Former CSC chief David passes away, tributes pour in
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Wed, 08 May 2019 10:09:56 +0000
FORMER Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Karina Constantino-David died on Tuesday night. She was 73.
In a statement, David’s family announced her passing “with utmost grief.”
“Much of her life was spent serving the Filipino people in her work as professor, activist, community organizer, and public servant. She was a patriot in the true sense of the word,” the family said.
“As a professional, she was the epitome of discipline, intelligence and integrity; as a wife, mother, and grandmother, she was the perfect example of patience, selflessness and unconditional love,” they added.
“In lieu of flowers, the family requests for prayers for the repose of her soul,” they said.
Politicians, activists and historians paid tribute to David on social media.
Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez called David a “true exemplar” of public service, patriotism, and progressive values.
“Aaminin ko (I have to admit), you were one of the few people I was always deathly afraid of disappointing, dahil sobrang taas ng respeto ko sayo (Because I have a high respect for you),” he posted on Facebook. “But you never failed to challenge me to be, and to do, my best. Thank you for the trust, the guidance, and the support. You will be very greatly missed.”
“Special prayers for Karina and the David and Constantino families,” tweeted environmental policy expert and former Ateneo School of Government dean Tony La Viña.
“Ang sandali naman ng reunion ng favorite protest singers ko. Paalam Ma’am Karina,” historian and Manila Times columnist Xiao Chua wrote on Facebook.
David, along with Becky Demetillo, were the faces of the protest duo Inang Laya (Free Mother) in the 1990’s.
“Yesterday [Tuesday] was probably one of the saddest days of our lives,” said activist group Every Woman. “Yesterday, we lost a sister, a friend, a comrade, a mentor and so much more. Maraming maraming salamat para sa lahat Karina. EveryWoman will never be the same without you.”
“Paalam at maraming salamat Karina Constantino David sa maraming taong ginugol mo sa paglikha ng mapagpalayang sining,” (Farewell and thank you, Karina Constantino David, to the many years that you spent in the arts.) Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) vice president and artistic director Chris Millado wrote on Facebook.
“Inspirasyon ka ng maraming pangkulturang manggagawa tulad namin sa Tropang Bodabil at UP Peryante. Halimbawa ka sa iyong walang humpay na paglaban sa tiraniya, kurapsyon at pagyurak ng makataong karapatan. Uliran sa iyong serbisyo publiko bilang dating pinuno ng DSWD, Civil Service Commission at GSIS. Bukod sa lahat, mapagkalingang kasama at kaibigan sa mga artista, guro, at mga kawani ng gobyerno. Harinawa’y ipamana mo sa aming mga naiwan ang iyong katatagan at katapangan. Mabuhay ka!” (You are an inspiration in our cultural activism at the Tropang Bobadil and UP Peryante. You are an example in your fight against tyranny, corruption, and human rights abuses. You are an example to public service as an undersecretary at the DSWD, CSC, and GSIS. And you have been a friend to artists, teachers, and government officials. I hope you left a legacy of stability and courage.) REINA TOLENTINO, ARIC JOHN SY CUA
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