Dr. Donna Pangilinan-Simpao
Dr Donna Pangilinan-Simpao, a Filipino physician, educator and homeschooling advocate, has died. She was widely respected for her work in nurturing holistic education, promoting healthy families and encouraging intentional living, particularly among Filipino parents and young learners.
Trained as a medical doctor, Dr Pangilinan-Simpao believed that wellbeing extended far beyond clinical care. Throughout her life, she championed an integrated approach to health, learning and family life, combining medical knowledge with a deep commitment to education and creativity. This philosophy shaped her work as both an educator and a mentor to parents seeking more mindful and child-centred ways of raising and teaching their children.
She was a passionate supporter of homeschooling and alternative learning pathways, guiding countless families as they navigated early childhood education. Her advocacy focused on fostering curiosity, emotional wellbeing and a love of learning, values she believed were essential to raising confident and compassionate children.
Dr Pangilinan-Simpao was also a co-author of The Little One’s Journal, an activity book designed to encourage creativity, reflection and hands-on learning in young children. Thoughtfully crafted, the journal reflected her belief in intentional parenting and the importance of giving children space to explore, imagine and grow at their own pace. The book became a meaningful resource for families and educators alike, and cemented her role as a trusted voice in early childhood development.
An Anvil Publishing author, Dr Pangilinan-Simpao was celebrated not only for her professional achievements but also for her generosity of spirit and dedication to service. Colleagues and readers remember her as a gentle yet inspiring presence, committed to uplifting others through knowledge and compassion. She is survived by the community of families, educators and young readers she inspired. Her legacy lives on in every child encouraged to learn with joy, and in every parent guided by her vision of holistic, healthy and intentional living.
