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https://alum.up.edu.ph/top-ph-biologist-tech-data-help-us-understand-species-better/ | Top PH biologist: Tech, data help us understand species better – UP Alumni Website | Top PH biologist: Tech, data help us understand species better September 12, 2018 New York University dean for science Michael Purugganan talks about mapping genes and genomes and shares insights about evolution and how it helps us understand the world MANILA, Philippines – The marriage of sophisticated computing technology and the abundance of data in genomics is now allowing us to rethink how species – even our own – have evolved, a top Filipino scientist said. New York University (NYU) dean for science Michael Purugganan. File photo by Shaira Panela In his brief visit to the Philippines, New York University (NYU) dean for science Michael Purugganan still found time to talk to Filipino students about mapping genes and genomes and share his insights about evolution and how it helps us understand the world. “In 20 years, we’ve gone from getting data from single genes to now looking at whole genomes in trying to understand the same question. Now we much have a larger set of data to answer the questions we’ve had,” Purugganan said during his talk at the auditorium of Institute of Biology in the University of the Philippines in Diliman (UP Diliman) on January 30. He added, “Science is not only progressing in technology but in our expectations on what it takes to advance science.” Purugganan is one of the world’s leading biologists in plant genomics, a discipline in genetics that deals with the sequencing, assembling, and analysis of the complete set of DNA within a single cell of an organism. The complete set of DNA refers to the genome. A major part of Purugganan’s research is on rice, a staple food eaten by at least half of the world’s population, including Filipinos. “I am interested in the diversification of rice species in different land types and how these things evolve,” said Purugganan. (READ: Why I support Golden Rice) Among his current research interests is studying the evolutionary forces that act in plant adaptation. Purugganan was asked about the relevance or relation of his studies to efforts to develop climate-resistant rice varieties at the International Rice Research Institute (IRR) in Los Baños, Laguna, and other rice-producing countries. He replied: “What we’re trying to do is to study rice adaptation in different ecological areas. What we want to do is try to understand that. In trying to understand the genes, then we’ll understand how to make rice to adapt in different environments.” Purugganan also shared his fascination with the Banaue Rice Terraces and on growing upland rice. He briefly mentioned some heirloom rice varieties in Banaue which they included in some of their genome mapping projects such as tinawon and pinidwa. Tinawon is a variety of rice that thrives in a higher elevation, takes a long time to flower, and could only be planted and harvested once a year. Meanwhile, pinidwa could be planted and harvested twice a year. Purugganan, his colleagues at his laboratory, and his other collaborators have mapped over a hundred varieties of rice grown in different parts of the world. In 2011, a study he was a part of was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). His team found that rice varieties might have originated from the Yangtze Valley in China, contrary to previous studies indicating two origins: India and China. Meanwhile, one of his most recent works on rice was published in August 2014 in the journal Nature Genetics. It tackles mainly the cultivation (domestication) of African rice (Oryza glaberrima) and how its evolution is parallel to the Asian rice species Oryza sativa. Purugganan also touched on other evolution-related topics such as agriculture, especially plant domestication, and how it could be studied using genomics, as well as his laboratory’s researches on date palms and rafflesia. (READ: Pinoy biologists challenge idea of plant life) Purugganan obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines in 1985, and has moved to the United States since to pursue graduate studies. He is part of the international scientific advisory board of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), a multi-disciplinary research unit of UP Diliman, which organized the UP Diliman event. – Rappler.com Written by Shaira Panela @shaipanela Source: https://www.rappler.com/science-nature/life-health/82871-biologist-michael-purugganan-talk-genetics |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/announcement-on-upcat-2019/ | Announcement on UPCAT 2019 – UP Alumni Website | Announcement on UPCAT 2019 September 12, 2018 The UP Office of Admissions will be postponing the administration of the UPCAT 2019 nationwide. This decision is based on consultation with UP System officials and weather experts on the latest forecast on Typhoon Ompong and its expected impact on Northern Luzon and Eastern Seaboard including Western Visayas, and in consideration of the nationwide scope of the exam that entails synchronized travel arrangements among others which pose undue risks to both UPCAT examinees and UPCAT personnel. The Office will announce a new date as soon as possible and provide instructions to all examinees. Source: https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/announcement-on-upcat-2019/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/the-university-of-the-philippines-is-getting-a-billion-peso-renovation-soon/ | The University of the Philippines Is Getting a Billion-Peso Renovation Soon – UP Alumni Website | The University of the Philippines Is Getting a Billion-Peso Renovation Soon September 13, 2018 To be carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways. PHOTO BY University of the Philippines Website (SPOT.ph) The Department of Public Works and Highways announced on September 10 that they have signed a memorandum of agreement with the state-run University of the Philippines to undertake the implementation of 20 construction and renovation projects in the campuses. Total cost of all projects is at P2.76 billion. These construction and renovation projects will include school building facilities, dormitory buildings, restrooms, a gymnasium, a water-impounding lagoon, various campus road works, and an environmental research and outreach center. The agreement covers 12 projects in UP Diliman, three in UP Los Baños, one each for UP Manila, UP Visayas, and UP Cebu, and an off-site facility in Puerto Galera. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be implementing the following construction projects: UP Diliman The rehabilitation and modernization of Gonzales Hall University Library The construction of the University Health Service The renovation of dormitory buildings such as Molave Residences Hall, Yakal Residence Hall, and the Kamia Residence Hall The construction of the UP Diliman Multipurpose Hall The Faculty and Staff Housing The Faculty Center The construction of the UP Gymnasium Water-impounding lagoons The Resilience Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management The building and renovation of public restrooms UP Los Baños The construction of Agronomy, Soils, and Horticulture Building Crop Protection Wing The construction of Dormitory for Graduate Students The construction of World-Class Multimedia Production Building Additionally, the DPWH will be undertaking the following construction and renovation works for other campuses: The Neuro Science Institute Building at UP Manila The renovation of the Undergraduate Studies Building at UP Cebu The construction of a 3.7-kilometer road network to the New Academic Core Zone at UP Visayas Phase 1 of construction of the off-campus Puerto Galera Biodiversity and Environmental Research and Outreach Center Written by Jeremiah Capacillo Source: https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/the-latest-news-features/75068/dpwh-university-of-the-philippines-renovations-a00258-20180910 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/pvl-finals-atin-to-atin-to-is-the-new-up-ikot/ | PVL Finals: ‘Atin ‘to, atin ‘to’ is the new UP Ikot – UP Alumni Website | PVL Finals: ‘Atin ‘to, atin ‘to’ is the new UP Ikot September 17, 2018 University of the Philippines made history after winning the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Collegiate Conference behind their ‘Atin ‘to, atin ‘to’ mantra. Last year, Paul Desiderio shouted ‘Atin ‘to!’ during University of the Philippines’ last huddle in a UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball game. After that, Desiderio sank the game-winning buzzer-beating triple to down University of Sto. Tomas. It has since been the battle cry of the Diliman-based student-athletes. On Wednesday, the Lady Maroons did their own version that morale-boosting mantra. Down 7-13 in the pivotal stretch of the fifth set, the words again echoed in UP’s huddle up until they marched back inside the court. “Atin ‘to, atin ‘to!” Like a shot of adrenaline, the Lady Maroons charged with renewed energy. Afterwards, they made history. UP completed a sweet sweep of the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Collegiate Conference best-of-three Finals series, 25-20, 25-18, 23-25, 20-25, 15-13, to hoist its first major title in 36 years at the FilOil Flying V Centre. “Nu’ng nagsimula pa lang ‘yung fifth set we talked na how much do we want to win and in order for us to actually get the championship title,” said veteran setter Ayel Estranero, whose ace, which landed like a dagger right at the middle of the stunned Lady Tamaraws, sealed the championship that eluded UP in almost four decades. “Kailangan namin gustuhin lahat kami,” added Estranero, whose squad won the series opener also in five sets. “‘That’s why everyone actually never gave up until the end.” Estranero and Isa Molde, who collected the conference and Finals Most Valuable Player as well as the 1st Best Outside Spiker, took matters on their own hands in that closing stretch as they scored six of the last eight points. But the duo was quick to give credit to the collective effort of the whole team. “Kita naman e,” said Estranero. “Atin ‘to, atin ‘to,” Molde butted in during the postgame interview where the two joined head coach Godfrey Okumu. “Yeah, atin ‘to, atin ‘to. Di kami makakapalo talaga kung walang dumepensa or di ako maka-set ng walang dumepensa so until the end it was still a collective effort from everyone from the coaches and the players even those in the bench,” Estranero pointed out. “So ‘yun pero siyempre andun din yung conscious effort na gugustuhin mo talaga and you’ll do whatever it takes,” added Estranero. When the playmaker trooped behind the service line – UP at championship point – Estranero murmured a little prayer. “When I was serving I was just actually praying and I just actually believed that the team can actually win despite na sobrang haba ng hinabol namin. Kahit ang layo ng score namin but then na-feel namin sa loob na hindi pa kami talaga susuko that everyone is still willing to fight,” she recalled. “So ‘yun nu’ng nag-serve ako hindi ako kinakabahan as in I just really want to win for the team and for everyone,” Estranero added. When she made the connection on her serve, the ball flew in at a low arching trajectory. “Gulat ako kasi I mean like hindi ko naman totally alam ano mangyayari sa bola pag release ko,” said Estranero. It was supposed to be a sure reception from FEU’s libero. But like having their feet cemented on the taraflex floor, FEU libero Buding Duremdes and the rest of the Lady Tams just froze. “But when I saw the ball dropped and touch the floor, it was just so overwhelming,” said Estranero. Estranero rolled and then sprawled on the floor face down after the final whistle, slamming her hand on the court. Her teammates were already crying, shouting, hugging and congratulating each other as they round inside the court after completing their conquest. Confetti slowly fell. History made. “Atin ‘to, atin ‘to.” UP owned the night. Written by Mark Escarlote Source: https://sports.abs-cbn.com/pvl/news/2018/09/12/pvl-finals-atin-atin-new-up-ikot-46843 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/ceres-alabado/ | Ceres S.C. Alabado – UP Alumni Website | Ceres S.C. Alabado September 18, 2018 Source: https://view.joomag.com/philippine-asian-news-today-vol-18-no-20/0273605001477571171?page=17 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/whoaaa-the-up-diliman-football-field-receives-fifa-quality-certification/ | WHOAAA! The UP Diliman football field receives FIFA Quality Certification – UP Alumni Website | WHOAAA! The UP Diliman football field receives FIFA Quality Certification September 21, 2018 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) recently awarded the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Field with the FIFA Quality Certification seal. Installed by E-Sports International, the first local company to have a field-tested for FIFA Certification in the Philippines, the UP Diliman’s newly-minted football grounds is the newest pitch that now holds the international standard label for FIFA Quality. The Quality Certification, under the FIFA Quality Program, is awarded to pitches that meet stringent and globally-recognized criteria for safety, durability, and performance. “We at E-Sports International are committed to creating facilities that provide the ultimate sporting experience,” said Audris Romualdez, Managing Director of E-Sports International. “For UP to receive this certification means that it is capable of holding matches of premier caliber, providing opportunities for more homegrown football players see the global stage. This only shows how serious we are about providing world-class sports facilities.” E-Sports International, in coordination with FIFA-Preferred Producer and manufacturer Limonta Sport, used Duo Shape P+ 45mm turf with a Shockdrain system for the football pitch. Test engineers from Acousto-Scan visited the football grounds to conduct the FIFA Quality field test, a two-phase procedure that carefully evaluates the turf’s surface composition, ball bounce, player interaction, weather resistance, among others. “Our longstanding promise is to give athletes exceptional pitches so they can train to be the best they can be. High-quality turf systems should be properly installed and be well maintained to prevent rapid pitch deterioration,” explains Romualdez. “Paying close attention to these factors will guarantee a field’s safety, superior performance, playability, and pitch longevity.” New Home for the Maroons E-Sports International started base preparations for the UP Diliman field in May 2018 and finished the project in August. The UP Men’s Football Team (UPMFT), who secured its 18th UAAP championship title in Season 80, are setting its sights to a stronger performance for the 81st season. The UPMFT are now hard at work to bag another title as they train in the brand new UP Diliman Football Field. The university plans to complete the entire facility housing in time for UAAP Men’s Football Season 81. Quality is the Norm Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, home of the Philippines’ National Football Team, was the first football stadium installed by E-Sports to be accredited with the FIFA Quality Certification. E-Sports has also successfully provided FIFA certification to the Biñan Football Stadium. The company is currently building six additional football fields around the Philippines, two of which will undergo testing by the FIFA Quality Program by the end of the year. “It is our hope that the football community will see the value of the FIFA Certification. E-Sports believes that good facilities stimulate harmonious and enjoyable sporting experience for players and athletes. We encourage everyone to have fields certified,” Romualdez said. For more information on E-Sports, visit www.esports.ph or follow E-Sports International, Inc. on Facebook. Written by KC Canlas Source: https://www.wheninmanila.com/whoaaa-the-up-diliman-football-field-receives-fifa-quality-certification/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/upaa-singapore-turns-15/ | UPAA Singapore turns 15 – UP Alumni Website | UPAA Singapore turns 15 September 21, 2018 2018 marks the 15th year of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (Singapore). Since 2003, it has remained devoted to its mission of organising projects that benefit the University of the Philippines’ students and alumni. The flagship project, the UPAAS Scholarship Program, has assisted 12 scholars to date. Full house benefit concert at the Philippine Ambassador’s residence This year’s benefit concert for the scholarship program which was held at the Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador in Singapore last 16 September 2018, featured two captivating musical performances. The 5-year old Shannon Teo opened the concert with modern standards “My Favorite Things”, “Fly Me To The Moon”, and “Tomorrow” that had the audience snapping their fingers and tapping their feet. Shannon Teo’s energetic performance Pianist Mescal Wilson and cellist John Kneiling For the main performance, pianist Mescal Wilson and cellist John Kneiling’s playlist featured dramatic pieces from Beethoven, Messiaen, Rachmaninoff, and two pieces from Debussy that showcased the performers’ witty mastery of the piano and cello. It was an engaging evening of music that was also a fitting way to thank the various donors who supported the scholarship program. The event was graciously sponsored by Prudential Assurance Company Singapore and organised in partnership with the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore. Pianist Mescal Wilson and cellist John Kneiling, with Ambassador and Mrs Yap, and UPAAS president Ton Garcia and past president Minnie Lau Written by Anthony Garcia (President, UPAA Singapore) |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/josefa-llanes-escodas-120th-birthday-is-celebrated-with-a-google-doodle/ | Josefa Llanes Escoda’s 120th birthday is celebrated with a Google Doodle – UP Alumni Website | Josefa Llanes Escoda’s 120th birthday is celebrated with a Google Doodle September 27, 2018 Josefa Llanes Escoda, founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, has been honoured in the Google Doodle for September 20, 2018. Known for her determination and yearning to be educated from a young age, after graduating as valedictorian, Josefa Llanes Escoda joined the Red Cross and her social work led to her being featured on the 1,000 peso note. As a strong advocate for female suffrage, she worked to ensure all citizens could vote and founded organisations for underprivileged youth. But who is Josefa Llanes Escoda? Josefa Llanes Escoda, founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, has been honoured Josefa Llanes Escoda biography Born on September 20, 1898 in the Dingras town in Ilocos Norte, Josefa Llanes Escoda is renowned as one of Philippine history’s most important pioneers for women’s issues. After graduating as valedictorian from Dingras Elementary School and salutatorian from Laong Provincial High School, Josefa earned a teaching degree from Philippine Normal College, graduating with honours in 1919. Josefa earned her teaching certificate from the University of the Philippines in 1922 and then went to the US, where she studied social work, finishing with a Masters in Sociology from Colombia University. During her time in the US, she met Antonio Escoda, who was a reporter from the Philippine Press Bureau and following their return to Manila, they got married and had two children, named Maria Teresa and Antonio Jr. Her most notable work includes having founded Boys Town in Manila for young people who are underprivileged in 1937 and later, the Girl Scouts in 1940, according to the Google Doodle. This encouraged President Manuel L. Quezon to sign the charter of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and gave the Movement recognition of its role in the leadership training of girls and women. She served as the first National Executive of GSP until she was captured by the Japanese Occupation army because she was considered a hero during the Japanese Occupation after she provided aid to prisoners of war. As reported by ABS CBN News, Josefa was also fondly referred to as Pepang by her peers, but she and her husband Antonio were both arrested in 1944 and executed the following year. Today, Josefa’s face appears on the Philippine one thousand peso note and a street in Manila has also been named after the famous social worker. What is a Google Doodle? As reported in Rappler, the Google Doodle for September 20, 2018 has been designed in order to illustrate the essence of Escoda’s life work. The Doodle presents Josefa with girl scouts and is seen guiding them to the right path. Google said this is ‘a close portrayal of how Escoda led young Filipinas towards preparing for their responsibilities to the nation and to the world community.’ She is also shown wearing a shawl similar to the iconic Girl Scout scarf. Google Doodles are small illustrations or animations that appear in the Google logo on the search engine’s homepage. The first time a Google Doodle was used was in 1998, when Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin visited the 1998 Burning Man Festival. To commemorate their trip, the founders drew a stick-man standing behind the second ‘o’ in the Google logo. Recent doodles include Caio Fernando Abreu, Joanna Baillie and Professor Dorothy Hill. Written by Madhvi Mavadiya Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6188525/Josefa-Llanes-Escodas-120th-birthday-celebrated-Google-Doodle.html |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/wireless-technology-redefines-student-life/ | Wireless technology redefines student life – UP Alumni Website | Wireless technology redefines student life October 8, 2018 Times have changed; things are done differently today. Smart LTE posted speeds of almost 300 Mbps at the Sunken Garden. Studying, for example, is no longer limited to classroom lessons, books, pen, and paper. Students can now attend live webcast lectures and download notes posted by their professors online. Projects and other school requirements are submitted via email. Reviewing for a quiz? It’s easy with a mobile device and a reliable internet connection. At the University of the Philippines Diliman, there’s an online course management system called the University Virtual Learning Environment, or UVLê. It allows instructors to create online spaces for their classes to support and supplement classroom instruction. “Most of our classes involve online submission,” says Moira Cruz, a 4th year Civil Engineering student. “It’s like online classes.” Professors post slides and online quizzes on UVLê, adds Gabrielle Seva, who is in 5th year in Industrial Engineering. “So it is important to have a fast and reliable internet connection, especially if you have to email something right away,” she says. Fortunately, Smart Communications has been upgrading its LTE sites in Metro Manila and other parts of the country to improve customers’ mobile data experience. Seva notes that Smart LTE has a strong signal anywhere on campus. “Connection is always at full bar…very reliable,” she says. Other students find it difficult to get a connection on the fourth floor of the College of Engineering building, but not Sellina Sy. The graduating Materials Engineering student reports that her Smart mobile data has never let her down whenever she needs to access the internet—even when she’s at the Engineering Thinking Space, a study area on the fourth floor. Nicole Tan keeps her mobile data turned on. “I use it everywhere on campus. I use it to access resources and communicate with my friends,” says the 5th year student majoring in Industrial Engineering. “It is definitely easier for our generation to access information because we have it at the palm of our hands. It’s easy compared to when my parents were studying. They had to go to the library to get information. With mobile data, we can just access it through our phone,” she notes. In this information generation, students are also able to express their opinions and start campaigns if they want to, according to Sy. This is exactly what all four Engineering students have been doing, together with other members of the UP Women in Engineering, an organization promoting the interest, competence, and leadership of Filipino women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). “We noticed that in the Philippines, the STEM field is male-dominated,” says Seva. She adds that she has personal knowledge of cases of discrimination against women in certain courses. “UP Women in Engineering started last year. We believe that women and men should be given the equal chance to work in the STEM field. It is a matter of empowerment,” adds Sy. “We started an empowerment series, a career talk for senior high school students to promote the science and engineering field,” says Cruz. The group is trying to correct the notion that STEM is a very tough field and that it is mainly for men. “Soon we’re going to all-girls schools like Miriam and Poveda,” says Cruz. They