Genaro D. Babon, Sr.
Genaro Daguman Babon, Sr. (September 19, 1950 – June 23, 2014) was a Filipino historian and professor in Samar.
He had been a teacher all his lifetime. He taught at the Sta. Margarita High School in the 70s, La Milagrosa Academy in the 80s, Christ the King College in the 80s as well. He went to Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) in 1986 and had spent his teaching works there until his death. Aside from his teaching stints, he handled administrative positions also such as Director for Extension Services, Director for Student Placement Services and Alumni Affairs, and Coordinator for General Services.
He finished his Bachelor's degree in History from the Christ the King College and his Master's in History from the Manuel L. Quezon University. He went to Northwest Samar State University for his Doctorate in Public Management.
He was married to Mrs. Carmelita Jabonite Pido who has been a teacher also. They are blessed with seven children: Jose Ryan, Ma. Generlita, Genaro Jr., Jose Gerwin, Ma. Astute, Jose Don and Jose Raymund. To note, Jose Ryan or Ryan went to UP and finished his Communication degree. Ma. Generlita or Gigi went to UP as well and got her degree in Community Development. Genaro Jr. or Junjun finished his college at the seminary with a degree in Philosophy. Jose Gerwin or Gerwin went to Claret but finished his degree in Development Communication at NWSSU. Jose Don got his degree in Computer Science at NWSSU also. Jose Raymund or JR died early in his teenage years.
Gener or Naring as he was fondly called contributed much during his life as professor in the awakening of student's frame of mind to capture and view the world/society and life as socio-political and historical contexts or perspectives. He ushered and opened the minds of his students to change these contexts and perspectives in order to make a difference, even within own's circle of influence. He espoused and advocated for the way to see truth (social perspectives) in the manner one sees it within his locus/situation/context and not by the merits of how others see that truth. Many colleagues in the academe and students vouched and confirmed these actions and advocacies by Gener during his wake.
His contribution in the discipline of history cannot be denied as well. He was the one who initiated the compilation of researches on histories of communities, barangays, hometowns or sitios. Year in and out, he required students to submit these requirements (which he called "little history"). Name it, history (or say, story) about why particular barangays are named so (Tinambacan, Mawacat, Rawis, Dawo, etc.) can be found in his unpublished collection. Even more, he was the only expert in history in Calbayog or even Samar. Most researchers and media personnel approached him for queries and vets on historical contexts, narrations, or methodologies.