The legacy of the Godly woman
In the early 70s when Dr. Florencia R. Baban was an English literature-drama teacher at Central Philippine University, the beauteous Florence was the epitome of learning of students, faculty members and the community of CPU institution. For Dr. Baban was not only an effective teacher-lecturer but also a newspaper columnist and writer, Bible teacher and charismatic preacher.
Her students today are heads of schools around the country and abroad, English supervisors, drama instructors and classroom English mentors, and many are business executives. After retiring from CPU in the early 80s, Dr. Baban was always sought for as bible study teacher, preacher and lecturer in educational gatherings and charismatic-pentecostal sessions. A well-traveled woman, she lived in Switzerland with her son Roy, visited France, Germany and other European cities. When she lived in Virginia, USA, Mrs. Baban conducted bible study and lecture in American audiences where son Bobong resided. A very articulate English speaker, Mrs. Baban lectured and preached in Pentecostal and charismatic gatherings at Amigo Terrace Hotel and church meetings in the city and drew many believers. Gifted with God’s healing power, she laid hands on sick people during religious meetings and many were healed. Having finished courses in music and bible at Silliman University, Dumaguete, Dr. Baban could not cope up with many invitations from schools, churches and religious gatherings.
She taught at CPU high school and at the College of Arts and Sciences and later English literature and drama for 25 years and her accolade earned for her many prestigious awards and citations not only in the field of teaching but also in creative writing. She finished BSE, AB English and Doctor of Education at CPU and Master in Creative Writing at Silliman University. While teaching English and drama at CPU, she had a regular column in a local newspaper and her mastery in writing earned for her favorable comments from fellow teachers, readers and journalists.
An articulate English lecturer and speaker, Dr. Baban served for a while as preacher of God’s Power Fellowship held at Amigo Terrace Hotel and conducted bible study at NSO personnel and other government employees. Happily married to the late law professor, political science teacher, seasoned debater and law practitioner, Atty. Nicolas P. Baban with whom they raised five successful children, Dr. Eugenio Baban, a successful dermatologist in New York, Mrs. Gladys Cordero professor in English, literature, speech and drama at the West Visayas State University, Dr. Roy Clyde Nicolas, economic and legal consultant of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the US. Roy is also an accomplished and famous lawyer, Urduja B. Santos, a furniture executive in Cebu City and an active leader of the Maranata Cebu City Church, and Maharlika (Bobong) who served for 5 years in the U.S. Air Force assigned in England and presently serving as fire fighter crew in Virginia, USA.
Dr. Florencia R. Baban will long be remembered by students, teachers, church goers and businessmen and executives who tutored them in English, literature, drama and creative writing including God’s words who are now stationed in various key places of the world, in educational institutions and business entities and are grateful for their teacher Florencia for the knowledge they acquired from her and effectively using it in their career and profession. Ma’am Baban to her legion of students, teachers, friends and church goers intimately called her, passed away in peace of God at the rope age of 93 and her legacy in teaching, drama, writing, and preaching and loving-caring mother will long instill in the minds and hearts of men and women who she moulded to become useful citizens and faithful God’s children. God bless mightily this great woman of faith and integrity.
