZ MATABAN LIM
Distinguished
Leader in Corporate World
Maria Mina
Luz Mataban Lim is a distinguished leader in the corporate world.
Starting
from the bottom of the corporate hierarchy, Mina steadily worked her way up at
Oracle Philippines, a very successful multinational company in the Philippines
providing leading edge technologies to key government agencies. Through
resilience and continuous learning, she embraced challenges as stepping stones
to success.
Her
dedication led her to the highest position of Country Managing Director of
Oracle Philippines, a role she held for a decade until her recent retirement.
Under her
leadership, Oracle Philippines was hailed as the Best Performing Country in
Software Business in 2013.
In 2015, she
was invited to be a presenter/speaker in the Asia CEO Women’s Summit. In a
male-dominated industry, she shattered gender barriers, leaving behind a legacy
of integrity and leadership.
DR. AMADO
M. LAYOG
Doctor to
the Barrios
Dr. Amado M.
Layog was a compassionate and dedicated physician who devoted his life to
serving his community. Renowned for his kindness and humility, he was a trusted
figure in Bayambang, saving countless lives with his quick response, expertise,
and genuine concern for his patients.
As the
town’s medical officer in the 1960s, he prioritized serving the
underprivileged, making house calls even after retirement. His role at the
puericulture center (now RHU 1) was crucial in ensuring the health of pregnant
women and newborns, bringing many healthy children into the world. His gentle
nature and warm approach earned the trust of children and adults alike, making
him a beloved doctor in the community, especially to the poor residents in
far-flung barrios at a time when public transport over unpaved roads was
limited to horse-drawn karitelas.
Beyond
medicine, Dr. Layog was a respected leader, often invited to chair events and
speak on important issues. His unwavering dedication was evident in his
willingness to work tirelessly. His selfless service, leadership, and faith
left an indelible mark on the lives he touched. He remains deeply cherished by
those who knew him, embodying the true spirit of service and compassion.
AGNES C.
BRILLANTE-SANTOS
Accomplished
Banker and Philanthropist
Agnes C.
Brillante-Santos, a Certified Public Accountant and accomplished banker, has
demonstrated excellence in her profession and philanthropy. A proud daughter of
Bayambang, she excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian in grade
school and salutatorian in high school. She pursued degrees in Business
Administration and Accountancy at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and
furthered her studies in Finance and Economics at the Institute of Canadian
Bankers.
Her career
began at Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. before transitioning into banking. She
worked and trained in local and international banks, including Bank of
California, Bank of Nova Scotia, ING Bank, and Banco Santander (now BDO Private
Bank). She retired as First Vice President of Financial Control after gaining
extensive experience in audit, accounting, finance, and IT administration.
Beyond her
corporate success, she has dedicated herself to social causes. She initiated
annual medical missions, collaborating with local and international
specialists. During the pandemic, she led the BAIPHIL SPC Team Handog Pag-asa
Committee to aid marginalized communities. She continues to spearhead projects
such as providing digital learning tools to public schools and conducting
financial literacy seminars.
DR.
ERNESTO TRINIDAD MATABAN
A
Dedicated Medical Pioneer
Dr. Ernesto
Trinidad Mataban was a highly respected physician whose contributions
significantly improved healthcare in Pangasinan. Born in Bayambang, he pursued
his early education at West Central School and Orient College in Dagupan City
before taking up an Associate in Arts at Letran College as a preparatory course
for medical school. He later earned his medical degree from Far Eastern
University College of Medicine.
His medical
career began as a resident physician at Pangasinan Medical Center and later at
Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, where he specialized in the Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat
(EENT) Department. His expertise led him to the Regional Medical Center in
Dagupan City, where he served as Medical Specialist III and eventually became
Head of the EENT Department. To further enhance his skills, he underwent
training at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila.
One of his
most notable achievements was organizing and becoming the first director of
Bayambang District Hospital, ensuring quality medical services for his
community. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the
healthcare system. Dr. Mataban’s legacy continues to inspire future medical
professionals, embodying the values of service, perseverance, and excellence in
medicine.
REV.
MSGR. ORLANDO C. SABANGAN, PC
A
Lifetime of Faith and Service
Rev. Msgr.
Orlando C. Sabangan, PC, dedicated his life to serving God and the Catholic
faithful. Born on December 21, 1941, in Langiran, Bayambang, Pangasinan, he was
raised in a devout family that nurtured his strong faith. His seminary years
prepared him for a lifelong vocation in the priesthood.
His ministry
began as an assistant parish priest in San Carlos and Dagupan City before he
became a parish priest in various towns. Known for his compassion and
leadership, he strengthened faith communities and fostered deeper connections
between clergy and laity. He also took on key roles in the Archdiocese of
Lingayen-Dagupan, serving as Vicar General, Rector of College Seminary, and
Chairman of the Archdiocesan Commission on Christian Education & Formation.
In 1995,
Pope John Paul II honored him with the title of Papal Chaplain. Though he
officially retired in 2006, he continues to provide spiritual guidance as a
guest priest and confessor. His legacy of faith, humility, and service remains
a beacon of inspiration in the Catholic Church.
LEOVIGILDO
'LEO' MIGUEL GIRON
Escrima
Master; Father of
Largo Mano in America
Leovigildo
"Leo" Miguel Giron, a native of Brgy. Hermoza, was a revered escrima
grandmaster recognized as a legend in the United States. Born on August 20,
1911, he trained in Filipino martial arts from an early age, later refining his
skills both as a guerrilla fighter and martial arts instructor.
During World
War II, Giron returned to the Philippines as part of a top-secret
counterintelligence unit under the US-Filipino defense forces. His experiences
in combat and military training deepened his mastery of escrima, particularly
the largo mano or "long hand" technique for long-range fighting.
After the
war, he settled in California, where rising crime rates and violent incidents reignited
his passion for self-defense. In 1968, he established an escrima school and
eventually founded the Bahala Na Filipino Martial Arts Club. He became widely
recognized as the "Father of Largo Mano in America."
Beyond
martial arts, Giron was also a labor rights advocate, working alongside
activist Larry Itliong to fight for equal labor rights for Filipino and
immigrant workers in the U.S. His legacy continues to inspire generations in
both martial arts and social justice.
