Thoughts on the beautiful life of Cheryl Cabutihan

I invited reflections on the very inspiring life of Atty. Cheryl Cabutihan; she was such a loving person who was gentle and enthusiastic. I felt I had just to “tell the world” of her loving life through these generous sharing.

Prof. Henry Francis B. Espiritu: These past days, my mind has been ruminating on the temporariness of time and the fragility of human existence. Whenever I pass by old buildings like cathedrals, I always feel very strongly the ephemeral and frail nature of life. Looking at these old buildings—including the rundown ones—reminded me that as human existent, I too will eventually have my own certain demise; this feeling of my temporality ever calls me to do some thing of significance with the remaining time of my stay on this other side of heaven. This basilica will outlive me and some buildings here in downtown Cebu will remain longer than me. I will pass away sooner or later; therefore what abiding structures will I construct or what memento will I leave that will outlive me?

The late Cheryl Cabutihan was a “pro-active activist”. By this term I mean an activist who positively sought solutions to societal problems, from where she is at the present moment, by doing what she can in her present capacity and in her present circumstances. I remember her as one who has already a soft heart for children even at the time she was yet a student. I remember very clearly, when she was yet a sophomore college student, the late Atty. Cheryl patiently waited for my class to end so that she could personally deliver a letter of solicitation for a dinner her campus organization was sponsoring for the street children. Then she personally and patiently followed-up the solicitation letters she gave for that particular dinner party for street children.

Dr. Rhodora Masilang-Bucoy: Cheryl was my student in Political Science in the 1990s. I still have a vivid memory of her since after graduation our paths often crossed as she took the “road less traveled”. She was a student leader during her UP Cebu days affiliated with moderate activism. She had played an active role in Political Science Program’s public fora on issues of national importance. She lent her hand in the Political Science Society’s immersion program that sought to promote social consciousness, nationalism and sense of service among our students. She was a diligent, articulate, and committed student, graduating with honors. After college and her passing the Bar we often met in civil society gatherings as she emerged as a favorite lecturer on child rights and later as resource person on women’s rights. As one of her mentors, I take pride in her deep commitment for the marginalized, especially children. She exemplifies the virtue of the “Scholar ng Bayan” and “Scholar Para sa Bayan”. With her passing we lost a child rights defender. Let us continue her legacy of service. I salute you Che. You had a brief life well lived.

Atty. Joan Dymphna Saniel-Amit, Children’s Legal Bureau Executive Director:

She was actually the first lawyer (except for the executive directors) who stayed with CLB for more than one year (10 years,actually). Others moved on…as an alternative lawyer we do not really get that much compensation compared to private practitioners or even those in government service. New in her job, she did not mind having to cope with hearings, trainings, and advocacy work like being a part of the technical working group that drafted the Children’s Code of Cebu Province. She was a fast learner, very reliable, and organized. I could even rely on her to take over my class. I was glad I trusted her to do this for this inspired her to teach in other law schools. She also did very well in project coordination; in fact the project she coordinated was renewed several times. Atty.Che was also Internship Coordinator representing CLB with the Alternative Law Groups Law Internship Project. She was very organized and creative in project implementation that with very limited project funds, they could conduct trainings as far as Boracay, Davao, and Negros. She was an excellent trainer; often she was specifically requested to be the speaker. Not only very good was she at trainings; she was also good in networking with government and non-government people. She had very good rapport with law student interns and the youth in the areas. Atty. Che was not only an effective development, alternative lawyer; she was a warm, affectionate colleague and family friend who took the trouble to organize enjoyable affairs for CLB, prepare Christmas gifts for the children and give-aways for their birthday parties.

Euvic Ferrer: Aside from teaching us the law, Atty. Che taught us by example, there is something “good and noble” in the legal profession; that there is actual, real and not just “theoretical” public service or sense of social responsibility in the practice of law. Her career as an advocate of children’s and women’s rights will forever be an inspiration for me. When I once questioned the “noble” worth of the practice of law in our society, I found the answer through the careers of my law teachers engaged in public interest law. One of them who inspired me was Atty. Cheryl with her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights.

Kara Mae Noveda: A petite woman, Atty. Che is in many ways a larger-than life presence to those who rubbed elbows with her. She was big on mentoring—as a student and member of the mooting team she coached, I can say that she was exacting and fun, in equal parts! She was big on giving. She taught us, by practice, that being an “alternative” lawyer was a way to give back to the community. She always put others first and was ever the faithful one, even when she left, she left big footprints to fill.