UP's Dr. Francisco Lukban has passed away due to COVID-19

University of the Philippines' Dr. Francisco Avelino Siy Lukban has passed away on March 25, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

UP Manila's Office of the Chancellor announced the unfortunate news on their social media accounts Sunday, as they mourn Dr. Lukban's passing.

"The members of the UP Community extend their condolences and sympathies to the family of Dr. Francisco Lukban, UP College of Medicine Class 1982, who passed away on March 25, 2020 due to COVID-19," the post read.

Maraming salamat at pagpupugay sa inyong katapangan at kahusayan, Dr. Francisco Lukban. pic.twitter.com/rnb0erwmWV

— University of the Philippines (@upsystem) March 29, 2020

The post recognized Dr. Lukban's achievements and remembered his time as a geriatric cardiologist, academician, husband, father and Filipino.

According to the post, Dr. Lukban had always wanted to serve his fellow Filipinos. He "was not afraid to die (like most UP doctors, he was active during Martial Law days) and would have loved to volunteer as a frontline physician in PGH in these trying times."

Dr. Lukban lived a full and happy life as a doctor, husband, father, and as a Filipino; always wanting to serve his fellowmen. Kiko was not afraid to die (like most UP doctors, he was active during Martial Law days) and would have loved to volunteer as a frontline physician in PGH in these trying times.

The full post read:

Dr. Lukban was a brilliant academician with a sharpness for details and eloquence for principled viewpoints matched  by a healthy respect for colleagues and others who he engaged with. Colleagues and trainees appreciated his fondness for bringing his discerning ideas and perspectives during discussions and encouraging critical thinking among his residents even on non-medical and non-scientific issues.

Kiko was very much loved by his elderly patients. He was a geriatric cardiologist who practiced holistic healing of patients, great mentor and trusted and loyal friend to many. He was a saxophone player.  Dr. Lukban lived a full and happy life as a doctor, husband, father, and as a Filipino; always wanting to serve his fellowmen. Kiko was not afraid to die (like most UP doctors, he was active during Martial Law days) and would have loved to volunteer as a frontline physician in PGH in these trying times.

He was most fulfilled by achievements of his children and the birth of his grand-son whom he absolutely adored. He is survived by his wife Dr. MArissal children Laureen and husband Marvyn, Claudine and leland and grandson Noah.

Twelve doctors have died due to COVID-19, according to Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) on Sunday.

On Sunday, the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines rose to 1,418, according to the Department of Health (DOH). — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News