Dominican visionary, educational reformist Fr. Rogelio Alarcon; 87

MANILA, Philippines — “Jesus wants us to help one another. We are encouraged by the Bible to do the best we can. It says, ‘Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect.’ What is that? That is mastery. The values [we emphasize] are different [from others]. We emphasize love of God, love of country and love of neighbor very much” —Rev. Fr. Rogelio B. Alarcon O.P.

Fr. Alarcon, the first Filipino Dominican Prior Provincial, was called back to the house of the Father on Saturday, May 17.

According to a statement released by close relatives, the 87-year-old preacher passed away peacefully.

He is known for having been an educational reformist as part of his ministry as a Dominican. He served in various schools: Colegio San Juan de Letran, Aquinas University (now UST-Legazpi), Aquinas School and Dominican College in San Juan City and Siena College in Quezon City.

Recognized for being the “Father of the Non-Graded System of Learning in the Philippines,” Fr. Alarcon founded Angelicum School (now UST Angelicum College) in 1972, which broke away from the traditional framework of education. Three decades later, he founded Seibo College in 2002, an institution that continues to carry on his vision for an alternative system of education.

Humility, dedication

Once highest in the ranks of the Filipino Dominican Order, Fr. Alarcon lived a life of humility, dedicating himself to the educational needs of many as the essential goal of his ministry. For this reason, he served as a missionary in foreign countries such as Ethiopia and even Iran, during the time of its civil war.

Fondly known as Father Roger or Lolo Father, he is lovingly remembered by his remaining sister, Milagros B. Alarcon, FMM; four nieces and nephews; 10 grandnieces and nephews; 11 great grandnieces and nephews; as well as all his spiritually-adopted “children and grandchildren” to whom he ministered and devoted his whole life.

His wake is being held at the ground floor of Sto. Domingo Parish Hall, next to the convent area of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila. A daily 6 a.m. Mass will be celebrated until May 20 with his funeral Mass scheduled at 9 a.m. the next day. Interment will be at Santuario de Santo Domingo.

His family is inviting everyone who wishes to join them in celebrating the life of Fr. Alarcon. /cb