Nicolás Escario

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Escario

NICOLAS GANDIONGCO ESCARIO was born on December 6, 1898 in the town of Bantayan, Cebu to devout Catholic parents Gregorio Escario and Victoria Gandiongco. He was fondly called by his friends Coling, which typified his friendliness, talents and intelligence: all made possible by his parents' untiring efforts to teach him the virtues of humility, honesty, sincerity, and hard work.

He started his elementary education in the Seminario de San Carlos but transferred later to Ateneo de Manila where, excelling in academics as well as in sports, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with flying colors. As a top caliber athlete, he played with the Ateneo Indoor Baseball Team (1916) and the Ateneo Blue Eagles (1917) which respectively won their championship trophies.

Moreover, he continued his study at the University of Sto. Tomas, where he graduated from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1924. He first practiced his profession at Southern Island Hospital (now Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital) as a senior resident physician from 1924-1928 while teaching at the hospital's school of nursing at the same time. After a couple of years, he decided to resign and started to organize the Cebu General Clinic, which the Cebu Government purchased later and renamed it Cebu Children's Hospital.

His profession brought him to San Carlos, Negros Occidental where he established a clinic. He served also as a resident physician of Central Azucarera de Danao, Talisay, Negros Occidental. His stay on the place rewarded him the lady of his dreams, Senorita Socorro Lizares, a beautiful daughter of a very influential landed family, to whom he bound himself in holy matrimony.

They were blessed with three children: Gregorio, Nicolas Jr., and Maria Socorro.

With his deep humanitarian concern and desire to help the poor, he brought himself into the political arena. He was appointed Mayor of Cebu City during the post-war era by the late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr.

Politics was not an easy decision for him as he was met with protests by his wife, who unfortunately was taken to the hospital for a mild stroke treatment at that cause. They often found themselves quarreling as she objected to his political career. Until they reached a compromise - he would see his political constituents and guests only in his office and not at home.

While he was the mayor, it was found out that the city coffers were empty, thus nothing to pay for the services rendered by teachers, policemen and others. But Dr. Nicolas voluntarily gave P10,000 from the family funds for their salaries. While as congressman, he warned his children that he would not interfere if they be caught in any traffic violation.

"lf you give do not expect anything in return." - By this philosophy he founded his service to humanity: as a mayor of Cebu City and as a congressman in the 7th district for two consecutive terms.

As a politician he was firm and steadfast in his belief of promoting what is good and what is best. He discriminated no one, and even supported good legislators from parties aside from his - he wanted not to be an obstructionist. With this, in the hall of Congress he gained the respect of his colleagues as a statesman.

Through the prodding of Fidel Dagani, Amando Alcordo and Jose Cavan - all US trained engineers, Dr. Nicolas Escario established the Cebu Institute of Technology in 1946 as the first engineering and technological school in the south. He had not primarily organized it for profit, but founded the school to help the youth of the country. He wanted the youth to harness their potentials by providing them the chance to be trained and be prepared technologically.

True to his expectations, CIT's harvests are abundant and indeed the finest cream of the crop who have already conquered every corner of the world - managing industries and people. Its record in engineering board exam topnotchers is among the best in the country. Moreover, with his paternal concern, he was considered a father to both faculty and students. Truly he was a man of integrity, honesty and sincerity.

The toils, the strength and quiet dignity of the man, his great personal dream, his simple ways, his benevolence, were virtues that endeared him to all, comrade or foe. He was big of heart. The nobility of his being, whom God had endowed with so much endearing qualities, shall not be interred with his mortal remains but serve to inspire us in our lives. He was a devoted and an exemplary husband, father and big brother to his family and kin, described Atty. Inocentes B. Pepito.

Yet his day has come and the Lord has taken it away from him November 1, 1958. But his teachings about the good values in life have remained forever in us.

Bio by: Midori @ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180320055/nicolas-gandionco-esc...