The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) mourned the passing of its trustee, Lourdes “Inday” Maestrado La Viña, who succumbed to pneumonia last Oct. 4. She was 90.
La Viña is the mother of prominent lawyer Antonio La Viña, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government.
She was the first woman councilor of Cagayan de Oro City and participated actively in the anti-Marcos dictatorship struggle, his son said in a Facebook post.
The NMP described her as an admired figure in Mindanao, particularly in her hometown, with distinguished contributions in politics, culture, and public service. She was appointed as a Trustee of the National Museum of the Philippines by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on February 20, 2018.
"The National Museum is honored to have been associated with Mrs. La Viña in her last years and to be able to count her among its roster of Trustees, dedicated and committed as she was to the welfare and progress of the institution and to the preservation and promotion of the national patrimony for the benefit of the Filipino people. Her advocacies and concerns will continue to be pursued and addressed by many like-minded persons connected with this institution,” the NMP said.
Although she tested negative for COVID-19, the family said they are taking precautions, hence, there will only be a private funeral for her burial Tuesday.
“My siblings and I have agreed that when the pandemic is over, we will do a public memorial to honor Mom and the life she lived,” Atty. La Viña said.