The University paid a special tribute to a member of the clan of founders of UNO-R, a former administrator, a former President of the Blue and Gold Alumni Association, Inc., and the sole lay member of the UNO-R, Inc. Board of Trustees – Atty. Jose Maria Kilayko (who succumbed to liver cancer on February 15, 2009) – after the celebration of the Holy Mass on February 17 at the Rolling Hills Memorial Chapel, Mandalagan, Bacolod City. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Sixto M. Bitangjol, OAR with Fr. Antonio S. Limchaypo, OAR as the homilist and with Msgr. Victorino Rivas, Fr. Jay Parilla, OAR, Fr. Excel Saycon, OAR, and Fr. Jesmar Manato as concelebrants.
At the tribute, former Grade School Principal and Dean of Student Affairs who is now the Chairman of the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA) Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter, Miss Gloria Tajanlangit, spoke of Atty. Kilayko’s contributions not only to UNO-R but also to the PMHA. Miss Tajanlangit highlighted the sense of dedication and support that Atty. Kilayko has given to the association.
(Bottom-right:) Atty. Josa Maria Kilayco with UNO-R Board of Trustees.
On the other hand, Atty. Mateo Valenzuela, President of the Blue and Gold Alumni Association, Inc., recalled the precious moments that the association has shared with Atty. Kilayko. Fr. Bitangjol then read the letter of sympathy from the Provincial Chapter signed by Fr. Javier Guerra Ayala, OAR, Prior General, and Fr. Lauro Larlar, OAR, Prior Provincial. Fr. Bitangjol also talked about the contributions of Atty. Kilayko as member of the Board of Trustees.