by Steven Muncy, Executive Director
Lulu Pablo’s three-year battle with cancer ended in early February 2019, about six months before her 75th birthday. So, on this 27th day of July and all future, we will celebrate not just her special day, but her special life.
Lulu earned a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of the Philippines and was the Second Placer on the national licensure exam. She subsequently undertook graduate studies in social work at the Philippine Women’s University, followed by studies in social development in Canada. A firm believer in life-long learning, Lulu completed a wide variety of training courses, in person or online, well into her 70s.
Consistent with the expectations and ethics of her chosen profession, Lulu served as a trainer, supervisor, advisor, mentor, and inspiration to hundreds of social work students and professional social workers in the Philippines. Likewise, social workers from four continents—Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Highly accessible—face to face or via Skype—and ever supportive, she expected best effort and demanded top quality service.
Lulu held positions of great trust as well as responsibility in both public service and at CFSI. From direct service provider to project coordinator to senior management to Undersecretary and even Acting Secretary of the Philippine Government’s Department of Social Welfare and Development, Lulu gave of her best, not just some of the time, but all of the time. Much joy and lots of congratulatory messages, but no one really surprised when Lulu was named, in 2009, “Outstanding Professional in the Field of Social Work” by the Professional Regulatory Commission. This just one of many awards for this highly committed and extraordinarily capable social worker.
Far more concerned about making a positive difference in the lives of others than personally benefitting from the privileges and perks of power, Lulu was widely recognized and deeply appreciated for having her priorities right. She returned to CFSI immediately after her retirement from government service—as she had promised she would when appointed by the President of the Philippines thirteen years earlier—and humbly, but effectively, took on roles and responsibilities that not only suited her, but met the pressing needs of the Organization.
Always clear about what she liked to do and did not like to do, Lulu was quick to understand—and even quicker to act–when it was necessary to transcend her comfort zone. This included taking on leadership roles for international activities that pulled her away from her loved ones in Manila for long stretches of time. Her reach and impact in Viet Nam was no less great or appreciated than her reach and impact in the Philippines. When she passed away, there were tears shed in many countries and tributes received from various parts of the world.
I had the great privilege of knowing Lulu since August 1983. We worked closely together, either as colleagues in CFSI or across organizational boundaries, until her passing on 6 February 2019. Fortunately for me, in the process we developed a deep friendship that sustained me during the toughest of times and enabled each of us to explain the other to colleagues and associates. No easy task for her, but great fun for me.
The gift that was Lulu will continue to be appreciated by those well-known and those not known. And 27 July will remain an important date on the CFSI calendar. More importantly, the efforts and impact of this special life—well spent—will be seen and felt for many years to come. For that and much more, we give thanks and celebrate.