Former senator Helena Benitez passes away

Former senator and educator Helena Z. Benitez died on Thursday of natural causes, the Philippine Women's University (PWU) announced in its social media accounts.

Benitez was 102.

She was the chairwoman emeritus of PWU and the Philippine Women’s College of Davao, Inc.

Benitez blazed a trail for women leaders, educators and environment conservation and preservation.

She was born in Manila on June 27, 1914 to Conrado Benitez and Francisca Tirona-Benitez, who founded PWU in 1919.

Based on the Senate website, Benitez held several univeristy degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Education, Magna Cum Laude, Philippine Women’s University; and Master of Arts, George Washington University; Post Graduate Studies, University of Chicago and Iowa State College.

She was elected senator from 1968 to 1973. She has authored and co-authored laws on education, manpower and youth development, family, housing and environment.

"Her body lies in state at Chapel 2 of Heritage Park, Taguig City. A memorial mass will be held tonight at 8 p.m.," the university announced.

The cremated remains of Benitez will be brought to the PWU chapel on Friday for the 7 p.m. mass.

Viewing will continue until Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 9 a.m. onwards.

Her remains will be brought to the Senate building on July 19 before inurnment at the Mira Nila Chapel in Quezon City.

PWU also announced that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be forwarded to the PWU-Helena Z. Benitez Endowment Fund. — Bernadette A. Parco/NB, GMA News