(FEB. 5) —The longest serving Director of the Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) Dr. Lilia Arbues Torres, RGC, passed away on Feb. 1 due to complications from a lingering illness.

Torres is an alumna of the UP College of Education Counselor Education Area. She was one of the leaders in guidance and counseling when the profession was still gaining its footing and acceptance from the general public for its relevance, impact and significance.

Torres was OCG Director from 1983 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1996 — a total of 12 years — the longest of any OCG head. As director, she made the office known all over the campus by instituting relevant and responsive services to students.

She served as president of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association from 1990 to 1991, the accredited integrated professional association for guidance counselors by the Professional Regulation Commission. During her term, she was actively involved in the professionalization of guidance and counseling in the Philippines.

In an article by Roy Rosales in the “UP Newsletter” (1991), Torres was quoted as saying “we are here for the students, so they can have a place to run to when they need someone to understand and assist them in a professional way.”

Known affectionately as “Mam Lilia,” Guidance Services Specialists (GSS) who worked with Torres describe her as “an epitome of a leader who gives each GSS or staff a chance to shine and to become the best version of themselves as always.”

“She wants all GSS to be always presentable for a meeting within or outside the university. She always tags along with her a GSS in her meetings so they will also be known and trained as a guidance leader,” they said.

In their announcement, the OCG staff thanked Torres for her guidance and leadership: “You are surely loved and missed Mam Lilia! Rest now in the loving arms of God. Thank you for all that has been.”

A virtual memorial service will be held on Feb. 5, 5 p.m. via Zoom while the wake was held from Feb. 4 to 5 at St. Peter Chapels Commonwealth. She will be interred on Feb. 6 at Himlayang Pilipino.

Torres is survived by her husband and children.