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The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is saddened by the death of their beloved founder, Maria Teresita Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco. She was 93

In a statement posted on the Facebook page of PAWS, the whole organization paid tribute to their dear Tata for all her contributions to animal welfare.

The post reads, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founder Maria Teresita Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, fondly known as Tata to all who knew her.

“Tata founded The Philippine Animal Welfare Society 66 years ago and is considered the mother of animal welfare in the Philippines. Countless rescued animals owe their lives to her and countless more are happy to meet her at the Rainbow Bridge as they cross over to a better forever.

“We and the animals of PAWS love you and will miss you, Tata. Till we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge."

Meanwhile, Kapuso hunk Luis Hontiveros also took to Instagram to celebrate the wonderful life of their Lola Tata.

In one of his Instagram Stories, he expressed how much this news broke his heart.

“2020 couldn't be any worse. But I am glad you're at peace now. Rest easy Lola Tata!”

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros also took to Instagram to pay tribute to an incredible woman and dear family member as well.

Tata Hontiveros-Lichauco is the eldest sister of Senator Risa and broadcaster Pia Hontiveros's father, while Luis Hontiveros is the nephew of Risa and Pia.

For her part, newscaster Pia Hontiveros shares on social media her best memories with her tita Nita.

Pia even remembered how their lovely Tata would text them just to say how proud she was with them.

In a somber mood, the respected broadcaster says, “A gifted musician, the movie-star glamorous, classy and quintessential “Tita” everyone wanted, who never said a harsh thing about anyone, who would text to say how proud she was of us all, whose memories of her are so intertwined with my growing up years in our clan.

“What I would give to be a little girl again just to have Tata back.”

View this post on Instagram

Maria Teresita Pardo Hontiveros-Lichauco. Tita Nita. But she was “Tata” To us. 11 August 1927 - 11 October 2020. Widow of Atty Alejandro “Ding” Lichauco. Dad's older sister - the last of 10'siblings to go to heaven. A second mom to all 35 of us Hontiveros first cousins. A champion for the animals; founder of @pawsphilippines. A gifted musician, the movie-star glamorous, classy and quintessential “Tita” everyone wanted, who never said a harsh thing about anyone, who would text to say how proud she was of us all, whose memories of her are so intertwined with my growing up years in our clan. What I would give to be a little girl again just to have Tata back.

A post shared by Pia Hontiveros (@piahontiverospagkalinawan) on Oct 11, 2020 at 5:51am PDT

Some of the biggest celebrity supporters of PAWS are Queen of Creative Collaboration Heart Evangelista and Carla Abellana, to name a few.

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