use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to announce events and projects. Also in the pipeline is the Female Friday project, wherein they would feature a Filipina in the STEM field on their Facebook page every Friday. “We hope to reach out to more young Filipinas and inspire them to take up the field,” explains Tan. The org also recently launched its official brand, I AM. It has its own Facebook page where updates on an incoming product line will be posted. “It’s mostly merchandise that has empowering words and promotes feminism, ecology and body positivity,” says Cruz. Having access to mobile data facilitates information dissemination and widens their reach, Tan and Cruz agree. No other generation of learners has this powerful tool at their disposal, and as these students are discovering, it is a key to success. Written by Manila Standard Source: http://manilastandard.net/tech/gadgets/277295/wireless-technology-redefines-student-life.html |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/prrd-appoints-de-vera-as-ched-chairman/ | PRRD appoints de Vera as CHED chairman – UP Alumni Website | PRRD appoints de Vera as CHED chairman October 17, 2018 MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Prospero “Popoy” E. de Vera III as chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), to serve until July 21, 2022. Newly-appointed Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero De Vera III (File Photo) De Vera has served as CHED Commissioner since Sept. 13, 2016, and was designated CHED Officer in Charge by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea last Jan. 24, when former Chairperson Patricia Licuanan resigned. He is also currently the official spokesperson of the Commission. Before joining the Duterte administration, de Vera was UP Vice President for Public Affairs from 2011 to 2016. He was also an internationally recognized political analyst and opinion maker, who hosted two programs on ABS-CBN — “No Filter,” with now Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr., and “Turo Turo” with broadcaster Jing Castaneda. De Vera obtained his BA History and Doctor of Public Administration degrees from the University of the Philippines and has served as professor of Public Administration since 1993. He specialized in Higher Education Administration at the Rossier School of Education of the University of Southern California (USC), as a Fulbright Hays Visiting Scholar from 1990-1992. He was a Senior Fulbright Visiting Professor/Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland from 2000 to 2001. De Vera was the first-ever CHED Commissioner, who had openly supported the Free Tuition Bill pending in Congress in 2016, an election promise of Duterte. CHED’s biggest mandate is the implementation of Republic Act 10931, Duterte’s most important social justice program – Free Higher Education. “I am humbled and challenged by the trust and confidence given to me by President Duterte. I promise to diligently and conscientiously do whatever is necessary to ensure the successful implementation of RA 10931 and all reforms necessary in higher education,” de Vera said in a statement. De Vera is a known strong advocate for an increased state subsidy for higher education and has shepherded the formulation of the IRR of RA 10931 and the fast-tracking of its implementation. With his extensive experience and long-term commitment and dedication to public service, the agency trusts that under de Vera’s leadership, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education will be successfully implemented. (PR) Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051142 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/joint-up-diliman-uc-berkeley-mobile-network-project-wins-info-innovation-award/ | Joint UP Diliman-UC Berkeley mobile network project wins info innovation award – UP Alumni Website | Joint UP Diliman-UC Berkeley mobile network project wins info innovation award October 22, 2018 A low-cost community cellular networks project of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP-D) and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) won in this year’s Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF Asia) Awards. Researchers and students from UP Diliman train the local fisherfolks of Brgy. Dibut on how to operate and maintain the VBTS towers (PCARI / MANILA BULLETIN) The joint research project of the UP-D and UC Berkeley enables basic calls and text at a fraction of the cost versus traditional commercial cellular networks. The initiative entitled “Village Base Station-Connecting Communities through Mobile Networks” or VBTS-CoCoMoNets bested 236 other entries from 28 countries across Asia to grab the ISIF Asia Awards 2018, a program supporting creative internet solutions to development needs in the Asia Pacific to achieve positive social and economic development. VBTS-CoCoMoNets’ project leader Dr. Cedric Angelo Festin from UP College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science and project investigator Dr. Eric Brewer from UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, together with their team, will receive a cash prize amounting to USD3,500 or PhP185,500. The VBTS-CoCoMoNets addresses the lack of mobile phone access by establishing community cellular networks (CCNs) in rural sites in the Philippines. The CCNs is a low-power, low-cost 2G base station that enables users to make basic calls and text in areas that traditional commercial cellular networks cannot reach. To date, the following remote barangays in the Aurora province are benefiting from the VBTS-CoCoMoNets: barangay Dikapinisan, sitio Diotorin in barangay Dibayabay, barangay Dibut, and sitio Limbok Sabang in barangay Umiray These sites, nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains facing the Pacific Ocean, are home to some members of the indigenous peoples of the province. Two more CCNs are expected to be established by the end of the year. Aside from the cash prize, the winners also bagged a travel grant to the 2018 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Paris, France on November 12 to 14, 2018. The project will also be featured as part of the Seed Alliance Awards ceremony on November 13, 2018. Written by Merlina Hernando-Malipot Source: https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/27/joint-up-diliman-uc-berkeley-mobile-network-project-wins-info-innovation-award/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/award-winning-pinay-scientist-gives-farmers-crucial-tool-satellite-data/ | Award-winning Pinay scientist gives farmers crucial tool: satellite data – UP Alumni Website | Award-winning Pinay scientist gives farmers crucial tool: satellite data October 22, 2018 LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Dr. Gay Jane Perez was a postdoctoral fellow at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States when she realized how much data can be culled from satellite images. NO FARM GIRL, BUT … Dr. Gay Jane Perez talks about her research, which won this year’s Asean-US Science Prize for Women. Her impressive work, says Ryan Washburn (left), helps farmers by predicting drought and identifying the best areas for planting, thanks to data gathered by satellite. —JOSE SANTINO BUNACHITA “I was always looking at the Philippines through satellite images [and] saw that there really is a relationship between temperature and vegetation,” the 37-year-old scientist recalled. “I was at Nasa in 2010, while we were having El Niño in the country.” Such realization helped Perez bag this year’s Asean-US Science Prize for Women, the first Filipino to win it. Perez bested seven other female scientists from Southeast Asia and received a $20,000 cash prize from the US government and its private partner, Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety science company. Early-career boost The competition supports promising early-career scientists across the region and encourages collaboration between member states and the United States in creating sustainable solutions to address development changes. This year, the competition focused on precision agriculture and sought to award those working at the intersection of agriculture, digital tools, technology and data in support of small farmers and regional agriculture. As Southeast Asia’s population continues to grow, so does the pressure on the region’s food system. Experts believe that by 2050, about 40 percent more food will be needed to feed the region. Other challenges like resource scarcity and extreme weather phenomena add to the problem. Perez’s award-winning research focuses on using satellite data to forecast drought and identify the ideal planting areas and seasons that could result in improved crop yield. “Farmers can be advised early on where to plant and what to plant, and if there’s drought, when to irrigate,” Perez explained. “We can also advise them to harvest or plant earlier [depending on weather forecasts based on satellite images],” she added in an interview on Friday. Drought forecast The system she has developed makes use of satellite data to derive geophysical parameters like vegetation indices, surface temperature, rainfall, soil moisture and evapotranspiration — the process by which water is transferred from land to atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. Such data helps forecast drought so that farmers could be warned about it. Dr. Perez, an associate professor from the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City, started her research in 2013 and has finished its first phase. The results have been turned over to the state weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), as well as the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Dubbed as Drought and Crop Assessment and Forecasting (DCAF), the project initially showed a 73-percent accuracy in identifying drought occurrences in pilot areas, Perez said. Once approved by Pagasa and the DA-BSWM, the technology can be integrated in these agencies’ advisory systems to help farmers across the country, she added. Crop-specific The project’s second phase, now ongoing, will be a collaboration with crop scientists and agriculture engineers aimed at developing a more crop-specific approach in coming up with advisories that can be disseminated to farmers. From 60 entries, eight scientists from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Burma, Singapore and Vietnam were shortlisted, according to Ryan Washburn, head of the US delegation to the Asean Committee on Science and Technology. The list was further trimmed to two finalists—Dr. Perez and Dr. Samsuzana Abd Aziz of Malaysia, whose research focuses on computer science and electronics in agriculture. Perez’s research “most impressed” the judges not just because it was groundbreaking, but also because it was readily applicable, Washburn said. “We want research that does not just stay in the halls of academics,” added Washburn, who is also the deputy mission director of the US Agency for International Development-Indonesia. Schoolgirl from Naga The winner was announced during the 10th Informal Asean Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology, 75th Meeting of Asean Committee on Science and Technology held in Cebu from Oct. 15 to 19. She did not really expect to win, said Perez, who finished BS Applied Physics in 2003, Master of Science in Physics in 2005, and Doctorate in Physics—all at UP Diliman. “My background is in physics, far from agriculture. I didn’t know a lot about agriculture except for the rice that’s on my plate,” she recalled in jest. Prior to pursuing physics, Perez came from an all-girls Catholic school in Naga City, Camarines Sur, where she grew up admiring the feats of Filipino scientists through school magazines like Bato Balani. “I applied to the [science prize] because I feel that if I win the prize, I could serve as a role model to encourage more women to pursue scientific research,” Dr. Perez said in her three-minute video introduction. Nasa fellow After her years at UP, Perez became a postdoctoral fellow at Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Center Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory in the United States where she learned more about the immense data gathered by satellite images. When she got back to the Philippines, Perez started working on drought forecasting through the DCAF project, which involves viewing different farm areas all over the country through satellite images enhanced by our very own Diwata 1 and 2 satellites. The technology can help scientists view areas up to the barangay level, but Perez said they hoped to improve their data’s resolution to reach farm levels, thanks to the prize money she received. Perez and other scientists are also working with state universities in Ilocos Norte, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo and Bukidnon to help them improve their data and validate their research results in the field. Written by Jose Santino Bunachita Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1045202/award-winning-pinay-scientist-gives-farmers-crucial-tool-satellite-data |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/dr-eva-maria-c-cutiongco-de-la-paz-is-2018-dangal-ng-bayan-dnb-awardee/ | Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz is 2018 Dangal ng Bayan (DnB) Awardee! – UP Alumni Website | Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz is 2018 Dangal ng Bayan (DnB) Awardee! October 23, 2018 Dangal ng Bayan (DnB) or the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award is conferred to an individual for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of his/her observance of the eight norms of behavior provided under Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Dr. Cutiongco-de la Paz is Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Philippines Manila, Executive Director, National Institutes of Health and Program Director for Health, Philippine Genome Center, University of the Philippines. A UP Integrated School (UPIS) alumna, Dr. Cutiongco-de la Paz earned her BS Biology degree in UP Diliman in 1984. She finished her Doctor of Medicine degree from the UP College of Medicine in 1989, and completed her pediatric residency at the UP Philippine General Hospital in 1992. She received UP PGH awards as outstanding intern and most outstanding resident in pediatrics. She received a research fellowship in molecular genetics at the International Center for Medical Research at the Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine as a Monbusho Scholar. She took her subspecialty training in Clinical Genetics at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada as a UP Medical Alumni Society of America Scholar. She was board-certified as a fellow by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists in 2000. In 2002, Dr. Cutiongco-de la Paz received a TOYM award for Genetic Medicine. She also received an Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) Award from The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). She was also TOWNS Awardee for medicine in 2007, UP Manila’s Outstanding Researcher & Professorial Chair Holder for Excellence in Teaching & Research in Pediatrics & Genetics in 2011, and Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Awardee for Research, given by the Philippine Medical Association, in 2012. Last year, she was named UPAA Distinguished Alumna for Health Research in Genomics. Written by Dr. Jose Wendell Capili |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/ruben-santos-cuyugan-91/ | Ruben Santos Cuyugan, 91 – UP Alumni Website | Ruben Santos Cuyugan, 91 October 23, 2018 Dr. Ruben Belza Santos Cuyugan, age 91, passed away on August 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the third child of Dr. Gervasio Santos Cuyugan and Jacinta Belza. Dr. Santos Cuyugan is survived by his five children, Sandra Concepcion, Joan Bohlmann (Gene), Ani Torres (Chris), Gloria Santos Cuyugan and Carlos Santos Cuyugan, sister Fides Santos Cuyugan Asensio, grandchildren Lemuel Chanyungco, Juno Lazatin, Juano Concepcion , Marco Concepcion, Ramon Banaag, Christopher Torres Jr. , Habagat Santos Cuyugan, great-grandchildren Milo Lazatin, Huxley Lazatin, Jaden Concepcion, nieces, nephews and cousins. Santos Cuyugan earned his Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the UP College of Liberal Arts in 1949. He received his MA (1956) and PhD (1959) degrees in Sociology from Harvard University. His doctoral dissertation is entitled “Decision-Makers in a New England Community: a Study of Social Influence and Social Power”. At UNESCO, he headed the Division for the International Development of Social Science in Paris. He had a long career with the University of the Philippines, where he served as a Professor of Philosophy and Sociology. He was the first Dean of the U.P. Asian Center. Later, he became Chancellor of the Philippine Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS), and a member of the UP Board of Regents. He is also one of the pioneering figures behind the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We will keep our memories of him and our late mother, Gloria David Santos Cuyugan , alive and take comfort in knowing they are together now. Written by Joan SC Bohlmann |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/5-up-alumni-among-7-new-national-artists/ | 5 UP alumni among 7 new National Artists – UP Alumni Website | 5 UP alumni among 7 new National Artists October 24, 2018 Five alumni of the University of the Philippines have been named National Artists for 2018, achieving the highest honors given to practitioners in the arts and culture. They join 17 other UP alumni on whom the award has been conferred since it was established in 1972, four of whom are still living: Virgilio Almario (Literature, 2003), Bienvenido Lumbera (Literature, 2006), Ramon Santos (Music, 2014), and Francisco Feliciano (Music, 2014). The new members of the Order of National Artists coming from UP are Lauro Zarate “Larry” Alcala (Fine Arts, UPD CFA, BFA 1950); Raymundo Cipriano Pujante “Ryan” Cayabyab (Music, UPD CMusic, BM 1983); Eric Oteyza “Kidlat Tahimik” de Guia (Film, UPD CLA, AB 1963); Amelia Lirag “Amel” Lapeña-Bonifacio (Theater, UPD CLA, AB 1953); and Resil B. Mojares (Literature, UPD CAS, PhD 1979). Also named National Artists were Ramon L. Muzones (Literature, FEU/CPU LlB1952, d. 1992) and Francisco T. Mañosa (Architecture, UST, BS 1953). A well-loved cartoonist A native of Daraga, Albay, the well-loved cartoonist, publisher, and UP Fine Arts professor was known for his comics Siopawman, A Slice of Life, Mang Ambo, and Kalabog en Bosyo. His first work appeared in the weekly magazine Liwayway and his unique Taglish style of communicating eventually found its way to commercial campaign advertisements for products ranging from milk to gasoline to t-shirts and even cans of beer. His skill in the art of illustration and cartooning paved the way for the creation of the UP College of Fine Arts’ Visual Communication Department, which he chaired in the late 1970s. He saw that cartoons played a pivotal role in education and values formation. His 50-year career generated over “500 characters, 20 comic strips, six movies, two murals, and over 15,000 published pages,” according to his official website. His art illustrated the “snippets of the Filipino way of life” and “captured the idiosyncrasies of the Filipino psyche” which he preserved through humor for generations to come. He served as art director, editorial cartoonist, illustrator, and consultant for various publications, TV shows, and movies. He also headed art associations and received awards from UP Alumni Association, the Mayor of the City of Manila, mass media organizations, and government agencies. He died in 2002. A Pinoy pop icon After finishing his degree in Music, this icon of Pinoy pop better known as “Mr. C” taught music composition and music theory for almost twenty years at the UP College of Music. He went on to direct the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts after being the only Asian to win in the Onassis International Cultural Competition in Greece in 2001. His body of work includes modern and popular music spanning theater musicals, choral pieces, commercial recordings, film and television musical scores, short symphonic works, and full-length ballets. His most popular hits include Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Nais Ko, Mamang Kutsero, Iduyan Mo, Paraisong Parisukat, and Da Coconut Nut. Ryan’s legacy started with founding the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, a group of seven singers in the 1990s. This continued with the establishment of the Philpop Music Fest Foundation, Inc. which hosts and the famous music festival recognizing amateur musical talent and songwriting. Ryan Cayabyab has garnered countless awards from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Awit Awards, UP Alumni Association, and the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines. He runs the Music School of Ryan Cayabyab with his wife Emmy. From economist to filmmaker The Baguio-born filmmaker first stumbled upon a 16mm Bolex in Germany while working as an economist in France, holding an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He introduced another Filipino film legend, Lino Brocka, to small-stake investors while the latter was working on Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974). While his contemporaries Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, and Mike de Leon were establishing themselves back home in mainstream cinema, Kidlat Tahimik debuted Perfumed Nightmare (1977), featuring a cab driver with his namesake chasing “progress” in the US and Europe and leaving his hometown behind. The film won three prizes at the Berlin Film Festival. What followed were three more award-winning films: Memories of Overdevelopment (1980), Who Invented the Yoyo? (1981), and Turumba (1983). He resettled in Baguio with his family after the production of these films. Why Is Yellow the Middle of the Rainbow (shot in 1983, finished in 1994) responded to the environment of political violence and exhibited Kidlat’s “kapa-kapa” and “Bathala na” style of filmmaking. His film Balikbayan #1 (2015) was the completed version of his 1980 film which won the Calgari Prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Pioneer of children’s theater Known to many as Tita Amel, Lapeña-Bonifacio is a celebrated Filipina author, educator, and puppeteer. She specialized in Japanese traditional theater, Southeast Asian traditional theater, as well as international children’s theater where she utilized Japanese Bunraku and Indonesian wayang (shadow puppets) to depict Asian folklore and Filipino mythology and make them appeal to her young audience. She later founded Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas which housed her award-winning plays while on a Fulbright Grant for MA in Theatre. The Teatrong Mulat performed locally on tour and abroad in Japan, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The theater also featured themes surrounding religion and history, whose shows were instrumental to easing children’s trauma following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 1990s. The 100-seater theater in UP Village next to the UP Diliman campus was repurposed and reopened in 2006 as the Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Teatro Papet Museo and is currently managed by Tita Amel’s daughter Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete and her grandchildren. She is a University Professor at UP, and is an adviser on the board of the UP Institute of Creative Writing, which she headed back when it was still the UP Creative Writing Center. A scholar of the first order A scholar of the first order, Dr. Resil Mojares’ work in literary criticism, local and national history, urban and rural history, and political biography has earned him National Book Awards from the Manila Critics Circle. The writer, critic, and cultural researcher also received recognition from the Free Press and Carlos Palanca Awards, the UP Creative Writing Center, as well as Ford, Toyota, and Rockefeller Foundations, the Fulbright Program, and the Social Science Research Council in New York. He was also awarded the Grant Goodman Prize for History from the Association of Asian Studies and the Fok Ying Tung Southeast Asia Prize. After teaching stints as a Visiting Professor at the University of Wisconsin, University of Hawaii, University of Michigan, Kyoto University, University of California, Los Angeles, and the National University of Singapore, Dr. Mojares taught literature and history at the University of San Carlos in Cebu as Professor Emeritus. At USC, he was director of the Cebuano Studies Center and the San Carlos Publications. Today he serves as General Editor for the biographies of the Ramon Magsaysay awardees. Written by UP MRPO Source: https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/5-up-alumni-among-7-new-national-artists/?fbclid=IwAR0xKsZ8er4DlAiXQk8dFqfUzax3ECL0S8RO9G1Ltf5NUNaKOsCK1fruhj4 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/filipina-designer-tracy-dizon-shows-off-pinoy-pop-culture-in-brooklyn/ | Filipina Designer Tracy Dizon Shows Off Pinoy Pop Culture in Brooklyn – UP Alumni Website | Filipina Designer Tracy Dizon Shows Off Pinoy Pop Culture in Brooklyn November 5, 2018 Her collection, showcased at Fashion Week Brooklyn, featured indigenous Philippine fabrics. Tracy Dizon (in pink) takes a bow with son Travis Atreyu and her “Pinoy Pop Life” models. PHOTO: Michael Maniago (SPOT.ph) It is fall in New York. But instead of typical autumnal outfits making an appearance, the audience in front of Brooklyn’s Borough Hall is greeted with the sight of a modern Maria Clara. She wears a straw hat just like her male contemporaries would, except hers is etched with roses and angled with attitude. She dons the traditional black-and-white stripes, but this time they are tailored into lightweight pants in lieu of a floor-length skirt. This outfit was part of “Pinoy Pop Life,” a collection by Filipina designer Tracy Dizon, launched on October 13 at Fashion Week Brooklyn: Spring/Summer Collections 2019 in New York. A pop culture take on Philippine fashion doesn’t sound like something that hasn’t been done before. Local brands have plastered aviators on Jose Rizal, ikat fabrics on jumpers, and jeepneys on just about everything. But what makes Tracy Dizon’s show stand out? It starts with the designer herself. An intersection of history and design Dizon specializes in fashion and hat design, but her background includes a multi-disciplinary exposure to the industry, having taken on roles ranging from a costume designer, stylist, illustrator, and even teacher. “Pinoy Pop Life” is an expression of all of these. While she was studying Clothing Technology at the University of the Philippines – Diliman, Dizon was fascinated by textiles from different regions of the Philippines. Eventually, she created a baby doll dress in Cordillera fabrics, a sarimanok-inspired dress featuring materials from the Tausug and Yakan peoples, and a maxi skirt made from Ilocos’ inabel. With cultural appropriation being risky territory among designers, Dizon acknowledges that “there will be more authoritative figures who can give more expert advice on cultural and Filipiniana matters,” she humbly tells SPOT.ph. She emphasized that product development and research was the “longest, time-consuming” part of making her collection. When asked about tips for other designers, she advises: “Be immersed, study and research. Not just Google-pegging-research. Learn the sociology. Learn the history.” Alexa Leimeister wears Tracy Dizon’s signature bouffant doll dress PHOTO: Redford Mancio PHOTO: Tracy Dizon She also expounds on the value of fabric use, which are mostly handwoven manually by local artisans. “Imagine: The Yakan weaver will take three months to finish such fabrics? It’s beautiful! Especially nowadays, [when] we are struggling to survive the fast-fashion trend, I want to put something out there that will remind consumers [of] the value of fashion and clothing,” Dizon narrates. Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. “I am so touched that after my show, I have been seeing local tribe Facebook Pages sharing my collection and that I made them proud. There’s nothing more rewarding than that,” she beams with pride. Tracy Dizon with stylist Charles Delon, dressers Natalie Sit and Paola Lazatin, “Pinoy Pop Life” models, and her son Travis Atreyu PHOTO: Redford Mancio Imbibing the Filipino spirit Dizon’s drive is what got her a slot in Fashion Week Brooklyn. For the past 12 years, she has regularly joined fashion competitions. You might recall her as a contestant for the show Project Runway Philippines in 2009, but it was her stint in Solis Magazine’s “Fashion Designer Competition” in September—where she ended up placing third—that paved the way for her New York show—and it wasn’t easy. “[My team and I were] working during the height of typhoon season in Manila. I commend my staff [for] pulling [through] floods just to finish one look. The editor-in-chief of Solis Magazine even told me that the first and second placers weren’t able to do the show this season, because of the short production time, which I totally understand,” Dizon recalls. Dizon and her team’s resourcefulness is perhaps what makes “Pinoy Pop Life” so Filipino. In an online post, Dizon laments how she wanted to buy “top class—fabrics,” but it was too expensive. As an alternative, they created a collection that combined indigenous Philippine fabrics with ready-made and familiar materials. Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 First Runner-up Julee Bourgoin walks for Tracy Dizon in a bougainvilla-inspired summer ensemble PHOTO: Michael Maniago PHOTO: Tracy Dizon This familiarity is what you’d see in a terno made with denim, embroidery inspired by jeepney stickers, and a sinamay hat shaped like sapin-sapin. The designs are reflections of Dizon’s life in Manila. She recalls how the traditional rice cake was a childhood favorite, especially since her mother would often bring it home from work. One of her floral hats call to mind fallen bougainvillea in summer. The jeepney references aren’t just standard Philippine pop symbols, but mementos of when Dizon had to set aside P20 fare to get home from school. She was a part-time student in college, then a working single mother, and—finally—a fundraiser for her own collection. Tracy Dizon meets with Consul General Claro S. Cristobal in New York. PHOTO: Courtesy of Tracy Dizon Self-doubt was only one of the many challenges that Dizon has had to hurdle in her journey as a designer, who never gave up in the face of failure back home. “I [could] never even book a show in Manila,” Dizon wrote in a Facebook post. Now, she is participating for the second time in Fashion Week Brooklyn. When Dizon is asked, what’s it like to be living your dreams? She muses, “I think the key is not to think that this is the end game. I constantly remind myself where I came from. I want to remember those days when I was at the bottom so now that I have elevated a little, I will keep in mind how difficult it is for those who are starting up.” Looking back on the time when she was just starting out, she can’t help thinking about what she would say to herself back then: “Just work. ” For Dizon, “it is a true test of passion to continue pushing on despite unpopular remarks and feedback.” The designer combines pop culture with traditional Filipino fashion. PHOTO: Tracy Dizon Staying in the present Naturally, people are always curious about what’s next. But Dizon asserts, “I actually want to focus on the now. Fashion is so fast, everyone would want to ask what’s next, but I believe that my designs are made so well [that] it would not be just some fad that will fade away quickly. I owe it to the tribes, the craftsmen, and artisans I’ve worked with to give this collection the best recognition commercially and artistically. The bigger cause I’ve wanted to offer for this collection is making a younger and wearable Filipiniana [that] surpasses fashion trends.” Perhaps today’s Maria Clara is more forward-thinking than ever. Written by Anika Ventura Source: https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/arts-culture-peopleparties/75583/filipina-designer-tracy-dizon-shows-off-pinoy-pop-culture-in-brooklyn-a1929-20181031-lfrmfbclid=IwAR2x_14V_79SFz_lByHIp7jordn6BqaR0zyITWxXVc9oaQdcZYedCcsfT7k |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/a-pioneer-at-heart-up-professor-emeritus-virginia-betty-flor-agbayani-96/ | A pioneer at heart: UP Professor Emeritus Virginia “Betty” Flor-Agbayani, 96 – UP Alumni Website | A pioneer at heart: UP Professor Emeritus Virginia “Betty” Flor-Agbayani, 96 November 8, 2018 One chapter in UP Diliman: Home and Campus (UP Press, 2010) describes how Professor Emeritus Virginia “Betty” Flor-Agbayani, then an instructor at the UP School of Fine Arts, looked upon the site of the new UP Diliman campus, which in 1949 was a vast frontier land overgrown with cogon grass, with only two concrete buildings and the Sierra Madre mountains as backdrop, and declared it beautiful, “like a cathedral without walls”. Prof. Virginia “Betty” Flor-Agbayani at the UP Alumni Association in America 2011 Homecoming Prof. Flor-Agbayani was one of the UP pioneers who made the exodus from the 10-hectare campus on Padre Faura St. to the new UP campus in Diliman. Following a fire that razed one of the houses in Area 2—houses on campus were made of sawali at the time—UP President Bienvenido Gonzalez asked Prof. Agbayani how UP could help the residents. She replied, “Sir, permanent housing.” The UP budget, however, had no provision for faculty or staff housing at the time. Later, “sensing that Agbayani was really a pioneer at heart” according to the book, UP President Vidal Tan approached Agbayani and her husband, Mariano Leano, and asked whether she was willing to “volunteer” to build her own home, using their own money. They agreed, and the Agbayanis built their first home, the first permanent house in the Diliman campus in the site known as Area 1. Artist, educator, pioneer “Pioneering” is a word that was associated with Prof. Flor-Agbayani throughout her life and career until her passing on October 22, 2018 in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 96. Born on May 20, 1922 and hailing from Batac, Ilocos Norte, Prof. Flor-Agbayani graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the UP School of Fine Arts in 1947. During her college years, she became Junior Council and Student Council representative, was president of Pallete and the Brush Association, chairperson of the Fine Art’s Woman’s Club, and a member of Phi Alpha. She was a staff artist of the Philippine Collegian from 1946-1947, and an associate editor and a staff artist of the 1947 Philippinensian. After graduating in 1947, Prof. Flor-Agbayani worked as an instructor at the UP School of Fine Arts, and was instrumental in the transition of the School of Fine Arts to the College of Fine Arts in 1970. In 1975, she became the country’s first woman to be given the Fine Arts full professor rank. Prof. Betty Flor-Agbayani’s “Baguio Cathedral” (1970). She served as the chairman of the Studio Arts Department, and was College Secretary, Graduate Program Coordinator, Officer-in-Charge, and then Associate Dean of the UP College of Fine Arts, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses and mentored many of the country’s master artists and National Artists. After retirement, she was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus, and continued to lecture and conduct graduate program activities. Prof. Betty Flor-Agbayani (1st from left) with National Artists Larry Alcala (4th from left) and Napoleon Abueva (4th from right). Source: Artists and Models Ball Souvenir Program 1980. Her passion for art education in the country also led her to teach at and nurture budding artists from the Philippine High School for the Arts, where she served as Director by appointment of the Philippine President. The Grand Dame of Philippine Art Education She was known, nationally and internationally, as “The Grand Dame of Philippine Art Education” for her pioneering efforts and innovative approaches in the inclusion of art education at the primary and secondary levels, and in the development and nurturing of numerous world-class artists from the Philippine High School for the Arts and the UP College of Fine Arts. She was also an Arts and Archeology consultant to several international government and professional organizations. She was a British Council Fellow and Scholar, served as Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Projects in Archeology and Fine Arts (SPAFA), and as World Councilor for Southeast Asia and the Pacific region of the International Society for Education through Art (INSEA). An award-winning scholar, Prof. Flor-Agbayani also spoke frequently at national and international venues, and even after her retirement, continued to present papers and lectures on Philippine history, art and culture in universities and civic organizations in the United States. Prof. Flor-Agbayani’s influences upon the history and development of Philippine and international art and Philippine art education are immeasurable, and a source of pride for UP and the country. But for the UP Community, her pioneering spirit will live on in the campus she helped shape. According to the UP Diliman: Home and Campus, Prof. Flor-Agbayani was proud “to say that she was glad that she was able to show her loyalty to the University when UP needed everybody’s help in order for it to be able to stand on its own feet. And proud that she was around to contribute and be a witness to all the changes that the University has gone through. But most of all, she was very grateful that while faces and personalities had come and gone, she was there to celebrate and welcome the dawn of another UP century.” Prof. Betty Flor-Agbayani’s “Red Barn” (1980). Prof. Flor-Agbayani is survived by five children: Anna Victoria Agbayani Resurreccion; and Marianne, John Patrick, Cana-Mari, and Franz John Agbayani; son-in-law Rey Resurreccion; grandson Carl Francis Agbayani and his wife, Marie. Her daughter, Ida Agbayani, died in 1999. (Celeste Ann Castillo, UP MPRO) Source: https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/a-pioneer-at-heart-up-professor-emeritus-virginia-betty-flor-agbayani-96/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/doy-a-night-of-love-with-family-and-friends/ | “Doy! A Night of Love with Family and Friends” – UP Alumni Website | “Doy! A Night of Love with Family and Friends” November 15, 2018 On Monday, November 19, 2018, family and friends of the late Dr. Salvador “Doy” Laurel, in celebration of his 90th birth anniversary is holding “Doy! A Night of Love with Family and Friends,” a musical benefit concert to support the Legal Aid Internship Program of the Salvador H. Laurel Foundation Inc. This event will be held at the Maybank Theater of Performing Arts in 26th St., Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City at 7:30 pm but a cocktails reception will welcome the guests starting at 6 pm. Since its founding in 2012, The Salvador H. Laurel Foundation Inc., has been helping indigent but bright young minds into entering the legal profession in furtherance of the late VP’s advocacy of according equal opportunities to our disadvantaged youth. In 2014, following the second placing of its very first scholar, Atty. Mark D. Oyales in the 2013 bar examinations, the foundation strengthened its partnership with the UP College of Law by expanding the program’s coverage benefits. Today, the partnership is also directed towards reviving a legal aid internship program to perpetuate another legacy of Doy which is the championing of the legal causes of our poor and marginalized fellowmen. This musical tribute, under the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, will feature excerpts from Doy’s Best Broadway favorites like Camelot, South Pacific, Kismet, Evita, Man of La Mancha, Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Carousel, Les Miserables, and the King & I, among others. Performing are the Laurels, headed by Cocoy, Iwi, Denise, Nicole Asensio, Franco, Ayen, Yanna, and Rajo & siblings Venisse,Gela & John. They are also joined by the Aldeguer Sisters, Miguel Faustmann, Armand Ferrer, and Pinky Amador. FOR TICKET RESERVATIONS, PLS CALL: THE SALVADOR H. LAUREL FOUNDATION,INC Look for PEARLIE 09171666788 Source: Iwi Laurels’ Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156012697262218&set=a.10151189992167218&type=3&theater) |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/painting-to-live-the-remarkable-story-of-90-year-old-filipina-artist-araceli-dans/ | Painting to Live: The Remarkable Story of 90-Year-Old Filipina Artist Araceli Dans – UP Alumni Website | Painting to Live: The Remarkable Story of 90-Year-Old Filipina Artist Araceli Dans November 19, 2018 Fernando Amorsolo accepted Araceli Dans in the College of Fine Arts while she was still a high school senior and allowed her to graduate in three years so she could pursue her painting career which now spans 80 years Despite pushing 90, Araceli Limcaco Dans continues to paint with vibrancy and enthusiasm. “Imagination ko ‘yan lahat (That’s all my imagination),” she says, referring to her masterfully rendered scenarios of women in traditional Filipiniana. “I started when I was eight years old,” she recounts. “I was drawing; I did not paint yet then. As a painter, I started by playing.” When asked about her earliest influences, she replies, “Mickey Mouse.” Filipina artist Araceli Dans is pushing 90 but continues to paint Art as Necessity Her sense of humor and humility belie the difficulties she experienced early in life. War, parental separation, and assuming the role of breadwinner were part of her growing years. Her talents, however, served her well. She possessed skills well beyond her years, and was enrolled as the only child in a program full of adults under Angela Fernandez at Santa Rosa College. She made the most out of her circumstances by drawing propaganda comics during the Japanese occupation. As a senior high school student at the Philippine Women’s University, she made ends meet by drawing commissioned portraits of American soldiers. Araceli Dans, Ani (mixed media) 58×48 2008 College in Three Years She also created oil portraits of her dormmates for twenty pesos each, an unfathomable price for a Dans painting today. Cheloy, as she is known to family and friends, recalls, “I was the only one earning money from the paintings I made. I paid for the rent, I paid for my schooling, and I paid for the schooling of my two sisters. I had to work hard not just because I loved what I’m doing, but because I also needed to earn money.” While she was still a high school senior, Fernando Amorsolo allowed her to enroll at the School of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. The National Artist, then the school’s director, took the precocious Cheloy under his tutelage, letting her graduate in three years instead of the usual four. “He did that so I could work straightaway. Sabi niya, ‘Hindi na kita papahirapin (He said he wouldn’t make it hard for me). You were advanced when you came in.’ When I was a freshman, he put me in senior classes.” Araceli Dans, 2003 Painting Laceworks Cheloy’s talent and hard work have paid off exponentially: she is an artistic treasure who has been considered for National Artist herself numerous times, having reaped awards throughout the span of her career, including the CCP’s Centennial Awards, Citizen’s Award for Television, and the Mariang Maya Award. After well over 100 group and solo exhibitions both here and abroad, the life and works of Cheloy have been compiled in a coffee table book and in a retrospective exhibit at the Ayala Museum. Perhaps her most iconic works are her masterful depictions of calados, intricate white patterned embroidery on pineapple fiber, often associated with 19th century Filipina sophisticates. Araceli Dans, Looking In 1 and 2 Art in Trash The artist is not afraid of pushing boundaries; she dabbled in different media, from oil to watercolor, and even paper pulp. Her home and studio are filled with her artistic ventures into different styles, such as modern art and bas-relief. Of her 1994 Flowers and Lace exhibit at the Ville Musée Fragonard in Grasse, southeastern France, she says that she chose watercolor as her medium to showcase something that “even the French, with their Louvre, are not as comfortable with.” She sees art in everything. A work entitled Dakilang Basura is a realistic watercolor painting of a crumpled piece of cardboard on the ground. Cheloy is able to breathe life even into this mundane subject. “Pati sa basura, meron din namang istorya. Favorite ‘to ni BenCab (Even garbage has a story. That’s Bencab’s favorite).” A vintage photograph of Araceli Dans doing what she does best Mother of Ten Cheloy found love at UP Diliman. She married civil engineering student Jose “Totoy” Dans Jr. in 1950 and went on to have ten children in eleven years. Full-time motherhood might have been the death of a painting career, but she said, “I just painted at night.” Mixing motherhood and painting came naturally to her, as did encouraging her children to think creatively through play. “We were living here since 1961,” she says of their residence. “There would be a line of blackboards for children on a rainy day. Gustong gusto din nila magsulat. Kung wala kang blackboard, susulat sila sa wall with pentel pen, so you have all the konsumisyon (They liked to write. If there were no blackboards, they would write on the walls with pentel pen so you would have aggravations) ,” she laughs. Araceli Dans, The Raincoat (ivatan vakul) acrylic on canvas (24×30) 2007 Painting to Survive Cheloy is eager to teach, as well as to continually learn. She is generous with her advice to aspiring artists, passing down the wisdom of Amorsolo to, for instance, her physical therapist and her gardener—both of whom have progressed as artists because of her guidance. Because of her skill as an artist and teacher, she was a highly-regarded art teacher at Ateneo Grade School, as well as a lecturer for the graduate schools of Ateneo and La Salle, and the pioneer of the Fine Arts Department in her alma mater, the Philippine Women’s University. The fame and recognition that Cheloy has garnered is only secondary to a dedication to improving her craft. Art is still very much a necessity to her now, as it was when she was a young girl trying to earn for her family. “I can never stop painting. I would die if I stopped painting I should paint for as long I have my eyes and my mind and my thoughts. It’s like eating. It’s like breathing. You must paint to survive.” Written By Rissa A. Coronel Source: https://lifestyleasia.onemega.com/painting-to-live-the-remarkable-story-of-90-year-old-filipina-artist-araceli-dans/?fbclid=IwAR3vnwZqHUe_EfU_-VxSQyBcSPGrg5uY3nN-9Iac6kDIa6VL8z1qvLGIbTI |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/kublai-millan-and-his-journey-to-happiness/ | Kublai Millan and His Journey to Happiness – UP Alumni Website | Kublai Millan and His Journey to Happiness November 19, 2018 Mindanao-based artist Kublai Millan is giving happiness to various forms in his massive, colorful sculpture pieces Kublai Millan decided to make his art big so that people would start taking notice A 25-foot durian greets arriving passengers at the Davao International Airport. Besides Giant Durian Genesis Lore, there are more of these around Mindanao. Artist Kublai Millan has created larger-than-life monuments set in parks, churches and landscapes. His sculptures demand passers-by to pause and pay attention. Among them are the statue of Sultan Kudarat in his namesake province the Risen Christ in Tagum, Davao Del Norte, and the roundabout depicting interfaith unity among indigenous peoples, Muslim and Christians at Surallah, South Cotabato. Kublai Millan carves his name behind the easily recognizable monuments, murals and paintings depicting unique Mindanawon themes. The multi-awarded artist makes ten monuments a year. “Dahil walang pumapansin sa’kin, ginawa kong malaki ang art ko,” he says of his works. Visa Rejected Sometime in the mid 90’s, Kublai ventured to Manila and took up Visual Communication in UP Diliman. He went into advertising after graduation but quickly realized it was not to be his path; what stayed constant was his desire to go back to his native Mindanao. “I came home hounded by personal demons, unable to escape the dark nights of my soul,” shares Kublai of his rough homecoming. To quiet the noise within, he turned to art for catharsis, creating the looming works at Ponce Suites—a family owned four-storey hotel-cum-gallery that is home to thousands of art pieces. The works around the place are the result of his artistic journey. He tried everything, from painting to photography, to myriad installations. The hotel is now widely-known in the international backpackers’ circuit as the only gallery you can sleep in. One particular incident that determined the scale of his works was when he applied for a US visa for an exhibit. “Perhaps because of my Muslim sounding middle name, Mudjahid, I was denied. I then vowed to make sculptures bigger and taller than the biggest American,” Kublai shares. Sabong, Kublai Millan Personal Demons Purged by Art Kublai uses his larger-than-life works to convey a specific message. His Ground Zero monuments are an offering to victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte and Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley. Kublai has always fought not just for Mindanawon representation, but for the reclaiming of the Philippine identity through rediscovering our roots: “Behind the art are the indigenous country’s wisdom. Finding the indigenous self may give us a better view. Malaking bagay na makilala ito. Hindi sapat ang pagsabi ng Pilipino ako kung hindi natin ito kilala.” His closeness with the indigenous peoples is not just cerebral. During a time of personal strife when he almost lost his life, Kublai knew he needed to flee. He stayed for months in remote tribal areas of Mindanao, Palawan and Camiguin. “This was what I call my Hermitage Period. I lived as a monk,” says Kublai. His encounters prompted him to reconnect with his roots. “Every time I talk to an elder or datu, I realized how important rootedness is.” He eventually settled in a remote area of Kapatagan in Davao Del Sur. “It was around 2005 that I built the Agong House. Agong means ‘gong.’ I built it because I discovered that to vibrate from within, you have to hit yourself hard to create the most beautiful sound.” In 2007, he created Buddha in Buda, a 70-foot seated Buddha in the middle of sprawling mountains at the boundary of Bukidnon and Davao—hence the name Bu-Da. “I was finally finding my middle path.” Surallah Tri-people Monument by Kublai Millan, South Catabato Earth Over Air Finding love in 2003 bore him two sons. It led the artist to gravitate towards projects like the Children of Peace Park in North Cotabato. He had begun to find a measure of peace. “I saw the need to build on the ground so that my children can be grounded, literally and figuratively. [I wanted them to] roam and play, and touch dirt.” His children were then living in the open-air penthouse of Ponce Suites. “In the penthouse, it was like their lives were floating on air and that’s not good. So I settled on some land in Ma-a where I built my home.” Kublai’s current residence in Ma-a, Davao is his living space, studio, garden, and farm rolled into one. This is where he breathes life into his monuments, in a backyard workshop filled with wood, steel and repurposed objects. Mangingisa, Kublai Millan Mastering the Darkness His creative explorations in the physical, mental and spiritual realms led to the current themes of Probinsaya, Dalisaya and Galaktika. This was the starting point of his artistic journey to get to where he is now. The triptych, unveiled at ManilArt 2017 as Kapalipayapaan, captures the sum total of his sojourn thus far. Each title has “happiness” or “saya” snuck in, much like the vibrancy of Kublai’s chosen colors and each painting’s respective message. Probinsaya focuses on ordinary people living happy lives. He refers to this painting as “people looking at each other.” Dalisaya is “looking down,” reflecting the posture of bowing to see the minute details that are not normally noticed. It captures how he felt when his art was finally flourishing. Galaktika is “looking upward,” painting the stars. Kublai believes that “the right to paint anything that only the imagination can limit is a right to be earned only after an artistic journey.” Kublai continues to find peace in the continuous artistic endeavors, in his work with the communities, and with his fellow Mindanawon artists. The darkest of times, he believes, have passed; he continuous soul searching now reaps the complex joy of tireless creation. Written By Rissa A. Coronel Source: https://lifestyleasia.onemega.com/kublai-millan-and-his-journey-to-happiness/?fbclid=IwAR39SZPvI7xoMQkK8PRuAhflSDUT_gZvicbQP70YSdKl2_JEy53Jndm9Sg8 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/two-fighting-maroons-no-blue-eagles-in-uaap-81-mythical-team/ | Two Fighting Maroons, no Blue Eagles in UAAP 81 Mythical Team – UP Alumni Website | Two Fighting Maroons, no Blue Eagles in UAAP 81 Mythical Team November 20, 2018 The UAAP 81 Men’s Basketball Tournament will always be remembered as the time when the University of the Philippines finally broke through. Already with their first playoff berth in 21 years and first MVP in 32 years, the Fighting Maroons could now also boast of having two players in the Mythical 5. Of course, Season MVP Bright Akhuetie is one of those in the Mythical Team as his per game counts of 18.9 points, 14.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals would attest. Joining him there is teammate Juan Gomez de Liano who averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He was also the first player since 2006 to tally a triple-double. Akhuetie finished first in the MVP race with 82.5 Statistical Points (SPs) while Juan GDL wound up fourth with 63.9 SPs. Sandwiched between them in terms of SPs is Alvin Pasaol who was the lone bright spot in a second straight dismal season for UE. He normed 24.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.0 assists for 74.6 SPs. Rounding out the Mythical 5 are De La Salle University’s Justine Baltazar (61.3 SPs) who posted numbers of 13.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.3 assists per game and Adamson University’s Jerrick Ahanmisi (58.4 SPs) who posted numbers of 18.3 markers, 3.8 boards, and 1.6 dimes per game. Angelo Kouame of Ateneo de Manila University actually placed second in the MVP race with 76.2 SPs, but by virtue of a league rule that states that only one foreign student-athlete can be included in the Mythical Team, missed out on both the MVP and the Mythical Team. No other Blue Eagle was in the top five – the nearest to there already being Thirdy Ravena who had 55.2 SPs at the 10th spot. As such, this is the first time since 2013 that Katipunan would have no representative in the Mythical Team. Of course, this isn’t that farfetched to think about as the defending champions’ trademark has always been balance. This season, Ateneo’s leading scorer is already Kouame at 14.4 points per game. This, compared to the league’s leading scorer, Pasaol, who averages 24.4 points per game. After the Ivorian rookie recruit, five Blue Eagles contribute somewhere between five to 12 points per game. Written by Norman Lee Benjamin Riego Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo Source: https://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/news/2018/11/19/two-maroons-eagles-uaap-81-mythical-team-50014?fbclid=IwAR3phqv4oXiLiSZGDYtP0dMHO8MX9692JA3C6QeGhuBrKLvY2WPpm9bbe2E |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-philippine-philharmonic-orchestra-bring-handels-messiah-free-to-the-public/ | UP, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra bring Handel’s Messiah free to the public – UP Alumni Website | UP, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra bring Handel’s Messiah free to the public November 20, 2018 UP, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra bring Handel’s Messiah free to the public Tenor and project coordinator Prof. Ramon Acoymo of the UP College of Music made the announcement of the concert, “Pamaskong Handog ng UP”, which will be held on December 8, Saturday, 7 PM, at the Quezon Hall Amphitheater, UP Diliman, Quezon City. More than 130 voices comprising soloists and choruses of UP—under the musical direction of UP professor and Madrigal Singers choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio—will be accompanied by the PPO under the baton of Dr. Herminigildo Ranera. “The PPO will play six orchestral pieces, collaborate with the singers in the performance of three Messiah choruses and then round up the evening with a Christmas sing-along of six carols,” Acoymo said, citing initial plans. The choral groups include the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, the UP Concert Chorus, the UP Singing Ambassadors, the UP Staff Chorale, and UP College of Music Chorus Classes. UP’s yearly Christmas traditions include a Messiah staging, which culminates in a grand-scale performance of “Hallelujah” when everyone in the audience rises on their feet. This is the first time the tradition will involve the partnership between the country’s premier orchestra, the University of the Philippines, and UP Diliman. Thus, this year’s Messiah will not only help PPO reach out to more communities but will also expand this venue for public service of UP and its own musical groups. Handel’s Messiah is an oratorio reflecting on the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. “Sublime music is wedded to sublime literature in the Messiah highlights as well as in the ‘Songs of Christmas’ celebration,” Acoymo said. Free seats for the public will be provided on the open amphitheater grounds. “All singers and chorister audience members may want to join in the singing of the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus as well, in what may yet be a jubilant and reverent classical ‘flash mob’ rendition of the immortal piece,” Acoymo added. Written by UP MPRO Source: https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/up-philippine-philharmonic-orchestra-bring-handels-messiah-free-to-the-public/?fbclid=IwAR2ihfEGoJf9SZJcZgCiC9SwuD3_pZ1dRnu7ifKiQyq-B-S6bO0bRqLelK0 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/maroon-love-for-christmas-on-december-5/ | Maroon Love For Christmas on December 5 – UP Alumni Website | Maroon Love For Christmas on December 5 November 22, 2018 Maroon Love for Christmas, a blood donation drive for the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), will be held on Wednesday, 5 December 2018, from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m., at the Lobby of Palma Hall in UP Diliman. According to Atty. Gaby Roldan-Concepcion, the current head of the Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW)-University of the Philippines Chapter, a previous edition of the PNRC fund drive was held at the UP College of Law. This year, Atty. Concepcion hopes to engage the greater participation of UP administrators, faculty members, staff, students and alumni through blood donation. Blood is needed by people during emergencies – serious health problems, fires, earthquakes, typhoons, and accidents. With blood stored in PNRC blood banks, many are saved. The donors themselves may need blood sometime. Donation from volunteers will help ensure adequacy of blood supply in PNRC blood banks. In addition, blood donation stimulates production of new cells. Personal health check by medical doctors at the bloodletting site enables donors to know their blood type and hemoglobin. December is the leanest month for the Philippine National Red Cross because partner-institutions and individuals are busy with Christmas-related activities. A PNRC Bloodletting Drive in Palma Hall is most appropriate because it is the nerve center of UP Diliman. Interested parties may register online: https://form.jotform.me/83225543874462 Visit the official website of the Philippine National Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.ph/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/driving-the-supply-chain-of-the-future-emmanuel-noel-bautista/ | Driving the supply chain of the future: Emmanuel ‘Noel’ Bautista – UP Alumni Website | Driving the supply chain of the future: Emmanuel ‘Noel’ Bautista November 27, 2018 Emmanuel Bautista (BS Chemical Engineering, magna cum laude, 1986) is taking LF Logistics and its supply chain operation to the next level. LF Logistics is on a mission to create the supply chain of the future. Part of a three-year plan launched by its parent supply chain company Li & Fung, it aims to satisfy customers in the digital economy. “Most consumers are highly digitised and digitalised in the way they operate but, interestingly, the process of producing, supplying and making the products available to consumers on retail shelves is still highly analog,” LF Logistics Executive Director and Head of ASEAN, Emmanuel ‘Noel’ Bautista, tells The CEO Magazine. “The supply chain of the future is a recognition that there is a big gap between the level of digitalisation from the consumer’s point of view, and that from the point of view of producing, delivering and supplying the product to the consumer. That gap needs to be addressed and we recognise that.” Emmanuel ‘Noel’ Bautista, Executive Director & Head of ASEAN of LF Logistics LF Logistics offers warehousing solutions for the more than 400 brand owners that use its services. It provides everything from transport and distribution centre management to freight forwarding and omnichannel services, delivering around 100 million units of consumer products a day. To become the supply chain of the future, the company has three specific areas in mind: speed, digitalisation and innovation, Noel explains. “Speed, meaning we want to be able to respond, develop and deliver on new services much faster than before; digitalisation, meaning we want to be able to capture everything in digital form; and innovation, meaning we need to be able to foster a culture of experimentation,” he says. “We want to have more experiments happening in various corners of the organisation that are testing and trashing – failing fast – but embracing pockets of success, and supporting them so that we can commercialise them very quickly. As our group CEO Spencer Fung says, ‘Speed trumps price right now’.” Harnessing the power Noel has been in the logistics industry for more than 30 years and joined LF Logistics in the Philippines in 2001. He highlights that the company’s strength is in technology – its biggest area of capital expenditure. “We are heavily invested in systems to help us operate our basic activities,” he explains. “But we’re also investing heavily in systems that allow us to be productive in our workplace – systems that are converting us into a truly paperless environment and are minimising the amount of double work or double handling. These systems are immediately reconciling figures in our databases.” The company has 235 warehouses worldwide and employs close to 8,000 workers. In 2016, it completed the construction of its World Gateway warehouse in Singapore – the largest automated and customs bonded warehouse in the country. The facility uses several technologies including LED motion sensor lights, energy conserving material handling equipment, and automated storage and retrieval systems. It is also focused on sustainability, with green-certified cranes, conveyors and pallet shuttles. Alongside the company’s overarching strategy to forge the supply chain of the future, is a vision to become the most operation-centric logistics service provider in Asia. LF Logistics constantly experiments with new technologies it believes will become mainstream in the industry. It is on the verge of rolling out an advanced tracking system that can monitor the productivity of workers using radio-frequency identification (RFID). Plus, it’s looking into the use of automated driving vehicles in its warehouses to minimise dependency on manual driving. Further, LF Logistics has been piloting the use of drones to perform inventory counts in a number of its large facilities. And there is also the company’s foray into robotics. “Rather than people moving to the goods to box the orders, the robots will move the goods to the people,” Noel explains. “And so we can minimise the number of workers we need to process orders. It’s very exciting.” With technology comes an emphasis on optimisation, and LF Logistics implements processes to ensure all its resources – from its trucks to its workspace to its data – are optimised. “We have a huge database that can be very valuable,” he says. “We’re now in the process of analysing the data in ways that will prove meaningful to our customers as well as us. Our vision is to provide valuable insights to our employees, business partners and, most importantly, customers, whether it be the transactions, orders, deliveries, routes, or the co-packing activities we perform. It is not only so they can understand what happened in the past, but also to help them plan for the future, to anticipate purchasing patterns and the rise in demand.” Overcoming barriers Noel identifies the three biggest challenges currently facing the company; the first of which is infrastructure. “At LF Logistics we operate in a lot of developing markets, and these markets’ infrastructure continues to be substandard or inadequate,” he says. “It’s quite a challenge. I know that many government administrations are doing a lot to improve them but, unfortunately, it is not fast enough. So, we’re doing our bit to optimise the way we operate to minimise the number of resources we have on the ground as well as our carbon footprint.” The second major obstacle is the scarcity of talent. Noel says there is a “dearth of talent” and in many developing markets, the number of yearly graduates in the logistics field is not enough. “In fact, it’s only now we are seeing courses that are specific to logistics, transportation and supply chain,” Noel asserts. “We have to beef this up – support internal training and development programs.” To solve this problem, LF Logistics has partnered with universities to work with their industrial departments. The company takes part in a week-long program that involves sharing case studies with students, listening to their presentations and giving presentations about its business. At the end of the week, LF Logistics takes on some of the students as interns, and eventually selects a few of these to become management trainees after they graduate. “We’re doing our best to reach out to the universities and help them develop » programs, as well as training students in our facilities,” Noel adds. “In fact, some of my colleagues and peers are active in terms of teaching roles in operations management in academia.” The third obstacle is one that is felt by supply chain companies the world over – the continuing rise in customer demand and expectation. “In the past, we used to deliver to some of our key accounts once a week,” Noel recalls. “Now we’re delivering to them every day. We used to deliver to the central distribution facilities of some of these large retailers, now we have to deliver to their stores. In fact, with the onset of ecommerce, we’re now delivering directly to consumers. And we’re delivering smaller quantities of orders, more frequently, and at higher rates to consumers. This level of demand is driven by customer expectations and will only increase over time. And that’s something we have to be prepared for.” It takes a team To overcome these barriers, the company has its best weapon: its people. “Our people are a very important factor in helping us stand out from the rest of the competition,” Noel says. “I sincerely believe in that. We have a strong human resource program, which ensures we have the best possible expertise, experience, and variety of skills most relevant to our industry and, most importantly, the highest level of engagement between our staff and the organisation. Our people are committed to our vision and the way to realise it. They are very keen to participate in the process.” “Our people are committed to our vision and the way to realise it.” This enthusiasm among its employees is backed by the company’s regular engagement surveys conducted by third-party agencies. “In the past few years, the results of the engagement surveys indicate that the level of engagement among our employees is far higher than the industry benchmark across the region,” Noel continues. “So this gives us a lot of confidence that our people certainly make the difference.” Along with its strong internal workforce, the company ensures it extends its support externally by giving back to the community. Through the Li & Fung Foundation, the company supports blood donation, outreach programs and cancer awareness campaigns. Further, Noel says the organisation finds ways to contribute to its communities in areas that are integrated into its everyday business. Noel mentions LF Logistics’ program to enhance vendor relationships, especially with trucking companies, which are crucial to its business. “In the market, we’re involved with trucking companies that tend to be relatively small, privately owned, and not quite as established as LF Logistics,” Noel says. “But we encourage them to do well in their business so we can help each other. By being a partner of LF Logistics, they get a lot of incentives, such as discounts on the price of fuel and insurance premiums, as well as access to vendor financing programs at very competitive rates. “We also have a lot of training programs with these trucking companies, so they can be professional in the way they provide their service. And we empower them with technology, which they would otherwise not be able to afford. We’re creating improvements in the way they run their business, and we see a lot of them growing over the years. They’re helping themselves and helping our company. It’s mutually satisfying.” There’s more to come The company has been growing over the years and is entering new markets in Asia including Indonesia, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. “In the Philippines, we’ve grown tremendously,” Noel adds. “In fact, we’re in the process of working on a build-to-suit distribution centre in Cebu. That’s how important that market segment is for us.” The next Asian market the company is targeting is India. “We set foot in India in early 2017 with two very important customer partnerships, and we see that as a springboard to a potentially huge business,” says Noel. “Within our portfolio today, China is the largest market, but we see India as being the only other Asian market that can rival, if not surpass, China, as far as this industry is concerned.” Over the next three years, the company has plans to transform its transportation business. Noel highlights that transportation services have great expansion potential within its portfolio and the company is going to capitalise on that by employing various elements such as technology, new business models and increased business development. In addition, LF Logistics aims to unleash the power of ecommerce. “Ecommerce is a phenomenon that has grown so quickly in the northern region of Asia and LF Logistics is a prime player in that space,” Noel explains. “In north Asia, we are the provider of choice for all footwear and apparel companies that require ecommerce logistic services. We would like to replicate, if not to build on, that success in other parts of Asia. “We have the necessary tools. We have the customer relationships, technology, systems and expertise to design the facilities optimally. It’s just a matter of harnessing all that so we can benefit from this in other parts of the region.” With all these plans on the horizon, the supply chain of the future is set to become better than ever. “In north Asia, we are the provider of choice for all footwear and apparel for companies that require ecommerce logistic services.” Written by Sharon Masige Source: https://www.theceomagazine.com/executive-interviews/transportation-logistics/emmanuel-noel-bautista/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/google-honors-national-scientist-fe-del-mundo-with-a-doodle/ | Google honors National Scientist Fe del Mundo with a doodle – UP Alumni Website | Google honors National Scientist Fe del Mundo with a doodle November 28, 2018 The doodle goes live on Tuesday, November 27, the 107th birth anniversary of ‘The Angel of Santo Tomas’ MANILA, Philippines – Google celebrates the 107th birth anniversary of Fe del Mundo by featuring the late Filipina physician in their signature doodle. The doodle, which shows her caring for a child, went live at 12:00 am on Tuesday, November 27. Born in Manila on November 27th in 1911, Del Mundo was inspired to study medicine by her older sister who did not herself live to realize her dream of becoming a doctor. Del Mundo graduated as valedictorian from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and had her pick of a government scholarship to any institute of her choice. In 1933, she became the first Filipina to be enrolled at the Harvard University Medical School. She was also the first woman to be admitted to the prestigious school. She studied pediatrics until 1936, then enrolled at the Boston University to pursue a master’s degree in bacteriology, which she earned in 1940. She returned to a Philippines gripped by war, so she focused on giving aid to civilians who were affected by the devastations of World War II. The Angel of Santo Tomas Also known as “The Angel of Santo Tomas,” Del Mundo devoted her life to child healthcare and revolutionized pediatric medicine in the process. After the war, she set her sights on achieving her dream to build her own hospital. The sacrifices she made included selling off her home possessions. In 1957, the Children’s Medical Center was inaugurated. She was one of the first Filipino doctors to look into dengue fever, which was little known in the Philippines at that time. When she wasn’t treating patients, she was teaching students, publishing important research in medical journals, and authoring a definitive Textbook for Pediatrics and Child Care. She also established the Institute of Maternal and Child Health to train doctors and nurses. She was an ardent supporter of reproductive health. Doctor, scientist, role model Del Mundo was a doctor, a beloved nurturer to children, and a scientist. A true Filipina role model, she lived on the second floor of the Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City, making early morning rounds until she was 99 years old, even in a wheelchair. She was the first woman to be conferred the title National Scientist of the Philippines and received many domestic and foreign awards and honors for her outstanding service to humankind. She died on August 6, 2011. Her remains are buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery). Written by Nile Villa Source: https://www.rappler.com/technology/217605-fe-del-mundo-google-doodle-107th-birth-anniversary |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/shaping-a-community-of-readers/ | Shaping a community of readers – UP Alumni Website | Shaping a community of readers January 8, 2019 “BIBI Mangki is a reading monkey who believed that there is unity in diversity and that we are more similar than different. It does not matter if you are a monkey, as long as you aspire for a peaceful and just world,” Kenneth Bryan Meniado, 25, said. He is a local comic artist from Davao who created the characters of Bibi Mangki and friends in 2016 as a way to promote reading through the love of books and adventures and everything in between. Meniado is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in the University of the Philippines- Diliman but came home after his graduation to help out with the businesses of his parents. While having more time staying home, Meniado has the luxury of time reading books and drawing. It also started when his sister asked him to contribute comic stories on a certain website. He chose a monkey as a character since all he had growing up was a stuffed toy monkey. Being a starter in the industry, Meniado admittedly said that it was a challenge for him. He is still hesitant as he feared that people will not embrace Bibi Mangki’s character or that they will not care at all. “But I continue this passion because this is what I know; this is my advocacy in promoting reading habits in a non-reading community,” he said. He also said that art in the Philippines is very hard to sell; artists are not even acknowledged as professionals which makes it even harder. So to sustain his passion, he has been selling items of Bibi Mangki and friends such as stuffed toys, stickers, book marks, notebooks, pillows, and post cards, among others. Meniado is also posting his book reviews on his social media accounts and his comic stories are made available at Bookbed Store, an online community for readers and writers. At 25, Meniado is already on the verge of pursuing what he wanted to do while trying to influence the younger generation about the benefits of reading and the importance of knowing one’s culture and history. “If you are to read my stories, it is all about the adventures of Bibi Mangki that are relating to education, literacy, reading, and Philippine culture,” he said, adding that he also included issues about books as a luxury for other people which the character most often experience in the story whenever he visits bookstores. With the shift to digitization, Meniado said that he is also slowly shifting to digital art but the very purpose why Bibi Mangki exists will remain. He is also developing children’s story books that would allow children to know his comic characters. Meniado is currently venturing to a different style. Not only is Bibi Mangki promoting reading, he is also into promoting the city through highlighting its tourist attractions since he is a proud Dabawenyo. Written by LYKA AMETHYST H. CASAMAYOR Source:https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1779811?fbclid=IwAR2-Zqv6xFNnNhWhT627YLQ6c3fACe_ahlZMLiFFWBr3pICI7LPd4bcX-JY |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/sun-lifes-mantaring-is-new-map-president/ | Sun Life’s Mantaring is new MAP president – UP Alumni Website | Sun Life’s Mantaring is new MAP president January 17, 2019 Rizalina “Riza” Gervasio Mantaring is the President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) for 2019. She is the 70th President and the 4th Woman President of the MAP since its inception in 1950. Rizalina “Riza” Gervasio Mantaring Ms. Mantaring is the Chair of Sun Life Financial Philippine Holding Co., a Director at Sun Life Grepa Financial, and the Chair of Sun Life Foundation. She started her career in Information Technology (IT) and she joined Sun Life in 1992 as Senior Manager and Head for Asia Pacific of the then – Nascent Information Systems Department. She built the IT function in Asia, managing the turnover from Toronto and Montreal to Manila as the hub for IT activity in the region. She gradually took on increasing responsibilities until she became Chief Operations Officer for Asia in 2008, Deputy President for Sun Life Philippines in March 2009, then CEO and Country Head from August 2009 to June 2018. She was also the Chair of the 12 Sun Life Prosperity Funds aside from being a Director of the various Sun Life companies. During her term, Sun Life implemented numerous industry firsts and innovations which paved the way for its leadership in the industry. During her term as CEO, Sun Life’s market profile and brand strength significantly increased, with the pioneering and multi-awarded “It’s Time!” financial literacy advocacy campaign and the record-high increase in agency manpower numbers and sales. The company also entered bancassurance with the creation of Sun Life Grepa Financial. Under her leadership, Sun Life won numerous prestigious awards, including the Life Insurance Company of the Year Award given at the 19th Asia Insurance Industry Awards (the first Filipino company to do so) and the 2015 Employer of the Year Award bestowed by People Management Association of the Philippines (the first life insurance company to win). Her own accomplishments have likewise been recognized by prestigious award-giving bodies, among which were the Asia Talent Management award at CNBC’s 2017 Asia Business Leader Awards and the CEO Excel Award from the International Association of Business Communicators-Philippines. She is an independent director of Ayala Land, First Philippine Holdings, and MicroVentures Foundation. She is also a Board member of Makati Business Club and Philippine Business for Education. A graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) with a BS Electrical Engineering degree (cum laude), she has an MS Computer Science from The State University of New York at Albany and is a Fellow of the Life Management Institute (with distinction). In 2010, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the UP College of Engineering, she was named one of the College’s 100 Most Outstanding Alumni of the Past Century. In her spare time, she runs and is one of only a handful of Filipino Six Stars, having completed the marathons in Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London and Tokyo. Ms. Mantaring will lead the MAP in 2019 along with other Board members including Atty. Francisco “Francis” Ed. Lim, Senior Partner of ACCRALAW, as VP; Atty. Benedicta “Dick” Du-Baladad, Managing Partner and CEO OF Du-Baladad and Associates, as Treasurer; Mr. Cesar G. Romero, Country Chair of Shell Companies in the Philippines, as Asst. Treasurer, and Ms. Maria Carolina “Carol” V. Dominguez, President and CEO of John Clements Consultants, as Secretary. The other Board members are Mr. Jose Rene Gregory “Rene” D. Almendras, President and CEO of AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Mr. John Philip “Jp” S. Orbeta, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Resources Group of Ayala Corporation, Mr. Justo “Tito” A. Ortiz, Chair and CEO of UnionBank of the Philippines, and Gov. Amando “Say” M. Tetangco, Jr., Member of the Board of Directors of Philippine Airlines (PAL). Source: https://business.mb.com.ph/2019/01/08/sun-lifes-mantaring-is-new-map-president/?fbclid=IwAR03rRsYD6jp6NYbsSUUO0aW6cU2uxkGz0JLKYqMbXPkybTclc6zYmDbgp8 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/baguios-kidlat-tahimik-awarded-prince-claus-laureate-in-amsterdam/ | Baguio’s Kidlat Tahimik awarded Prince Claus Laureate in Amsterdam – UP Alumni Website | Baguio’s Kidlat Tahimik awarded Prince Claus Laureate in Amsterdam January 23, 2019 Filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik a.ka. Eric de Guia was awarded as Prince Claus Laureate by the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in the Netherlands for his achievements in filmmaking. Acclaimed as the “Father of Independent Philippine Cinema” or the “Godfather of the Filipino New Wave”, Kidlat’s work ranges from film and photography to weaving, free-style architecture and carved installations. Proclaimed as National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in October 2018, the filmmaker from Baguio was celebrated in the presence of Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima and their Royal Highnesses Princess Beatrix and Princess Mabel of the Netherlands, as Prince Claus Fund Board Chair His Royal Highness Prince Constantijn, presented the Principal Prince Claus Award to the laureates. Kidlat Tahimik is the third Filipino to be honored at the Amsterdam Royal awards after filmmaker Lav Diaz received his award in 2014 and musicologist Elena Rivera Mirano 2001. The Prince Claus Awards, dedicated to culture and development, was established in 1990 in honor of His Royal Highness Prince Claus, father of King Willem Alexander. In 1996, the Prince Claus Fund was established to support, connect, and celebrate artists and cultural practitioners where cultural expression is under pressure. Kidlat Tahimik was given recognition as an artist whose work revolves around a culture under pressure. He generously gives his time mentoring young creatives and promoting independent creativity in workshops. In the Prince Claus video highlights, Kidlat Tahimik and the Prince Claus award organizers talk about how the Filipino filmmaker takes on the challenge of going against the flow of Western filmmaking to raise indigenous stories told from the perspective of locals. “Kidlat Tahimik from the Philippines is one of those creative persons that is impossible to classify. He has made his life the way he really felt with this creative force that is inside of him. He is simply an independent soul that finds any possible medium to transform the world,” Manuel de Rivero of the Awards Committee said. Hoor Al Qasimi of the Prince Claus Awards Committee emphasized the Filipino’s value to society saying. “Kidlat is an inspiration to a lot of young artists and filmmakers and I think it’s time that he got recognized for this part of his work.” The Prince Claus Awards presented Kidlat Tahimik as the man behind the film – his first – “Perfumed Nightmare” (1977) which won the International Critics Award in Berlin. He was also cited for his environmental and indigenous rights advocacies that led him to create a cinema within a ship perched atop stilts and which features the history of Magellan and post-colonial Philippines. Kidlat Tahimik was feted along with 6 other cultural workers from around the world in Prince Claus Awards ceremonies held in Amsterdam in December 2018. Written by The GNP Team Source: https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/baguios-kidlat-tahimik-awarded-prince-claus-laureate-in-amsterdam/?fbclid=IwAR2YuLAs2n8k4PCfh_mjUGTwZp9PYHLsvTrZoJ0mlg2kqMdcQyYQ6p3rAqA |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/he-discovered-his-career-by-accident-and-is-now-a-top-la-photographer/ | He discovered his career by accident and is now a top LA photographer – UP Alumni Website | He discovered his career by accident and is now a top LA photographer January 23, 2019 LOS ANGELES–If you’ve flipped through a fitness or health magazine, chances are you have seen the work of Filipino American Noel Daganta of Daganta Photography, who is a rising star in the photography industry. Professional photographer Noel Daganta at work. CONTRIBUTED The Los Angeles-based photographer, whose clients include actors, models, Hollywood celebrities and TV personalities, has shot over 200 magazine covers, mostly on fitness, published in the U.S. and internationally. These include SHAPE, Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness, Oxygenand other US Magazines. His clients include “Dancing with the Stars” winner Peta Murgatroyd, actor Michael Jai White from Tyler Perry’s movie “Why Did I Get Married,” and TV stars from “Survivor,” “Extreme Makeover” and “Glee.” Daganta’s career in photography “just happened by accident,” he explained. While in the U.S. Navy, he earned two combat medals during the Gulf War and was chosen Sailor of the Quarter among a fleet of 8,000 soldiers. Back then, photography was one of his hobbies that he “never took seriously.” Make it anywhere Then one day upon leaving the military, a friend named James Ellis, who wanted to be a model, paid a photographer for a photo shoot to get started in the industry. Noel Daganta came upon his career by accident. CONTRIBUTED “Unfortunately, none of the photos from the shoot came out to what he wanted. He did not have a lot of money and I felt bad so I told him I can try to take some photos of him at the beach and hopefully we can get something that could get him started,” he recalls. Ellis uploaded Daganta’s pics on MySpace, which was a popular social media at the time, and this led to an agency discovering Ellis and representing him. Within a few months, Daganta landed his first magazine cover. “That got me a lot of attention as well since most of his photos in his social media were shot by me. Pretty soon, named models started getting a hold of me for shoots,” Daganta said. “I had no experience and was competing with some of the best photographers in the world. LA is the most competitive market in photography in the world in my opinion. If you succeed here, you will make it anywhere,” he added. As a top photographer in the LA area, he is in demand. He said Google helps him a lot by ranking his work pretty well in fitness and fashion photography, especially in Los Angeles. Daganta has shot several Miss Philippines beauties in LA such as Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel and Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis. He has also shot for several Filipino LA-based designers such as Joey Galon and Alan del Rosario. “What sets my images apart from other photographers is that my images are commercial and functional for whatever genre I shoot,” Daganta explained. Daganta was from Roxas, Palawan before his family moved to Puerto Princesa City. His parents are from Cuyo, Palawan. His mother was a full-time homemaker while his father worked for Philippine Airlines at Puerto Princesa City Airport. “I grew up in a small barrio called Retac in Roxas where my grandparents owned a coconut plantation that extended to the beach. The barrio was so small that our elementary school comprised of only two classrooms, offering only grades 1-4.” “As a kid I played with my cousins on the beach all the time and thought the whole world was like that. There was no TV and we would only listen to radio at night since the reception was usually better at that time,” he explained. Pioneering spirit Growing up in the ‘80s, Dagante said there were no beach resorts at the time. “El Nido Beach and most of Palawan were not very known as a tourist attractions as they are now.” Daganta was an honor student in high school. With a state scholarship, he studied at the University of the Philippines and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Immigrating to the U.S. in 1991, he found the culture very different from the Philippines. Some of Daganta’s Fitness photos. DAGANTA PHOTOGRAPHY “The biggest adjustment [settling in the U.S.] for me is not physical but mental. We grew up in a society where as a kid conformity and following your elders are desired while American kids are taught to be individuals. We are very communal while Americans are very independent. The U.S. fosters individuality and pioneering spirit, which helped me achieve what I have.” Like most Filipino Americans, Daganta used to remit money back to his parents at home for many years before he moved to LA. “Every decision I made was about them,” he explained. He wants to be an example for future generations. “I hope to inspire Filipinos to pursue their passion and believe in themselves,” he said. He owns two studios located in Los Angeles’ Fashion District. His web sites are www.ndpictures.com and www.proheadshotslogangeles.com. Written by Grace Garcia Szpytma Source: https://usa.inquirer.net/19107/he-discovered-his-career-by-accident-and-is-now-a-top-la-photographer?utm_expid=.XqNwTug2W6nwDVUSgFJXed.1 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/sc-mourns-passing-of-ex-justice-leonardo-quisumbing/ | SC mourns passing of ex-justice Leonardo Quisumbing – UP Alumni Website | SC mourns passing of ex-justice Leonardo Quisumbing January 24, 2019 The high court on Monday, January 21, expressed its grief on its former magistrate, retired Associate Justice Leonardo Quisumbing, who joined the Creator on Sunday at the age of 79. “Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court deeply mourn the passing of retired Associate Justice, Hon. Leonardo A. Quisumbing,” the Supreme Court (SC) said in a statement. (File photo: Supreme Court PIO) “Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court deeply mourn the passing of retired Associate Justice, Hon. Leonardo A. Quisumbing,” the Supreme Court (SC) said in a statement. It was in 1998 when Quisumbing was appointed as an associate justice by then President Fidel Ramos. He spent his 11 years serving in the high court before he retired on his 70th birthday in 2009. According to his profile on the SC’s website, the former m agistrate obtained his Bachelor of Laws studies at the University of the Philippines (UP) and then gained his Master of Laws from Cornell University in New York. Quisumbung had been an achiever ever since he was a student. During his college days, he was a college scholar, president of UP Student Council, editor of the university paper, The Philippine Collegian, president of the Student Councils Association of the Philippines, as well as a member of the National Debating Team to Australia where they bagged the Wilmot Cup. Adding to his long list of accolades, Quisumbing also landed on the 12th spot in the 1966 Bar Examinations. For over 21 years, the ex-justice served in several government posts. Before he was appointed to the SC, Quisumbing became the undersecretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) during the administration of former President Corazon Aquino andSenior Deputy Executive Secretary to Ramos. Aside from that, he also held the rank of Commodore of the Philippine Coast Guard, 106th Auxiliary Squadron. Quisumbing, a native of Masbate, Masbate, is married to Dr. Purificacion Quisumbing, who died in 2011. They have two children: Josefa Lourdes and Cecilia Rachel. The remains of the late justice lie at the San Quentin Chapel, Ground Floor, Loyola Memorial Chapel in Guadalupe, Makati. It can be viewed since Monday evening. Written by Joanna Belle Deala Source: http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2019/01/22/sc-mourns-passing-of-ex-justice-leonardo-quisumbing/?fbclid=IwAR3bXebX3quP31kHlyQGWP16ulSVu92QLgiTgiDgbfDduFW-GVrTbLgZrzs |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/filipina-engineer-is-department-head-at-kennedy-space-center/ | Filipina engineer is department head at Kennedy Space Center – UP Alumni Website | Filipina engineer is department head at Kennedy Space Center January 24, 2019 Josephine Santiago-Bond is the head of the Advanced Engineering Development Branch at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida Filipino engineer Josephine Santiago-Bond works as a department head at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo: Google Maps, NASA A Filipina is among the prestigious group of women who work at America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Engineer Josephine Santiago-Bond, who was born in the United States but moved back to the Philippines when she was only two months old, initially didn’t have an interest in astronomy when she was young, spot.ph reported. Santiago-Bond, who grew up in a family of scientists, eventually attended Philippine Science High School where she leaned towards the study of science and mathematics subjects. The Filipina then took the advice of an old schoolmate to embark upon an Electronics and Communications degree at the University of the Philippines. “I had to crawl my way through some of the courses, but I wasn’t going to give up because of a few bad grades,” Santiago-Bond said. After graduating, she moved to the US and took a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at South Dakota State University, where in 2003, she was offered a summer internship at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, which is one of 10 NASA sites nationwide. By the time she completed her master’s degree in 2005, Santiago-Bond already had a full time job at NASA. She first worked as a systems engineer tackling the technical problems of space missions and worked on a lunar mission in 2017. At present, she is the head of the Advanced Engineering Development Branch at KSC and is responsible for supplying engineering support to research and technology development projects. “I am leading very diverse groups of people to bring their whole selves to work while executing NASA’s mission, which ultimately benefits mankind,” she said. Written By Asia Times staff Source: http://www.atimes.com/article/filipina-engineer-is-department-head-at-kennedy-space-center/?fbclid=IwAR2cvIJ8LsMcIEE_XyNn5Ontq_h3USLJ6EjAG-V8SAN0JyloI_-PsgUv0jA |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/deadline-for-distinguished-u-p-alumni-awards-nominations/ | DEADLINE FOR DISTINGUISHED U.P. ALUMNI AWARDS NOMINATIONS – UP Alumni Website | DEADLINE FOR DISTINGUISHED U.P. ALUMNI AWARDS NOMINATIONS February 22, 2019 The U.P. Alumni Association (UPAA) is reminding all U.P. alumni and UPAA chapters that there will be no extension of the April 1, 2019, deadline for the submission of nominations for the 2019 UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards. Nominations may be made by any U.P. alumnus or alumni chapter for any or all of the following five (5) categories: Most Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards UPAA Distinguished Service Awards UPAA Multi-Generation U.P. Alumni Family Awards Nominations must be received by the UPAA, or postmarked, not later than 5:00 p.m. of April 1, 2019, Monday, at the following: UPAA COMMITTEE ON ALUMNI AWARDS U.P. