The UP Diliman (UPD) College of Home Economics (CHE) mourns the passing of Abegail S. Machica on March 15. She was 46.

Fondly known as “Abby,” she assisted in various creative works of the five CHE departments. Machica also designed publication materials and stationery such as letterheads, Tea Room menu folders, and business cards.  

She first served the University as a project assistant under the CHE Office of the Dean in January 2015 during the term of Dean Aurorita T. Roldan. She received her original appointment as draftsman III in March 2018 under the CHE Building and Maintenance Section.

Machica actively volunteered in various activities of the All-UP Workers Union as a creative support staff. She was also part of the secretariat for the Search for the UPD chancellor during the second term of Chancellor Michael L. Tan. 

In 2019, Machica was recognized as the “2018 Natatanging Kawani ng College of Home Economics: Ayon sa Kahusayan sa Gawain at Serbisyo, hanay ng SG 11-20.”

Prior to her service in UP, she had engagements in various private companies as media and creative artist. She was an associate art director of Solid Ink Media Specialists until 2005. Machica obtained her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with specialization in computer applications from De La Salle University in 1997.

Roldan remembered her as being gentle in speech, kind-hearted, with a creative mind, and skillful hands. She considered Abby one of her most cherished administrative support staff in the Office of the Dean, delivering her tasks excellently and promptly, even on short notice.

“She will be very much missed. Her unwavering support and care, she continued to give even after my retirement,” Roldan said.

Current CHE dean Shirley V. Guevarra described Machica as soft-spoken, shy, and known for her calm disposition. She considered Machica a talented and creative person who readily helped set up the new safety protocols in the college at the onset of the pandemic through the signs, foot marks, and posters that she created. 

To her friends and colleagues in the CHE, Machica was a true friend.

Mikee Orcena, an administrative staff member of the Department of Family Life and Child Development remembered Machica most for her patience and care, reflected in her treatment of people, and her personal belongings.

“Fly high. Mamiss ka namin. Thank you po ulit sa mga panggugulo ko sayo, paghiram ng highlighter, stapler, at kung anu-ano pa. Na almost gamit mo ay kulay green at sobrang pagkakaingatan mo. Sa mga fountain pens mo at kung gaano ka kaganda sumulat. Ang mga gawa mo tulad ng ID at iba pa, naalala kita. Salamat po sa simple acts of care po and being part of my journey sa pagwowork ko,” Orcena said.

The CHE faculty, staff, and students will forever value the legacy and dedicated service of Abegail to the College.       

Machica leaves behind her father Ramon, mother Estela, sister Marion, brother-in-law Christopher, nephews Marc and Mathew, and niece Ariz.