Purita Pueyo Bilbao, Ed.D.
February 26, 1948 – September 24, 2024
Dr. Purita Pueyo Bilbao was a highly esteemed educator, researcher, and academic leader whose contributions shaped the landscape of teacher education in the Philippines. She was a driving force in the advancement of science education and teacher training, both nationally and regionally.
Dr. Bilbao held the rank of University Professor and served as the former Dean of the West Visayas State University College of Education (WVSU COE), where she was instrumental in developing future educators. Her commitment to education extended beyond the university as she held the position of Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training at WVSU, promoting innovative research and community engagement.
She played a pivotal role as the Founding President of the National Organization of Science Teachers and Educators, Inc. (NOSTE), fostering a strong network of science educators throughout the country. She was also the national president of the State Universities and Colleges Teacher Educators’ Association.
In addition, Dr. Bilbao was a respected consultant and National President of the State Universities and Colleges Teachers and Educators’ Association (SUCTEA). Her influence reached the national level through her role as Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Technical Panel for Teacher Education, where she was involved in shaping policies and guidelines for teacher education in the Philippines.
Even after her retirement as a professor from the WVSU College of Education, Dr. Bilbao continued to share her expertise as a senior lecturer in the WVSU College of Education Graduate School, mentoring the next generation of educational leaders and researchers.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Purita Pueyo Bilbao co-authored several influential works that have become essential references for educators and students. These include “Special Topics in Education, Volume 4”and “On Becoming A 21st Century Educational Leader”.
As a lead author, she played a pivotal role in developing key educational resources, such as “The Teaching Profession, 4th Edition, OBE and PPST-Based”, “Mother Tongue: For Teaching and Learning”, “Curriculum Development for Teachers”, and the two-volume series “Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades”. Her contributions to “Technology for Teaching and Learning 1, OBE-, PPST-, and ICT Competency-based” further cemented her expertise in integrating modern teaching methods and technology in education. These works reflect her deep commitment to advancing educational practices and developing competent teachers.
Since 2019, Dr. Bilbao played a vital role in Project FORTH (Formation of Teachers in Challenged Areas in the Philippines) as both a trainer and module writer. The project aimed to equip teachers in underserved and remote areas with the skills to deliver quality education despite limited resources. Dr. Bilbao’s contributions were instrumental in addressing the unique challenges faced by these educators, reinforcing WVSU’s mission to support education in marginalized regions.
Dr. Purita Pueyo Bilbao’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey dedicated to the advancement of education. Her legacy as a visionary leader, educator, and advocate for quality teaching will continue to inspire future generations. She leaves behind a lasting impact through her work and the countless lives she touched.
Rest in peace, Dr. Bilbao—you will be deeply missed but your contributions will never be forgotten.