02 September 2016 — A memorial mass and tribute for Senator Helena Z. Benitez was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in coordination with Fr. Erno Diaz at St. Malachy Church on August 24 in commemoration of the 40th day of Senator Benitez’s passing.
The mass, concelebrated by Fr. Diaz, former chaplain of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) and director of the Philippine apostolate in New York, and Msgr. Oscar Aquino, was attended by members of the Benitez family led by the Senator’s niece, Leila Benitez-MacCollum, friends of the Benitez family, members of the PWU Alumni Association, and New York-based alumni of the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company. Senator Benitez founded the Bayanihan Dance Company.
Senator Benitez was close to many Filipinos in New York. She was the recipient of the Filipino Apostolate Award in 2003 and shared the vision of many Filipinos in New York to have a Catholic Center for Filipinos in the United States.
She was also instrumental in the establishment of a Philippine Pastoral Center, which opened in East 62nd Street in 1998. The Pastoral Center was a former convent offered by the late Cardinal O’Connor. For seven years, the Center became a hub in the promotion of Philippine culture by hosting performers, artists, and cultural groups, as well as for extending assistance to Filipino nationals in distress. Both were advocacies of Dr. Benitez.
In his opening remarks, Philippine Consul General to New York Mario L. de Leon Jr. cited the many “firsts” in Dr. Benitez’s records: she became the first Filipina and the first woman President of the Governing Council of the UN Environment Programme; the first Filipina to hold the position of Chair of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (now UN Women); the first Filipina and first woman member of the International Association of Universities; and the first Filipina to be conferred the Presidential Award of the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu, bestowed by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1998.
“Dr. Helena Z Benitez’ legacy is felt in many fields: from the academe, to the legislature, to the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations and to the community through arts and culture. Her work transcends many spheres of influence, yet has been a testament to a notable dedication to excellence and service,” the Consul General said.
“Serving under seven Philippine Presidents, from Manuel L. Quezon to Ferdinand Marcos, she has remained true to the ideals that were close to her heart until the day of her passing,” he added.
In remembering Dr. Benitez, representatives from the Filipino community cited her numerous accomplishments in women empowerment, arts and culture, and the academe.
Ms. Cecile Quirino, who works at UN Women, related Dr. Benitez’ efforts and strong lobbying at the UN to advance women’s rights and development.
Ms. Inda Gage, an alumna of Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, paid tribute to Dr. Benitez’ love and passion for Philippine art and culture, which she propagated through Philippine folk dance in different parts of the world. “Tita Helen, as she was fondly called by many, had taken care of Bayanihan dancers like her own family,’ Ma Gage recalled.
Mr. Alex Esteban, President of the Philippine Women’s Alumni Association in New York, expressed his appreciation for her unconditional love to the University and its people.
A “Putungan” Dance performed by the Bayanihan members preceded the tribute.
Ms. Leila Benitez-MacCollum responded on behalf of the Benitez family and thanked the community for their thoughts and prayers for her aunt.
A simple salu-salo ended the evening, where a short video of Dr. Benitez was shown thanking the Filipino community during a Gala organized by the Filipino Apostolate in New York more than a decade ago. END
