The funeral service for former Education Secretary Joseph Pagelio, was held at the Saint Joseph Catholic Parish in Port Moresby today.
It was attended by senior government officials, members from the education department, the private sector, colleagues, family, friends and former students.
The Late Pagelio served four years as the Secretary for Education from 2006 to 2011.
He was described as a loyal husband, wonderful father and a mentor to all teachers.
Mr Pagelio is from West New Britain Province and spent half his life as a teacher.
In 1974, he graduated from Goroka’s Teachers College with a Diploma in Secondary Teaching, and was offered a teaching post at Dregerhafen High School in Finschhafen, Morobe Province.
Before becoming the Headmaster of Henganofi High School in 1983, he was Deputy Headmaster in Muaina, Kaiapit and Kainantu High School in 1977, 1979 and 1980 respectively.
The late Pagelio was school inspector from 1986 to 1989. He completed his Bachelor in Education study at the University of Papua New Guinea in 1990.
In 2000, Pagelio completed his Doctorate in Education specializing in Education Leadership, within the department of education in PNG, from the University of Queensland in Australia. He was promoted to First Assistant Secretary for Education the next year.
Six years later, he took up the role of Assistant Secretary responsible for policy, research and communication; ensuring education policies, planning, facilitating and monitoring of the implementation of education reform activities nationwide.
He is survived by his wife, two children and several grandchildren. His body will leave tomorrow and he will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the funeral service for the late NCD Education Superintendent, Steven Lapan, was also held at St Joseph Parish. Mr. Lapan died from a long illness. Both bodies are scheduled to leave Port Moresby for Kimbe tomorrow.
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