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANG BAHAY NG ALUMNI U.P. DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY 1101 Email: [email protected] The detailed information, guidelines, and nomination forms for the awards can be obtained from the UPAA website. For more information, please contact: Mr. Romeo S.A. Carlos Mobile: (0921) 285-5332 UPAA Secretariat: 920-6868; 920-6871 Email: [email protected] |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/nestor-a-espenilla-jr-october-12-1958-february-23-2019/ | Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. (October 12, 1958 – February 23, 2019) – UP Alumni Website | Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. (October 12, 1958 – February 23, 2019) February 27, 2019 BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. (2nd from left) receives the 2015 UP Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Alumnus for Good Governance (Banking and Finance) award. With him are, from left, UPAA President Ponciano Rivera Jr., UP President Alfredo Pascual, and UPAA First Vice UPAA Board of Directors First Vice-President Renato Valdecantos. (Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO) Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr., Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor and Chairman; and a University of the Philippines Diliman alumnus, peacefully passed away at the age of 60 years old after battling tongue cancer for more than a year. The whole U.P. and BSP community are deeply saddened with the loss of a great man, who had devoted his life in service of the Filipino people. Espenilla received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics magna cum laude in 1980, and finished his Master of Business Administration in 1982 in the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also received a Master of Science Degree in Policy Science from the Graduate Institute of Policy Science in Tokyo, Japan. In 2015, Espenilla was honored with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Award for Good Governance for his extraordinary achievements and excellent contributions in the field of Banking and Finance. Espenilla had served BSP for almost 40 years and was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as Governor and Chairman in 2017. He concurrently served as an ex-officio Chair of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Philippine International Convention Center, and the Financial Stability Coordination Council. “Nesting”, as he was fondly called by his Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) colleagues, began his career in BSP as Department Analyst in 1981. He was a longtime Deputy Governor for enforcement, in charge of disciplining banks. Two years ago, he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as BSP Governor and Chair. Nesting was an advocate of financial inclusion. He will be deeply remembered by the Filipino people because he made banking services inclusive especially to the marginalized and underserved. He was instrumental in setting up an electronic fund transfer system called InstaPay, as well as an automated clearing house dubbed PESONet, under a broader regulatory framework called the National Retail Payment System (NRPS). Nestor Espenilla, Jr. is survived by his wife, Maria Teresita Festin Espenilla, daughter Jacqueline Joyce, son-in-law Ben Baltazar, sons Nikko Nestor and Leonardo Nestor, and grandchild Zev Eron. Written by Marie Ylenette Reforzado (UP OAR) |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/melito-s-salazar-jr-august-04-1949-february-16-2019/ | Melito S. Salazar, Jr. (August 04, 1949– February 16, 2019) – UP Alumni Website | Melito S. Salazar, Jr. (August 04, 1949– February 16, 2019) March 1, 2019 Melito S. Salazar, Jr., columnist and Vice President of the Manila Bulletin and an alumnus of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, succumbed to cancer at the age of 69. He had served in UP as a Director of the UP Institute for Small Scale Industries, and Associate Professor of the UP College of Business Administration. The UP community extends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Melito S. Salazar, Jr. (2nd from right) receives the 2018 UPAA Lifetime Achievement Award. With him are, from left, UPAA Board of Directors First Vice-President Oscar P. Palabyab, UPAA President Ramon M. Maronilla, and UP President Danilo L. Concepcion. (Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO) Salazar received from the University of the Philippines Diliman his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Business Administration in 1971 and 1974, respectively. He also received further training from Harvard Business School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of North Carolina, and Euro-Asia Centre of INSEAD. In 1996, Salazar was honored with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Professional Award for his outstanding contributions in the field of Business Administration-Management. He was also the first Filipino who received a Special Honor Award by the World Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, as a pioneer in SME development. Throughout his career, Salazar headed several private and non-government organizations. He chaired Inter-Asia Development Bank; International Center for Innovation, Transformation, and Excellence in Governance; Quickminds Corporation; was a President of the Management Association of the Philippines; and Director of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod and PhilsFirst Insurance Corp. As a public servant, he was a former member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Vice Chairman and Managing head of the Board of Investments, and Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. He is survived by his wife, Amaryllis, and children and children-in-law, Maileen and Nick Bishop, Marco and Kristina, and Miguel and Joyce; grandchildren Tamlin, Liam and Miro; and siblings Mario Antoni and Pam Salazar, and Lanniene, and Romy Capalad. Written by Marie Ylenette Reforzado (UP OAR) |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/karla-bautista-siao-from-beauty-queen-to-lawyer/ | Karla Bautista-Siao: From beauty queen to lawyer – UP Alumni Website | Karla Bautista-Siao: From beauty queen to lawyer May 21, 2019 Cebu City, Philippines—When she was a kid, Cebuana beauty queen Karla Bautista-Siao dreamt of becoming a lawyer. Karla Bautista-Siao: From beauty queen to lawyer. | contributed photos “I am fascinated about law and I wanted to be the voice for the voiceless,” she told Cebu Daily News Digital. Twenty-six years later, that childhood dream came true. Last May 3, 2019, Karla’s name came out as among the 1,800 examinees who passed the recent Bar Examination. The 1,800 examinees are equivalent to 22.07 percent of the 8,158 examinees who took the examination which was done in four Sundays in November 2018. The big day According to the 34-year-old beauty-queen-turned-lawyer, she already saw signs that she would pass the Bar Examination. She shared that prior to the release of the results, she saw Mama Mary in her dreams last April 28, Sunday. The second sign came a day before the results were released, when her her 7-year-old daughter handed her a plastic rose. Siao believed that the rose was a symbol of intercession from Saint Padre Pio and Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. “That (rose) was an assurance na dili ko mag doubt (the results of the examination),” she added. (That rose was an assurance for me not to doubt the results of the examinations.) Siao learned that she became a lawyer while she accompanied her 7 seven-year-old daughter for an ear check-up in a clinic. She received a photo from her friend which was sent via Messenger. She had no idea that it was a screenshot of the results. “Dili pa mo load ang photo (The photo did not load). After my friend congratulated me, I assumed that I passed the examination,” she said. It did not sink in first that she passed the Bar Examination since she had to focus on her daughter at the clinic. Everything sinked in when she went back home after her daughter’s check-up. The journey to her dream It took Siao seven years to finish Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu since she had to stop going to school twice. First, when she lost her mother in 2002 and second when she fulfilled her dream to become a beauty queen and was crowned Miss Cebu in 2003. Siao had to join Miss Cebu 2003 since she also wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream to become a beauty queen. She then joined Binibining Pilipinas 2004 and became the country’s official representative in Miss World 2004 in Sanya, China. Before competing for Miss World 2004, she underwent surgery because of an ovarian cyst. Siao brought pride to the country after finishing Top 5 and earned the title Miss World 2004 Queen of Asia and Oceana. After that, she continued to pursue her dream to become a lawyer. “The dream was still there to become a lawyer,” Siao said after the height of her pageant career. She earned her degree in Mass Communication in 2008 and later on worked as a flight attendant in an international airline. It was part of the plan to work since she had to help her family and at the same time a chance for her to save up for Law School. In 2011 or three years after working as a flight attendant, she went back to Cebu and married Merrick Siao. The couple is blessed with two daughters, aged 7 and 3 years old. Currently, she is six months pregnant to a baby boy. After marriage, she helped her husband, Merrick, run a spa business in Cebu. In 2013, she continued her childhood dream and enrolled for Law School at the University of San Carlos (USC) and graduated in 2018. Law school was not an easy journey for her. She had to undergo a major operation on her first year because of adhesion of intestine. In 2014, her father passed away. The law school also had to wait on her third year when she got pregnant and underwent another surgery for adhesion during the cesarean delivery of her second child. Siao started reviewing for the Bar around August 2018. She had to balance her time between reviewing in Manila and coming back to Cebu to attend to her daughters. Women with substance After passing the Bar Examination, Siao wants to practice being a lawyer. “I want to find an opportunity where I can expand public service,” she said. Siao was not the only beauty queen who passed the recent Bar Examination. Patricia Magtanong, one of the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidates, also made it as part of the 22.07 percent passing population. Siao said that there is now a paradigm shift to beauty queens. “Not just their physical looks but people are now looking to beauty queens as women with substance,” she said. Siao advised the beauty queens to pursue their advocacy. “It has become a challenge. Beauty queens should not just have pretty faces but also serve their purpose,” she said. /bmjo Source: https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/232595/karla-bautista-siao-from-beauty-queen-to-lawyer?fbclid=IwAR3tONSpX-QFIGY3OBAJbkf9QauhhCk5JhYqvtvA5nJv5mcymtgbh_Yax5Q |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/japan-confers-decoration-on-ambassador-delia-domingo-albert/ | Japan Confers Decoration on Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert – UP Alumni Website | Japan Confers Decoration on Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert May 21, 2019 The Government of Japan announced on May 21, 2019 the conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert, former foreign secretary, in recognition of her contribution to strengthening the economic relations between Japan and the Philippines. Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert When she was foreign secretary in 2003 to 2004, she took an initiative of the negotiation of Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), which later greatly contributed to the enhancement of the economic relationship between the Philippines and Japan, especially in the area of people exchange. She also contributed to the promotion of inviting Japanese private sectors in the Philippines in mining industry when she served as Presidential Advisor for Multilateral Cooperation and Development in 2004 to 2005. Furthermore, as a senior advisor of Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co., she has being supporting the Japanese companies in the Philippines in a various ways. The government of Japan extends its sincere congratulations to Ambassador Albert, and hopes that he will continue to take an active role in further strengthening the close relations between our two nations. Source: https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000884.html?fbclid=IwAR2QEQ4fbW_WOOt1scUsRn0OLpIq-nBB-ZqzGMGmUOthziYqp3X1tzlBmfw |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/dalisay-is-professor-emeritus/ | Dalisay is professor emeritus – UP Alumni Website | Dalisay is professor emeritus May 22, 2019 Prof. Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., PhD, former vice president for public affairs, was appointed as professor emeritus by the UP Board of Regents (BOR) at its 1344th meeting on Apr. 29. Dalisay Dalisay retired as a Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines, where he also chaired the English department and served as Director of the UP Institute of Creative Writing and Vice President for Public Affairs. Dalisay published more than 30 books of fiction and nonfiction; his second novel, “Soledad’s Sister,” was shortlisted for the inaugural Man Asian Literary Prize in 2007. He is a Palanca Hall of Fame, TOYM, and CCP Centennial Honors List awardee, and the Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. Professorial Chair in Creative Writing has been endowed in his name. According to the “UP Diliman Faculty Manual,” professor emeritus, a title for life, is conferred upon retired faculty members in recognition of their exceptional achievement and exemplary service to the University. They remain in the faculty roster, giving current students, junior faculty members and researchers the chance to be mentored by these esteemed teachers and scholars. Benefits for professors emeriti include a 1-time monetary award of P150,000, lifetime library privileges, UP Health Service privileges and free admission to cultural shows in UP, among others. Those who conduct researches and creative works are given P250,000 annually net of tax. —Haidee C. Pineda Source: https://upd.edu.ph/dalisay-is-professor-emeritus/?fbclid=IwAR1Ynjd2iE6Ej0UUWFxVok6D8GjTfeGzWjC0HN6QHfBYBu5L7vqBjMp-0lM Photo credit: Anvil Publishing —http://blog.anvilpublishing.com/18-fiction-writers-also-teachers/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/karina-constantino-david-73/ | Karina Constantino-David, 73 – UP Alumni Website | Karina Constantino-David, 73 May 23, 2019 MANILA, Philippines — Former Civil Service Commission (CSC) chair Karina Constantino-David died on Tuesday. She was 73. David Her family confirmed her death in a statement released yesterday. No other details were provided. “Much of her life was spent serving the Filipino people in her work as professor, activist, community organizer and public servant. She was a patriot in the true sense of word,” read the statement. “As a professional, she was the epitome of discipline, intelligence and integrity; as a wife, mother and grandmother, she was the perfect example of patience, selflessness and unconditional love,” it added. The family said they would release details of her wake when available. Constantino-David was the daughter of historian Renato Constantino. In the 1980s she formed the folk duo Inang Laya with Becky Demetillo Abraham, part of the cultural resistance to the Marcos regime. She was the wife of sociologist Randy David, and mother of broadcast journalist Kara David and University of the Philippines geology professor Carlos Primo David. Constantino-David served in various government positions, including as chair of the CSC from 2001 to 2008 and trustee of the Government Service Insurance System from 2010 to 2016. She was also the chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council from 1998 to 1999, and had served as undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Constantino-David was a professor of community development and sociology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman and was involved in various organizations, more recently the opposition-leaning Tindig Pilipinas. She is survived by her husband Randy; children Carlos Primo, Kara, Nadya and Jika, and grandchildren Julia, Jacinta, Xavier, Alonso and Lila. – With Elizabeth Marcelo Source: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/09/1916344/karina-constantino-david-73 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/recto-conferred-uap-highest-architecture-award/ | Recto conferred UAP highest architecture award – UP Alumni Website | Recto conferred UAP highest architecture award June 4, 2019 Noted architect Philip H. Recto (BS Arch ’70) was conferred the Likha Gold Medal Award by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) last April 11, 2019. This is the highest UAP architecture award and is given to illustrious architects in recognition of their impeccable moral character, highest standard of professional and ethical conduct, excellence and prestige in the practice of the architectural profession, and distinguished contribution and service to the UAP, the community, government and country. As of 2019 only 14 architects have been conferred this prestigious award out of more than 44,000 Filipino architects. Arch. Philip H. Recto Previously, Arch. Recto was also bestowed the 20008 PFPA Professional Excellence Award by the Philippine Federation of professional Associations which is affiliated with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). He was chosen from among nominees of 43 professional organizations representing more than one million registered professionals in the country. Earlier, he was presented the 1998 Outstanding Architect of the Year Award by the PRC and 1999 “Araw ng Maynila” Mayor’s Award of Honor for Art and Culture. Arch. Recto was also bestowed the 2012 UPAA Distinguished Alumni Award in the field of Architecture and the 1999 UPAA Professional Award in Architecture. In 2000, the Philip H. Recto Design Excellence Award was established at the UP College of Architecture in order to recognize outstanding thesis. To date, it has 176 awardees, 33 of whom were facilitated to undergo a 2-year post baccalaureate training at prestigious architectural firms in Singapore, Hongkong and Shenzhen, China. At present, he is the Principal of Philip H. Recto Architects, responsible for many landmark buildings in the country such as the 61-story Corporate Finance Plaza and the 54-story One Corporate Centre in Ortigas Center, the One San Miguel Avenue office building and The Avantgarde Residence in Ortigas Center, the 20-story De La Salle University-Br. Andrew Gonzales Hall in Manila, St. Paul College in Pasig, the Manuel M. Lopez Development Center (now known as First Pacific Leadership Academy) in Antipolo City, the PNOC head office bldg.. in BGC and many others. Arch. Recto is also the board member of The Museum at De La Salle University-Manila since 2006. Source: Philip H. Recto Architects Pic source: https://www.united-architects.org/assets/files/files/n471—-arch._philip_h._recto.jpg |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/teodoro-d-regala-1933-2019/ | Teodoro D. Regala (1933-2019) – UP Alumni Website | Teodoro D. Regala (1933-2019) June 7, 2019 PRESS RELEASE: One of ACCRALAW’s founding partners dies at 85 Teodoro Regala, 1933-2019 It is with profound grief and sadness that the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) family announces the passing of Teodoro D. Regala, one of the founding partners of the law firm, on Saturday, June 1. Regala, together with the late senator Edgardo J. Angara and Manuel G. Abello, founded ACCRALAW in 1972. Co-founding the firm with them are Jose C. Concepcion and Avelino V. Cruz. He served as the firm’s managing partner from 1981 to 1985. Born on December 27, 1933, he has a long scope of accomplishments that span more than 50 years during which he earned the respect of his peers and the adoration of those whom he had worked closely with. His academic background includes obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Sydney in 1953, and a Master of Arts in Economics in 1954 at the same university. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of the Philippines in 1959. Regala also held a Master of Laws degree from Harvard University in 1960 under a Harvard Scholarship grant. Moreover, he took special courses on Corporate Taxation and Securities Regulation at the New York University School of Law in 1961. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1962. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence in Philippine corporate law practice. His most recent accolades include recognition by Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers & Partners as one of the Senior Statesmen for Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions for 2018, and citation as one of the top 100 lawyers in the Philippines in Vantage Asia’s The A List. Throughout his celebrated career, Regala was actively involved in several organizations such as the Inter-Pacific Bar Association, the UP Law Alumni Association, the Harvard Club of the Philippines, and the Union Church of Manila Philippines Foundation, Inc. Regala lived a full life. He dedicated his life to the practice of law and he will be best remembered for his intellectual rigor, and generosity to those who had the good fortune to work with him. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife, Carminda, children, Karina, Teodoro, Jr, Risa, Pia and 13 granchildren. He was 85 years old. Source: https://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/232226-in-memoriam-teodoro-d-regala |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-manila-chancellor-carmencita-padilla-wins-prc-awards/ | UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla wins PRC Awards – UP Alumni Website | UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla wins PRC Awards June 25, 2019 UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla wins the 2019 PRC Award – Outstanding Professional for Medicine and Eric Nubla award for being the best among this year’s winners from the different professions. Source: UP Manila FB Page |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/passing-of-our-sts-lecturer-ernesto-g-sonido-jr-mlis-1967-2019/ | Passing of our STS lecturer Ernesto G Sonido Jr MLIS (1967-2019) – UP Alumni Website | Passing of our STS lecturer Ernesto G Sonido Jr MLIS (1967-2019) July 12, 2019 ERNESTO G. SONIDO Jr MLIS (1967-2019) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our STS Senior Lecturer Prof Ernesto “Juned” Sonido. He was 52. Juned started out his career in fisheries and aquaculture as a graduate of UP Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in 1990. After a short stint in managing fisheries related NGOs, he worked in science information abstracting services when the BPO industry in the Philippines was in its infancy. The development and prospects of this industry was the subject of his master’s thesis in Library and Information Science in 2003. Afterwards, he further expanded his portfolio to cover social media and digital media and online reputation management. It is here where he helped government, non-government, civil society and people’s organizations and ordinary citizens, especially bloggers on how to manage their social media and online presence. He traveled around the Philippines, the ASEAN and the rest of Asia giving talks and workshops on social and digital media. He had a major interest in politics and social media. Because of this he joined the UP College of Science Science and Society Program as a lecturer in 2013. He intended to establish social and digital media studies and research as part of the Science, Technology and Society (STS) courses. One of his first lectures at the UP was on Twitter and the Arab Spring where he told students, social media isn’t enough to effect change and that they must organize people and march on the streets. Juned was a recognized social and digital media professional and blogger. His only partisanship is for the Filipino people and nation and not to any political party and color. He was working on the social and digital media course proposals for the masters and PhD in STS when death overtook him. He is survived by his brother, sisters, nephews and nieces. — Benjamin M Vallejo Jr PhD Source: http://www.nib.upd.edu.ph/index.php/featured-menu/185-passing-of-our-sts-lecturer-ernesto-g-sonido-jr-mlis |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/pal-board-appoints-veteran-in-bpo-management-and-corporate-turnarounds-as-president-and-coo/ | PAL board appoints veteran in BPO management and corporate turnarounds as president and COO – UP Alumni Website | PAL board appoints veteran in BPO management and corporate turnarounds as president and COO August 8, 2019 File Photo By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo PIONEERING flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has a new chief pilot on the seat. PAL made the formal announcement of its new leader at 3 pm, saying the 15-man PAL Board had “unanimously approved” the choice of Gilbert Santa Maria, a “handpicked nominee of PAL Chairman and CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan,” as president and chief operating officer. Earlier, two separate sources on the PAL board of directors confirmed that Santa Maria, a veteran in establishing and managing business process outsource (BPOs) companies, is the new president and chief operating officer of the airline. “[He starts work] today,” said one source who requested not to be identified as he was not authorized to speak on the matter. Another source, who requested anonymity, said “there were other candidates [but Santa Maria seems] more experienced in management. He came highly recommended. And he looks more confident.” Both sources declined to say who were, and how many other candidates were considered by the board. But one source underscored, “it’s a 10-man Corporate Governance Committee [who went over the candidates’ qualifications], to ensure maximum compliance.” Other sources also averred that Santa Maria was recommended by a headhunter with a note on his massive “corporate turnaround experiences from PepsiCo [which he used to manage in the Philippines], and other companies. He also has extensive experience in corporate communications/marketing.” Prior to joining PAL, Santa Maria was in the information technology and services industry, having been COO of the US-based Ibex Global Solutions, and was also responsible for driving business of eTelecare, both BPOs. HERE IS PAL’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT: The board of directors of Philippine Airlines (PAL) today (July 29, 2019) confirmed the appointment of Gilbert F. Santa Maria as the flag carrier’s new President and Chief Operating Officer. The 15-man PAL board, in its regular meeting at the Century Park Hotel – Manila unanimously approved Santa Maria, a handpicked nominee of PAL Chairman and CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan. In a brief message, Dr. Tan enjoined the PAL team to support Santa Maria as he embarks on his new role as president and COO. “I call on all PAL executives and staff to support Gilbert Santa Maria. Let’s work together and help him face PAL’s many challenges,” the taipan said. For his part, Santa Maria said he considers it a privilege to serve the country’s flag carrier. He urged his fellow PAL workers to help him achieve Dr. Tan’s vision of making Philippine Airlines the airline of choice across all markets it serves. “PAL is the airline that meets the needs of local and global travelers by showcasing our brand’s main strength — the passion for safety and service. Maintaining the current level of service is important and of course, profitability. Let us do our share to make PAL reach greater heights. I will be with you every step of the way,” he added. PAL EVP and Chief Administrative Officer Vivienne K. Tan said, “It is important for my father’s vision to be translated into