JOURNALISM FACULTY member and former GMA news producer Mario Urrutia III passed away on March 2. He was 30 years old.
Urrutia’s death was confirmed by the UST Journalism Society, the official student organization of the journalism program, through a Facebook post. His cause of death was not disclosed.
“Sir Mario Urrutia…you’ve been among the professors who believed in our potentials despite journalism being a challenging program, and we couldn’t thank you enough for the confidence boost you gave us…Rest well up there, Sir. We’ll make you proud,” UST Journalism Society president Marymon Reyes said.
Urrutia was a media relations officer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
Urrutia obtained his master’s degree in media practice at the University of Sydney in 2020 and worked there as a research assistant and instructor for a year.
He completed his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2013. He was also a faculty member of the state university’s broadcast communication department.
Urrutia was a student leader for the UP College of Mass Communication Student Council (UPCMC). He was the first ever recipient of the student body’s Outstanding Student Achievement Award for Leadership.
“He was an educator—a true Alagad ng Media—who was loved and respected by his students and colleagues. Thank you for serving the Maskom community and the people, Prof. Mario! Rest in power,” UPCMC said in a Facebook post.
Ian Urrutia, Mario’s brother, said he would forever be grateful to his sibling for standing by his side whenever he reaches rock bottom and for ensuring that their “family sticks together in the toughest times.”
“I’ll never get tired of remembering you, celebrating your achievements, and making you feel loved. You’ve fought really well in life. Now it’s time for you to rest in power and peace. You can hold your head high now, knowing how you’ve made us proud,” Ian said in a Facebook post.
Urrutia’s wake will be held at Faith Memorial Homes, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan starting March 3. F
