Prudencio Garcia Libatique

Prudencio (“Prudie”) was born on January 2, 1929, to Juana Garcia and Jose Libatique in the province of La Union, located in the Ilocos Region on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Growing up in a largely agrarian economy, Prudie spent his early years helping on the family farm, cultivating rice, tobacco, corn, and sugarcane. Guided by ambition, determination, and natural talent, he pursued a vocational teaching career in Manila, which eventually led him to the United States, where he retired from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

As the oldest of 6 brothers, much was expected of him. He attended the National Regional School of Arts & Trades in San Fernando, La Union for a vocational education in automotive mechanics, and a teacher-education program, which led to a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education. Having successfully completed his matriculation, he would go on to teach vocation and trade-related courses in the college itself, then move on to teach in Manila at both Ramon Avaceña High School and Victorino Mapa High School.

It was at Mapa High School that he met and married fellow teacher Julie Tiempo (she of the knee-long, beautiful hair), a marriage that lasted 66 years. Together they created a life of strong faith, deep family values, and an abundance of love and commitment. These qualities would be tested when Prudie was recruited by the United States Government to join the military campaign in Vietnam, helping maintain and repair equipment and vehicles. He was immensely proud of his service during the war.

When the family emigrated to the United States, his determination, hard work ethic, and strong faith, contributed to supporting and improving their immigrant aspirations. He had worked at the Santa Monica Transit Authority before going on to a fulfilling 30-year career with the Los Angeles Rapid Transit District (“RTD” now known as the “MTA”), retiring in 1999.

A quiet man who deferred decisions to a collaborative dynamic with his wife, Julie, he would also support his family in the Philippines, including contributing to building two chapels in Bauang, La Union: in San Agustin and Holy Family in Acao. They also distributed statues of the Virgin Mary to several families, gave rosaries to children in public schools, donated musical instruments, as well as provide for a musical instructor. Their kindness and generosity helped many in the Philippines, making a real difference in people's lives.

In the United States, they contributed to launching ecclesial ministries of the San Fernando Rosary Groups of Jesus and Mary, and the Filipino Catholic Community Group of St. Peter Claver Parish, while also freely lending his expertise with sound systems and automobiles.

Prudie is survived by daughters Julienne Weathers and Felices Libatique, son Prudiel Libatique, grandchildren Nathan, Emily, and Scott Weathers, and Alex and Jonah Davis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julita Libatique.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 8:38-39