(Updated as of 12:39 p.m.)
ARTLETS ALUMNA and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for ASEAN Affairs acting director Lyza Maria Viejo passed away on Saturday, July 13.
She was 40.
Viejo’s death was announced by the Philippine Embassy in Korea in a Facebook post.
“The Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea conveys profoundest condolences to the family of former third secretary and vice consul Lyza Viejo,” the post read.
Viejo died of breast cancer, her aunt Annalyn Jumilla confirmed in a Facebook post.
Viejo graduated with an Asian Studies degree at UST in 2005. She earned a master’s degree in Asian Studies major in Japan Studies at the University of the Philippines in 2014 and in International Relations at Harvard Extension School in 2023.
She was a member of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, the University’s official dance group.
“The smartest person and one of the most talented dancers I know. I am saddened by your loss, but beyond grateful for the friendship and sisterhood and the times we had together,” Thomasian graduate Krissy Peña said in a Facebook post.
Viejo was named assistant director of the Office of ASEAN Affairs in 2022 before serving as its acting director for two years.
Before her death, Viejo worked as an assistant to the Philippine representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.
The Artlets alumna also served as a foreign service officer of the DFA for Asian and Pacific Affairs in 2013 and the third secretary and vice consul of the Philippine Embassy in South Korea from 2016 to 2021.
The Philippine Embassy in Korea described Viejo as someone committed to serving Filipinos in South Korea.
“We will always remember Lyza fondly as someone who embraced all of life’s challenges, joys and opportunities and who provided dedicated service to our kababayans in Korea. Her eternal repose will be in our thoughts and prayers,” the embassy said. F
