Papal Awardee joins Creator

Ernesto Evangelista, Sr., or known to many as Kuya Ernie who was one of Davao’s Papal Awardees in 2009 during the Archdiocese of Davao’s Diamond Jubilee has joined the Creator last July 31. He was 72.

Evangelista founded the St. John Paul II College of Davao in year 2000.

A sales and direct marketing professional, he founded the school which was formerly Philippine College of Innovative Education and renamed it after the beloved saint, John Paul II whose relics have visited the school in different instances.

To him, founding the school is his way to fulfill his God-given mission, especially in helping the marginalized.

His mission still continues despite fighting liver cancer for three years and now God has called him to join in His kingdom.

“Today, we lost a leader — the School President who always checked on how service providers actually deliver the goods to our clients. He was an excellent listener. He never lost his concern for his employees, teachers and students. When he meets you, he will remember you and the pride you give to the school. We will always remember how he would want the best that he could offer,” the school’s Facebook page posted on the day of Ernesto Evangelista’s passing.

“We are heartbroken with Sir Ernie’s passing but we trust the will of God. Despite the grief, we are comforted that Sir Ernie is now home with his Creator,” it added.

President Rodrigo Duterte who called Evangelista as his friend, paid a visit during the wake last August 2 at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels.

A funeral mass was officiated by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles wherein he recounted the beautiful stories told about Evangelista and the friendship he had with the clergy of Davao.

“We thank the Lord for the Ernie that we come to know,” the archbishop said adding that he has made an impact to the people of the Archdiocese of Davao being the supporter of the clergy.

Evangelista’s remains were interred at the Davao Memorial Park, August 7.