Dr. Jose Maria L. Escaner IV, also known as Dr. Joma of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Mathematics (UPD-CS IM), sadly entered into eternal rest at the beginning of February 2025. His warmth and kindness will be deeply remembered by his students, colleagues, and the rest of the UP Diliman community whom he truly inspired.

Unwavering Dedication to Mathematics

Dr. Joma’s passion for mathematics was particularly focused on mathematical finance and actuarial science. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 1990, his Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics with a specialization in Actuarial Science in 1993, and his Doctorate in Mathematics in 2001, all at UPD-CS IM. He was also a research student for two years at Waseda University in the late 1990s, where he conducted part of his PhD research. At the time of his passing, Dr. Joma served as the Academic Head of UPD-CS IM’s Mathematical Finance and Actuarial Science (MFAS) Group and was the President of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines, after having served the organization as Treasurer for two years.

Committed to Honor and Excellence

Dr. Joma translated his fervor for mathematics into a commitment to serving the people by guiding his undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students through their academic journeys for more than three decades of teaching. His steadfast commitment to teaching was recognized by the University, which granted him the UP Diliman Gawad Tsanselor para sa Natatanging Guro Award in 2021. Dr. Joma was also the former president of the UP Diliman Mathematics Foundation and served as UPD-CS’ former College Secretary and Associate Dean for Student Affairs. He was a regular member of the DOST National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), contributing to the understanding of mathematical models in finance and insurance.

Anecdotes about Dr. Joma

Dr. Joma’s colleagues at UPD-CS IM fondly recalled their memories with him. “Even in his last moments, he was dedicated and committed to his work, and was willing to help others who needed him,” said Dr. Lu Kevin Ong, a member of the MFAS Group, as he shared how Dr. Joma did not hesitate to help him construct comprehensive exams the day before he passed away. Dr. Joma was also his professor when he was an undergraduate. “His way of teaching inspired me to study this subject further and I asked him to be my undergraduate thesis adviser,” Dr. Ong added.

Dr. Jose Ernie Lope, Director of UPD-CS IM, also recounted how Dr. Joma was persistent in teaching even though he was sick. “Despite showing signs of illness, despite our suggestions that he file for sick leave, he insisted on reporting back to active duty,” said Dr. Lope. “He said that he felt more energized when he was teaching. And indeed, he was teaching until the week before he got hospitalized.”

“In our last conversation at the IMath faculty lounge, we caught up and he congratulated me about my successful special problem final defense and wished me well in my PhD studies,” shared Joseph Angelo Samonte, one of Dr. Joma’s undergraduate students who eventually became his thesis advisee and colleague at the MFAS Group. Samonte reminisced about Dr. Joma’s unwavering support for his endeavors beyond mathematics. “I even promised him that he will get a printed copy of my special problem. Oh, speaking of which, I haven’t returned his risk theory actuarial book.”

It is indeed unfortunate that we lost a remarkable individual who made a lasting impact in the UPD-CS IM community, but his legacy will still live on in the hearts of the students, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives he touched. You will be dearly missed, Dr. Joma.

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Some of the information was taken from Dr. Jose Wendell Capili’s post: https://www.facebook.com/wendellcapili/posts/pfbid0vrhTumHBjR5S5npQGr2wQbckg6tJFNp96NmcTiocBiF619NYoJQ2Hi5NADtN1xKLl