PAL providing consistent quality service to our customers and also, the flag carrier serving as a means to contribute to nation-building. With this new leadership, we will accomplish this further.” The new airline President has three decades of executive management and leadership experience gained across multiple industries in companies around the world. For the last 15 years, he was a key leader and contributor in the Philippines’ highly successful BPO industry. Until early 2018 he was COO of Washington, DC-based BPO company Ibex Global and was responsible for its 18,000 employees around the World. Before IBEX, he was COO and CFO of IQ BackOffice, a California-based Finance & Accounting outsourcer that was an investee company of LiveIt Investments, Ayala Corporation’s BPO holding company. He supported the governance of LiveIt’s investee companies as a member of the boards of IQ BackOffice; Integreon, a London-based KPO; and Stream, a leading Massachusetts-based global Call Center company. Before this, he led Corporate Development for Stream, having joined its leadership after its 2009 merger with Arizona-based eTelecare Global Solutions, where he led Corporate Development and eTelecare’s 11,000-employee Philippine Operations through the integration of the two companies. He joined the startup eTelecare in 2004. Prior to joining the BPO industry, Santa Maria helped lead a Singapore-based internet 1.0 startup called Similan.com. He was Executive Director of Argosy Partners, which was organized by Filipino business leaders in the wake of the Asian Currency Crisis in 1998 to be the Philippine affiliate of global Private Equity funds like Warburg Pincus, Chase Capital and GE Investments. He was one of the youngest General Managers of Pepsi Cola Products Philippines’ Manila Operations. He was also a management consultant at Booz Allen & Hamilton in New York where he led various strategy and operations consulting engagements for global clients like P&G, J&J, BOC of the UK and BHP of Australia. He started his career as a management trainee in production and engineering at Unilever in Manila. Santa Maria is leaving his Los Angeles-based advisory firm to join Philippine Airlines in Manila. He has a Master’s in Public and Private Management from the Yale University School of Management and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. He was born and raised in Mindanao. With a report from Lorenz S. Marasigan Image Credits: Nonie Reyes Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/07/29/pal-board-appoints-veteran-in-bpo-management-and-corporate-turnarounds-as-president-and-coo/?fbclid=IwAR0qT4MNIGX-vdtHpI75f77FCFLm09rbqvgAwDDl7MEj77Qbl_lzOkw4mIg |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/upv-cfos-grads-top-october-2021-fisheries-technologists-board-exam/ | UPV-CFOS grads top October 2021 Fisheries Technologists Board Exam – UP Alumni Website | UPV-CFOS grads top October 2021 Fisheries Technologists Board Exam October 22, 2021 Ms. Lenilyn Gallos Fisheries graduates of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) topped the October 2021 Fisheries Technologist Board Exam. Four BS Fisheries graduates of CFOS landed in the Top 10. They were Geraldin Mae D. Olaer (3rd placer, 84.25 percent), Jeremiah I. Diaz (4th placer, 84 percent), Mary Gold R. David (7th placer, 83.25 percent), and Pearlyn T. Cambronero (8th placer, 83 percent). UPV recorded an overall passing rate of 95.83 percent in the board exam with 23 successful examinees out of 24 takers. Three MS Fisheries graduates of UPV-CFOS also made it to the top. They were July B. Ariñez (2nd placer), Arnel G. Nudalo (7th placer), and Honey Lyn R. Gomez (9th placer). The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) announced that 211 out of 715 examinees or 29.55 percent passed the licensure exam given by the Board of Fisheries on October 6-7, 2021 in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga. Source: https://bit.ly/3pqFQCA Photos by UP Fisheries Guild, UP Ichthyophilic Society, UPV Graduate Students in Fisheries Association |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-visayas-college-of-management-october-2021-cpa-licensure-exam-passers/ | UP Visayas College of Management October 2021 CPA Licensure Exam Passers – UP Alumni Website | UP Visayas College of Management October 2021 CPA Licensure Exam Passers October 22, 2021 Congratulations to CM’s new Certified Public Accountants! Your Bluechips family is proud of you. 🤩🥳 #OneBluechips Source: UP Visayas College of Management FB page |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/former-up-president-emil-javier-named-national-scientist/ | Former UP president Emil Javier named national scientist – UP Alumni Website | Former UP president Emil Javier named national scientist August 9, 2019 Former UP president Emil Javier. PHOTO from UP Los Baños Twitter By: Nestor Corrales MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has named former University of the Philippines president Emil Javier as the nation’s latest national scientist. Duterte conferred Javier the Order of National Scientist through Proclamation No. 781 released on Thursday. “[T]he works of Emil Q. Javier, Ph.D., in the field of agriculture, through spearheading the Institute of Plant Breeding which popularized high-yielding crops and disease -resistant varieties in the country and in Asia, evinces his outstanding contributions to the progress of science and technology in the Philippines and the world,” the proclamation read. The proclamation added that Javier “led and promoted sound agricultural policies and programs, massive utilization of climate- resilient and environment- friendly agricultural innovations, and improved governance and management system to help improve the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.” It said Javier, “in the pursuit of his lifelong mission to look after the needs of the poor by capitalizing on the resources of modern science, played an active role in the efforts to inform the public about the nature of science and its potential to improve people’s access to food and health, and to emphasize the need for high safety standards in both research and production of biotechnological innovations.” Javier served as the 17th UP president from 1993 to 1999. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, earned his master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a doctorate degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Cornell University. Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1151655/former-up-president-emil-javier-named-national-scientist?fbclid=IwAR0P8sbNe5XtulLRbuWwpkLRsw_hdWhp0nYdrnJrKgxBmmr9ckV_if4iWGo |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/upcn-alumna-becomes-this-years-anastacia-giron-tupas-awardee/ | UPCN Alumna becomes this year’s Anastacia Giron Tupas Awardee – UP Alumni Website | UPCN Alumna becomes this year’s Anastacia Giron Tupas Awardee October 20, 2021 The UP College of Nursing congratulates Cora delos-Angeles Anonuevo, RN, PhD – this year’s Anastacia Giron Tupas Awardee! The Anastacia Giron Tupas Award is the highest award bestowed by the Philippine Nurses Association to an outstanding nurse who exemplifies the values and virtues of Anastacio Giron Tupas, the founder of the Filipino Nurses Association (now the Philippine Nurses Association). Mabuhay ka Dr. Anonuevo!!! Source: UP College of Nursing |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/a-home-run-for-isidro/ | A “home run” for Isidro – UP Alumni Website | A “home run” for Isidro October 22, 2021 Isidro. Photo from the Nowhere to Go but UP’s Facebook page and Gabby Yang Former UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK) dean and baseball coach, Artemio O. Isidro, passed away on Oct. 12. The CHK dean from May 1, 1993 to April 30, 1996, Isidro began his UP service in the early 1970s as instructor under the then Department of Physical Education. He was the UP Varsity Baseball Team (VBT) coach from 1975 until the mid-’80s. As baseball coach, Isidro brought pride to UP when VBT made a rare 5-peat championship at the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) from season 40 (AY 1977-1978) to season 44 (AY 1981-1982). He was a constant presence in the practices and games of VBT even until his old age. Isidro was one of the few faculty members who saw the transition of the UP College of Education Department of Physical Education to the Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (ISPEAR) in 1976, and later to CHK in 1989. Isidro was chair of the ISPEAR Department of Dance from 1979 to 1982. He also served as ISPEAR officer-in-charge in 1979 when then ISPEAR director Aparicio Mequi was in Indonesia for special detail. His UP service was extended beyond his retirement when he was appointed associate professor 7 from Oct. 21, 2003 to May 31, 2004. He was later appointed as professorial lecturer 2 from June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2009. Many of his peers, students, and mentees gave tribute to Isidro in their Facebook posts, reminiscing how he helped them reach their potentials. Author: Benito V. Sanvictores Jr. Source: https://upd.edu.ph/a-home-run-for-isidro/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/2019-metrobank-foundation-outstanding-filipinos-named-p1-million-awaits-each-awardee/ | 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Named: P1 Million Awaits Each Awardee – UP Alumni Website | 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Named: P1 Million Awaits Each Awardee August 9, 2019 This year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos have been presented during a press conference held on August 8 in Taguig City. As a career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors—ten (10) Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos were presented, composed of 4 teachers, 3 soldiers, and 3 police officersto the members of the media. Each awardee will be awarded with a cash prize of PhP 1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy during the formal conferment ceremonies on September 4 at the Metrobank Plaza in Makati City as part of Metrobank’s 57th anniversary celebration. A Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino is steered by the value of “Beyond Excellence”, raising the bar of excellence in their respective fields. Their contributions speak of service beyond one’s self — but to their sectors and in the larger community, inspiring their peers. Their service and community involvements have helped shape better communities and created a lasting positive impact upon the people. Recipients of the 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Teachers (L-R): Dorothy S. Tarol, Ph.D; Ricardo T. Jose, Ph.D.; Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-dela Paz, M.D.; Cristina B. Cristobal, Ph.D. Recipients of the 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are : (1) Dorothy S. Tarol, Ph.D., Master Teacher II, Special Education-Integrated School for Exceptional Children (SPED-ISEC) (Iloilo City); (2) Cristina B. Cristobal, Ph.D., Special Science Teacher 5, Philippine Science High School Main Campus (Quezon City); (3) Ricardo T. Jose, Ph.D. Professor 12, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman (Quezon City); (4) Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-Dela Paz, M.D., Professor 10, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila (City of Manila). Recipients of the 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Soldiers and Police Officers (L-R)(L-R); MSgt. Ramil A. Caporas PA; Major Romulo G. Dimayuga II PN (M); Lt. Col. John Paul D. Baldomar PA; PCol. Edwin A. Quilates; PMaj. Robert A. Reyes, and PCMS. Marsha T. Agustin, RSW. Recipients of the 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers are: (5)Master Sergeant Ramil A. Caporas PA, Team Supervisor, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, Army Support Command, Philippine Army, Camp Servillano Aquino (Tarlac City); (6) Major Romulo G. Dimayuga II PN (M), Former Operations and Training Officer, Force Reconnaissance Group (formerly Marine Special Operations Group), Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Fort Bonifacio (Taguig City); (7) Lieutenant Colonel John Paul D. Baldomar PA, Chief, Current Operations Branch, Internal Security Operations Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp Aguinaldo (Quezon City). Recipients of the 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are: (8) Police Chief Master Sergeant Marsha T. Agustin, RSW, Investigator, Women and Children Protection Center, Philippine National Police Headquarters, Camp Crame (Quezon City); (9) Police Major Robert A. Reyes, Technical Support Officer, Counter Intelligence Task Force, Philippine National Police Headquarters, Camp Brigadier General Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City; (10) Police Colonel Edwin A. Quilates, Provincial Director, Batangas Police Provincial Office, Camp Miguel C. Malvar (Batangas City). “We believe that the call to recognize excellence resonates truer than ever as we celebrate Metrobank Foundation’s 40th year founding anniversary this year. We sustain our commitment to honor exemplary servants from the academe, military, and police sectors whose stories inspire action and whose contributions to society represent the best in our people,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña. The awardees underwent a rigorous selection process and were chosen from hundreds of nominations. A Board of Assessors, composed of members from the government, academe, military, and NGO sectors, identified semi-finalists through a review of documents submitted. Eighteen (18) finalists were chosen whose accomplishments in service and community underwent the field validation process spearheaded by third-party organizations–the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC) and the Career Executive Service Board (CESB). This process verified the significant contributions of the finalists to their respective fields and communities of influence. The 18 finalists were interviewed by a multi-sectoral Final Board of Judges chaired by Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian and co-chaired by Supreme Court of the Philippines associate justice Alexander Gesmundo. The members include: Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development secretary and Task Force Bangon Marawi chairman Eduardo Del Rosario; University of Asia & the Pacific president Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog; Military Ordinariate of the Philippines bishop Most Reverend Oscar Jaime Florencio, D.D; PHINMA Corporation president and vice chairman and Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) chairman Ramon Del Rosario, Jr.; Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. treasurer Jaime Bautista; Management Association of the Philippines president and Sun Life Financial Philippine Holding Company chairman Rizalina Mantaring; and GMA Network, Inc. vice president for professional development and broadcast journalist Horacio “Howie” Severino. Dr. Tarol is cited for championing inclusive education especially through her action research designed to enhance basic literacy skills of learners with hearing impairment. Dr. Cristobal is honored for promoting Philippine history among her students through an approach that encourages hands-on experience with the use of primary sources. Dr. Jose is acclaimed for being the country’s foremost scholar on the World War II in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific. Dr. Cutiongco-Dela Paz is cited for her prolific work on clinical genetics and shedding light on genetic disorders. Meanwhile, MSgt. Caporas is lauded for developing an improvised explosive instrumental to the successful operations during the Marawi siege. Maj. Dimayuga is feted for his role in the successful counter-communist insurgency efforts in areas formerly associated with high insurgency rate. Lt. Col. Baldomar is recognized for his leadership in his organization’s transformation journey. PCMS. Agustin integrated social work in her profession and co-authored the manual widely used by the country’s police forces when handling human trafficking cases. PMaj. Reyes is credited for his expertise in cybercrime investigation and his efforts to equip his peers with the knowledge on trafficking in person intelligence and investigation. PCol. Quilates initiated a strategy that effectively mobilizes local forces, leading to the successful arrests of notorious criminals and resulting to lower crime rate in his province. Since 1985, the Metrobank Foundation has honored a total of 665 Outstanding Filipinos. The program is held in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), PSBank, Rotary Club of Makati Metro, and the Rotary Club of New Manila East. Source: https://www.facebook.com/notes/metrobank-foundation-outstanding-filipinos/2019-metrobank-foundation-outstanding-filipinos-named-p1-million-awaits-each-awa/422019474879043/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/yap-selected-to-climate-change-expert-panel/ | Yap selected to climate change expert panel – UP Alumni Website | Yap selected to climate change expert panel October 18, 2021 Ms. Lenilyn Gallos Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap, dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS), was selected by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) as one of the members of its National Panel for Technical Experts (NPTE). CCC Chairman-designate and Secretary of Department of Finance Carlos G. Dominguez introduced the new members of the expert panel in a virtual press conference on October 13, 2021, live-streamed on the CCC and DOF Facebook pages. Chosen among 130 nominees, Yap was one of the 16 newly-appointed members of the reconstituted panel of climate experts representing various regions of the country. “They were selected because they were doing practical work on the ground and are aware of what is going on at the grassroots level,” said Dominguez. The NPTE is composed of experts in various disciplines related to climate change and disaster risk reduction. The expert panel is tasked to provide the Commission with technical guidance in climate science, technologies, and best practices for risk assessment and improving vulnerable communities’ adaptive capacity to potential climate change threats. A licensed fisheries professional and professor in post-harvest fisheries, Yap said that as a member of the NPTE, she would focus on the adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change on post-harvest fisheries technologies and processes to address food security, especially in the coastal communities. Yap’s fields of expertise span fisheries and ocean sciences, post-harvest technology for fisheries, molecular biology, and food science. Two faculty members from UPV were also appointed to the NPTE. They are Dr. Wilfredo L. Campos and Dr. Gay D. Defiesta, both from the College of Arts and Sciences. Other new members of the panel and their expertise are: • Dr. Jhan H. Adil (environmental planning and Engineering) • Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog (engineering) • Dr. Zenaida L. Andrade (chemical engineering, water management, and environmental science) • Dr. Ramon Lorenzo Luis R. Guinto (climate change and health, public health, and planetary health) • Dr. Eduardo O. Mangaoang (nature science, ecosystems, and environmental stability, human security with focus on climate and disaster risk preparedness), • Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca (biology, aquatic sciences, natural sciences, and fisheries) • Dr. Susan P. Mercado (health and food security, program management, climate, health and human development, climate and mental health, and climate and humanitarian action) • Dr. Richard N. Muallil (marine science, conservation, and climate change, coastal resource management, and marine protected areas) • Dr. Emma E. Porio (sociology and anthropology, climate and disaster resilience, coastal ecosystems, and gender and vulnerability assessment) • Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez (climate change assessment, disaster risk reduction and management, water resource management, hydrology-floods, and drought) • Engr. Meriam M. Santillan (geodetic engineering, flood hazard mapping, and remote sensing) • Dr. Maria Angela G. Zafra (inclusive business models, sustainable finance, sustainable tourism, responsible consumption and green industry, and gender inclusivity and women’s economic empowerment) • Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes (geography, hazards education, mitigation of hazards, gender and vulnerability, and disaster risk reduction). Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/yap-selected-to-climate-change-expert-panel |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/essential-worker/ | Essential worker – UP Alumni Website | Essential worker October 23, 2021 IT executive finds new meaning in her work during the pandemic By Leah C. Salterio “The constraints are both obstacles and opportunities. So in essence, the challenge is doubled: overcome the obstacles and meet the moment of opportunity.” Stratpoint Technologies chief executive officer Mary Rose De la Cruz is one of those rare individuals, who has put into good use what she pursued in school. She has a computer science degree from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, a master degree in computing from Macquarie University in Australia and a master in business administration from the UP Diliman College of Business Administration. De la Cruz joined Stratpoint Technologies in 2010, initially as chief operating officer (COO). Within five years, she assumed the position of chief executive officer (CEO) in September 2014. Previous to Stratpoint, she was head of delivery at Headstrong Philippines, now GenPact, a global information technology outsourcing firm. Up a notch Stratpoint Technologies, whose roots can be traced to Sillicon Valley in California, has been delivering enterprise-grade solutions for more than 20 years. In 2015, executive chairman Paco Sandejas acquired Sequel Solutions and rebranded it Stratpoint Technologies. “The opportunity to work with Silicon Valley technology and startups is what attracted me to join the company,” De la Cruz admits. “I always knew that working in software was meaningful work, but this pandemic has taken things up a notch. Now, I know that I’m doing essential work for businesses to continue operating safely during the crisis. “Our DNA has always been at the forefront of emerging technologies, such that it was actually inevitable that we would be one of the first digital natives. We were always going to be the first to adopt digital when the wave arrived due to our curiosity and passion to apply new technology to solve problems.” Through the years, Stratpoint Technologies satisfied clients who used its library. For instance, “Iris” is a natural language library that enables chatbots to respond to customer inquiries in a conversational manner, providing a 24/7 assistant. De la Cruz (right) with colleagues Sonny Carlos and Kevin Ventura at the AWS re:Invent 2019 in Las Vegas Chilling at the Santa Monica Pier in California during a much needed break. