Former dean of UP Asian Center dies due to pneumonia, COVID-19

The former dean of the University of the Philippines Asian Center passed away on Saturday due to pneumonia caused by COVID-19.

Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera died early Saturday, a relative confirmed to GMA News' Howie Severino.

UP Diliman also issued a statement and said Dr. Baviera passed away at 3:55 a.m. in San Lazaro Hospital.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera, Professor and former Dean of the UP Asian Center and one of the country's foremost sinologists, passed away today, March 21, 2020, 3:55 a.m. at San Lazaro Hospital from severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19," the bulletin read.

Dr. Baviera was an international scholar and China expert. —KG, GMA News