Maruxa Pita facts for kids

María Dolores "Maruxa" Pita Lissarrague was a Spanish missionary and teacher. She was born on March 18, 1930, and passed away on January 19, 2025. Maruxa Pita spent most of her life in the Philippines. She is well-known for helping to create Saint Pedro Poveda College in Quezon City.

Maruxa Pita's Early Life

Maruxa Pita was born in Madrid, Spain, on March 18, 1930. She had three sisters named Carmen, Chita, and Isabel. When she was 17, Maruxa joined the Teresian Association. Her older sister Chita was already a member of this group. The Teresian Association was founded by Father Pedro Poveda.

Her Work in the Philippines

Maruxa Pita arrived in the Philippines in 1959. She came to help start the Institución Teresiana. This school is now known as Saint Pedro Poveda College in Quezon City. Maruxa Pita was the school principal from 1965 to 1973.

In the early years, the pre-school at Institución Teresiana taught both boys and girls. Maruxa Pita taught the four children of former Senator Ninoy Aquino and former President Corazon Aquino. One of her students was the future President Benigno Aquino III.

After her time as principal, she taught Spanish. She taught at the University of Santo Tomas from 1973 to 1979. She also taught at the Spanish Cultural Center from 1975 to 1979. From 1979 to 1993, she was the director of the Spanish Cultural Center. She organized all the teaching programs and managed the Spanish teachers there.

In 1993, the Instituto Cervantes of Manila was opened. This new center replaced the Spanish Cultural Center. Maruxa Pita was chosen to be the academic head of this new center. It was the first Instituto Cervantes center to be established in Asia.

In 1995, Maruxa Pita started the Makabata School Foundation in Pasig. This foundation helps children in the Philippines who are less fortunate. It allows them to study for free. The Instituto Cervantes honored her for her hard work. They recognized her efforts in promoting the Spanish language in the Philippines. They also praised her dedication to educating children through her foundation.

Maruxa Pita passed away on January 19, 2025. She was 94 years old. She died at St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City.

Awards and Special Recognition

Maruxa Pita received several awards for her important work:

• The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (2011)
• People’s Choice Award (2012)

See also

In Spanish: Maruxa Pita para niños