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

UP Manila’s Office of the Chancellor has announced on their social media accounts Sunday, as they mourn 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.

“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. Marissa children Laureen and husband Marvyn, Claudine and Leland and grandson Noah,” the post also said.

The government has reported that 12 Filipino doctors have so far passed away since the fight for the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Dr. Helen Tudtud, a pathologist in Cebu, is the 12th doctor who passed away due to the fight against COVID-19./Stacy Ang