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS “With Iris, our chatbots are able to look for a more complete context, rather than just looking for a specific keyword from user messages, enabling them to better identify how to respond to a person’s inquiry,” De la Cruz explains. “Instead of you trying to figure out what keywords will trigger the right response from a bot [short for robot in software program], the bot will figure out what you’re looking for and give you the proper response. Iris helps businesses to grow, saving them time while increasing their customer engagement.” Stratpoint Technologies has helped a number of prestigious clients embrace the digital transformation and eventually, innovate and level up. The roster includes Globe, ABS-CBN and Unionbank among other enterprises, which have praised the company as a valued partner, particularly for its several software engineering and innovation initiatives. De la Cruz says: “Our clients are those who want to innovate, so naturally, it was never easy — timelines were always short. The apps have to look good and feel amazing. But we like to challenge ourselves and were rewarded by the thanks and appreciation of our clients and seeing the benefits of our work with our client’s customers.” Tough job Operating and functioning in the new normal, Stratpoint Technologies, fortunately, did not experience any major adjustment unlike most ventures. “The shift to virtual wasn’t a stretch, because we are born-in-the cloud (software company), and we are used to working in a distributed manner due to our overseas clients,” De la Cruz says. De la Cruz herself made sacrifices. “Like everyone else, it’s the in-person interactions that we miss the most,” she says. “Culture and collaborations are just so much easier and more fun when the team is together in one place. “I think we vastly underrated how much support from in-person interactions with co-workers contributed to our success. We only realized its value when we lost it due to WFH (work from home) in this pandemic.” As CEO of Stratpoint Technologies now facing heightened challenges, De la Cruz shares how tough and difficult her job has become lately. “Taking care of the people I work with — both Stratpoint Technologies employees and our clients — is the hardest part, because we are all going through stressors to our physical and mental health,” she says. “The constraints are both obstacles and opportunities, so in essence, the challenge is doubled: Overcome the obstacles and meet the moment of opportunity.” De la Cruz didn’t nurture a specific career ambition when she was growing up. “I just was intensely curious about the world and liked science and math,” she says. “I guess I wasn’t sidetracked, since what I saw ahead of me was not a path, but an open field.” To unwind, she goes for a tennis match or a round of golf. She also enjoys cooking and travelling. Juggling her time between work and home, De la Cruz admirably manages to keep a balance between the two. “Prioritization is key and being present in the moment,” she insists. “So, that it’s quality time that’s spent with people that matters the most.” And despite a hectic schedule, she feels that one should never forget to prioritize health. “I start my day with a workout, prayer and meditation and end my day with a walk, if time permits. Weekends are for play and connecting with others, doing the same thing most people do: shopping, eating and just hanging out.” When the Covid-19 situation clears up, De la Cruz expresses her desire to travel out of the country, one thing that she misses most, along with attending events and connecting with nature. “I hope to go to Wimbledon,” the tennis buff says. That trip to the UK to catch high-stakes tennis matches is certainly one that the IT executive is looking forward to. In the meantime, she keeps the faith that Stratpoint Technologies will consistently stay afloat despite the formidable challenges it faces in the months ahead. Source: https://bit.ly/3GojojM |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-law-sweeps-the-2019-asia-cup-in-japan/ | UP Law sweeps the 2019 ASIA CUP in Japan – UP Alumni Website | UP Law sweeps the 2019 ASIA CUP in Japan August 13, 2019 The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union proudly congratulates its contingent to the 2019 Asia Cup for taking home this year’s championship trophy! This is the 5th time that UP Law has emerged on top of the competition since its inauguration in 1999. Leslie Diane Torres was awarded Best Applicant Oralist, while Marianne Angeli Estioco and Abelardo Hernandez finished as 2nd and 3rd Best Respondent Oralists, respectively. The team likewise bagged the 3rd Best Memorial award. This year’s Asia Cup was held from August 6-7, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan, and had a record high participation of 72 teams from 17 different jurisdictions. Prof. Rommel Casis mentored the team as faculty adviser. The contingent was composed of Team Captain Marianne Angeli Estioco (IV-D), Abelardo Hernandez (IV-E), Anton Miguel Sison (IV-E), and Leslie Diane Torres (IV-D). |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-alumna-bags-ces-board-outstanding-ceo-award/ | UP alumna bags CES Board Outstanding CEO Award – UP Alumni Website | UP alumna bags CES Board Outstanding CEO Award October 15, 2021 Dr, Nerissa Gerial wins CES Board Outstanding CEO Award. Nerissa Mendoza-Gerial, a registered nurse, a doctor of philosophy in nursing education, a career executive service eligible and the current Deputy Executive Director for Nursing Services of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), and the Founding President of the Urologic Nurses Association of the Philippines (URONAP), was awarded the Outstanding Cost Effective Officer (CEO) Award given by the Career Executive Service Board of the Philippines (CESB) under Resolution Number 1606 signed by its Chairperson Alicia Dela Rosa-Bala, CESO 1, and other members of the governing board. The Outstanding CEO Award aims to recognize the strategic leadership qualities of Career Executive Service Officers (CESOs) and Career Executive Service Eligibles (CESEs); whose decisions or actions create a desired level of performance that leads to the maximum utilization of resources or increased agency savings. The Career Executive Service is the ‘third level’ or the managerial class in the group of career positions in the Philippine Civil Service. The Career Executive Service (CES) was created by Presidential Decree No. 1 to “form a continuing pool of well-selected and development-oriented career administrators who shall provide competent and faithful service.” Deputy Executive Director Gerial won the award for implementing a holistic program to ensure adequate number of skilled nurses who handle patients affected by the COVID-19 virus through sustained and efficient hiring process and resource planning; implementation of safety policies; initiating the conduct of trainings for proper donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs); infection control measures including the handling, management and triage of suspect, probable and confirmed COVID-19 cases in coordination with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee; and keeping the nurses committed and engaged through words of encouragement, rewards and recognition programs. Out of 10 nominees from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) under the Department of Health, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 4 winners passed the standards of the board. Dr. Nerissa M. Gerial, is the lone winner for the Outstanding CEO Award. Together with her triumph, 3 winners for the CES Very Innovative Person (VIP) Award were also awarded, namely Mr. Arleigh J. Adorable, Director IV Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 10; Mr. Romelito G. Flores, CESO V Schools Division Superintendent Department of Education – General Santos City and Mr. Alejandro G. Ibañez, CESO VI Officer-in-Charge, Schools Division Superintendent Department of Education – Navotas City. They received the award during the Career Executive Service Board Leadership Conclave last September 24, 2021. Dr. Nerissa M. Gerial’s impact to the Nursing profession, both as an individual and as a professional, is immense and substantial. She has lived up to par as a thought leader, and she has sustained innovation, built collaboration, and has inspired public service excellence that is authentic, compassionate, and responsive to the ever-changing needs of the society. She has displayed personal, leadership, and resilience, more so in the time of pandemic, which rightfully earned Dr. Gerial the award that represents the kind of public leaders every citizen ought to be, to rightfully steward this nation. An embodiment of a strong and fierce trailblazer, Dr. Gerial has proven time and again that to lead is to inspire, and to inspire is also to publicly serve. Source: https://bit.ly/3FHHuFE |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/business-ad-alumnus-dominic-ligot-from-upd-and-his-team-wins-the-break-the-fake-hackathon-with-solution-to-track-relationships-between-fake-news-sites/ | Business Ad Alumnus, Dominic Ligot from UPD and His Team Wins the Break the Fake Hackathon with Solution to Track Relationships Between Fake News Sites – UP Alumni Website | Business Ad Alumnus, Dominic Ligot from UPD and His Team Wins the Break the Fake Hackathon with Solution to Track Relationships Between Fake News Sites August 22, 2019 Break the Fake 1st-Place Winners, Carlos Nazareno, Dominic Ligot, Nikko Torcita (front center, left to right) with the judges, event organizers and sponsors Manila, Philippines – Five or so years ago, “fake news” was a term that no one used. Today, it’s no longer just a term, but a phenomenon, recognized as an urgent global problem and a threat to human life by world leaders and institutions. The rise of social media as the main source of news and information by most has made it easier for malicious figures and groups to spread false content, especially in tech-savvy Southeast Asia. This led a group of independent youth leaders and professionals in Manila, Philippines to start the “Break the Fake Movement”, an organization that aims to engage the public, especially the youth, through technology-driven media literacy events to combat fake news. “Fake news is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It will take the ingenuity of our youth, combined with the power of technology, to put an end to this trend. We wanted to give them a forum to realize their solutions and mobilize them into action,” said Gabriel Billones Jr, the Lead Organizer of Break the Fake Movement. For this year, the organization launched the “Break the Fake Hackathon”, a three-city event that challenges programmers and developers to create systems that will help institutions battle disinformation. Filipino students and professionals had the chance to join the competition and showcase their talents last August 17 at American Corner Manila in De La Salle University Manila, where the top three winning teams had the chance to go home with P10,000, P5,000, and P5,000 respectively. More information on the mechanics of the event may be found here. Each team only had 5 minutes to pitch their creation, and had 3 minutes to answer the judges’ questions. This year’s 1st-place winners are Carlos Nazareno, Dominic Ligot, Nikko Torcita (left to right) from Team Troglodyte, who are graduates from Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University Manila, and University of the Philippines Diliman respectively. They were able to create a network graph to track purveyors of disinformation by mapping out the relationships of fake news websites with each other. The team also brought their prototype that they showed the judges during their pitch. “The network graph proposed by Team Troglodyte is truly innovative. By mapping out the web of fake news sites – which have figurative and literal links to one another – we can also begin to separate these sources from legitimate outlets and publications. Separating the two will undoubtedly lift the quality of public discourse,” said Sofia Galve, a co-founder of Ambidextr, one of the partners for Break The Fake. The other winners, Team Git Stash and Team GigaMike, won 2nd and 3rd-place respectively. Team Git Stash created a web browser extension that bridged the gap between users and fact-checking organizations, while Team GigaMike created an app that gives bloggers a badge that detects fake news. Technology for Social Good The event first made its stop in Jakarta, Indonesia in June and held the second outing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July. The Manila leg is the last stop of the event. Participants are encouraged to develop a multitude of possible solutions for fake news, including everything from an online database of fake news sites and an anti-fake news content portal to more niche solutions, like an app that identifies whether an applicant’s credentials are true or a mapping tool that maps traffic sources of a social sentiment in an online platform. Devcon, an organization dedicated to professionalizing Filipino IT professionals, is partnered with Break the Fake for the hackathon. “Many people associate innovation with just websites and apps. But technology is so much more than that. Just as the previous generation of innovators has worked to keep our data, privacy, and identify safe from cyber criminals, the next will be tasked with ensuring the integrity of our news and information. We’re proud to encourage solutions in this endeavor,” said Devcon founder and president Winston Damarillo, who is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Amihan Global Strategies. The winning teams from each of the three cities will then compete in the Grand Hackathon that will be held on the second week of September in Manila, Philippines, where they will have the chance to win Php100,000 worth of prizes. The winners will also be given opportunities to pitch their programs to potential investors, visit the country offices of some of the region’s biggest companies, and get mentorship from local entrepreneurs and professionals, and consultancy from marketing and events management company, Ambidextr. The Hackathon was made possible through the generous grant awarded by the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Seeds for the Future program of the US government, in cooperation with Cultural Vistas. Launched in 2013, YSEALI is the signature program of the United States to strengthen youth leadership in the region. The “Break the Fake Hackathon” was among the 21 winners of the small grants competition, where they received grants ranging from $4,000 to $15,000. The winners emerged as most deserving from the 400 applications the organization received in Southeast Asia. For more information and updates, check the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/breakthefakeph. Source: Ambidextr Media |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/pgs-evelyn-chua-ng-finding-the-right-work-life-balance/ | P&G’s Evelyn Chua-Ng: Finding the right work-life balance – UP Alumni Website | P&G’s Evelyn Chua-Ng: Finding the right work-life balance October 23, 2021 by Marianne Go – The Philippine Star Chua-Ng Executive profile: MANILA, Philippines — At the prime of her life, Evelyn Chua-Ng, 43, is an outstanding example of a successful career woman who has achieved a perfect work-life balance, grounded by a strong Christian faith. Evelyn is currently the vice president and regional comptroller for Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa of American consumer manufacturer Procter & Gamble or simply P&G, a post she has held since 2016. A 20-year veteran of P&G, Evelyn was scouted by the consumer firm while she was still finishing her business administration and accountancy degree at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She joined the group in 2001 and initially worked in the Philippines as part of the Asia Internal Controls. After only two years, she got her first international posting in Singapore where she stayed for two and a half years before moving on to China in 2005 and eventually staying for a much longer period of six and a half years. In China, Evelyn was initially the finance director for Greater China skin and cosmetics sales from 2005 to 2007, and overlapping her role with the additional responsibility as Greater China SK-II global business unit plus globalization F& A director from 2006 to 2007. From 2007 to 2008, she was assigned as finance director for Greater China baby care and Oral C product supply, and concurrently the Huangpu plant site controller. From 2008 to 2011, she was promoted to finance senior director of the Greater China baby care global business unit. After her back-to-back international postings, Evelyn returned to the Philippines in 2012 to assume the chief financial post for P&G Philippines, a role she kept up to 2014. By 2015, aside from being the Philippines chief finance officer, she was elevated to tax senior director of P&G. Continuing to soar even higher, Evelyn in 2016 became Asia comptroller and Asia Pacific tax operations vice president, with that role further expanded in 2019 to cover AMA or AsiaPacific, Middle East and Africa, as well as Greater China comptroller. She is now the highest-ranking Filipino woman in P&G Philippines. What is even more remarkable, is that she was able to climb the corporate ladder, get married and raise a family of four beautiful girls ranging from 12 to four years old. How did she achieve such a feat? According to Evelyn, she actually had no career goals at the start. But what has defined her since her high school years, and what was ingrained in her by her parents, is “doing everything excellently.” Likewise, she believes that her strong Christian faith is what has kept her grounded. Referring to a Bible verse she reveals that “doing things for Christ keeps my standards high…it is not just about pleasing my human bosses…” Evelyn’s success could also be attributed to her choice and the opportunity given to her by P&G back in her college years in UP Diliman, specifically in her third year in 1998 when she was chosen to do a summer internship with the company that eventually led to a job offer after she graduated. She points out that when P&G recruits and hires, the company does so “not necessarily just for a role.” The company she said, every two to three years moves employees around, changes their roles, allowing them to choose if they want to be a “generalist or a specialist.” In her case, Evelyn opted to specialize in finance and general accounting. But even as she was pursuing her professional career, Evelyn also chose to forge ahead and balance her life by marrying a co-P&G colleague and initially having and raising two daughters while posted in China, and another two when she returned to the Philippines. Her success in balancing her work and family commitment, she admits, was having “a strong support system and network,” primarily with a very supportive husband, Garry, and competent nannies to help raise her daughters, allowing her to focus on her work, knowing that her daughters are well taken cared of. Allowing her to work and raise a family, she acknowledges that P&G offers flexible work hours that allows employees to work from home…way before the pandemic. “Flex work hours was already practiced in P&G as early as 15 years ago. Hybrid work is, thus, nothing new for the company,” a trend that Evelyn feels will continue in the future, post-pandemic. The post pandemic work situation, as Evelyn sees it, will continue to involve flexible work arrangements and digital technologies. However, the caveat will be, according to Evelyn, the underlying trust between the employers and workers, noting that workers have to be self-driven to get results and must be accountable for their output, which will lead to a win-win solution for both employees and companies. Additionally, Evelyn also points out that P&G has embraced equality and inclusion in its workplace, resulting in a 50-50 balance in all management levels. Evelyn, in fact, now leads P&G Philippines’s Equality and Inclusion Council. “I’m privileged to work in a company where senior leaders truly live and breathe an inclusive culture. This is a big enabler as it levels the playing field for everyone. Working with the P&G local office and other regional headquarters throughout my career, I never felt like I was not listened to or my ideas were dismissed because of my gender,” she said. Even so, Evelyn believes that there is still a need to continue to break the so-called “glass ceiling,” noting that while the total workforce now has a 50-50 balance, “Why does that number go down?” Especially as it get to the top posts. She cites research that has shown that diverse and inclusive organizations deliver stronger business results. Thus, she continues to ask the question, “Why does the glass ceiling still exist?” Evelyn believes there is still a need to change predisposition and biases of the male population at the c-suite level, who oftentimes ignore personal choices of females by not offering them top level positions. For her, male managers “need to provide more support and offer the right sponsorship” to their female employees. “Don’t make the career decision for your female managers,” noting that the male managers oftentimes have made “the sub-consconscious decision that women coming back after they are mothers may not want to take opportunities.” On the contrary, Evelyn stresses that the question should be asked and that the males should not make that career decision, especially since they may be surprised that females, when posed the question do believe that “I can do both,” In her own experience, Evelyn relates that “big opportunities could be scary because of risk of failure is very high.” Her advice, though, is “go for it,’’ repeating the adage that the biggest risk also yields the biggest success or reward. She recalls that her own work-life balance mentor in P&G, when she reached a similar crossroad as a junior manager, had asked her that if she did not take the opportunity presented to her, would she work less? If she was not likely to work less, then her mentor told her “might as well get the right pay for the work your are doing!” To aspiring young females about to embark on their own career path, Evelyn’s advice is “Don’t overthink it!” She suggests that when an opportunity presents itself, the decision-making process should be focused on the moment rather than looking too far ahead into the future and at other variables that might come into play at a much later time. “When at that point needed to make a decision… don’t think about five to 10 years, focus only on what is there right now, and go for it! Evelyn is clearly happy with the decisions she has made up to this point, appreciating her choice to have a big family, who during the pandemic has kept her happy and busy. For her own daughters, Evelyn is trying to impart to them the need to have clear priorities…something that was also taught to her by her mentors in P&G. “You have to be clear on what your priorities are and realize your time.” For Evelyn her priorities, thus, include being a mother and wife, for whom she reserves her weekends for the family and maintaining their spiritual development. Another key element she wants to be able to give to her daughters is life skills…”making sure what is the right thing to do; making ethical choices; having the right work ethic.” As such Evelyn and her husband teach their children not so much with the goal of just getting good grades, but rather “Did you do your best? Did you prepare for it?” And lastly, Evelyn refers to the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” or finding that intersection where your passion lies, what your strengths are, and what your purpose is. “Ideally, if you can find the intersection where all three meet, there you get more success.” Source: https://bit.ly/3GglTEw |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/faustino-b-aromin-ms-agronomy-1990/ | Faustino B. Aromin (MS Agronomy 1990) – UP Alumni Website | Faustino B. Aromin (MS Agronomy 1990) October 15, 2021 Let’s offer a prayer for our departed alumnus. May he rest in peace. If you have heard or read about any fellow UPLB alumnus/alumna who passed away, please inform us through https://alum.uplb.edu.ph/submit-obituary Source: UPLB Office of Alumni Relations FB |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/ched-chair-de-vera-administers-the-oath-of-office-to-the-incoming-up-president/ | CHED Chair de Vera administers the oath of office to the incoming UP president – UP Alumni Website | CHED Chair de Vera administers the oath of office to the incoming UP president February 9, 2023 Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo Incoming UP President Angelo Jimenez (left) takes his oath of office administered by CHED and UP BOR Chair J. Prospero de Vera III. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, the incoming President of the University of the Philippines (UP), took his oath of office at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on February 7. CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III, who also chairs the UP Board of Regents, administered the oath. A former UP regent, Atty. Jimenez begins his term as the University’s 22nd leader on February 10 with a turnover ceremony at Quezon Hall at 9:00 am. Jimenez (left) shakes hands with de Vera after the oath-taking ceremony. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). Jimenez signs his oath of office as de Vera looks on. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). De Vera signs and attests to the oath taken by Jimenez. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). Jimenez (center) receives a painting from CHED Commissioner Jo Mark Libre (left) and de Vera after the oath-taking ceremony. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). Source: https://up.edu.ph/ched-chair-de-vera-administers-the-oath-of-office-to-the-incoming-up-president/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/august-2019-pharmacist-licensure-examination-up-topnotchers/ | August 2019 Pharmacist Licensure Examination UP topnotchers – UP Alumni Website | August 2019 Pharmacist Licensure Examination UP topnotchers August 28, 2019 The Professional Regulation Commission has released the August 2019 Pharmacist board exam results as PRC announced that 3,097 out of 4,455 passed the Pharmacist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Pharmacy in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this August 2019. 1st place – Janelle Samantha Que See, University of The Philippines- Manila 92.58% 3rd place – Jemimah Gyra Celedonio Escote, University of The Philippines- Manila 90.90% 10th place – Zadkiel Flores Velasquez, University of The Philippines- Manila 90.10% Source: http://www.boardexamresultsph.com/pharmacist-august-2019 |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/special-2020-upaa-yearbook/ | SPECIAL 2020 UPAA YEARBOOK – UP Alumni Website | SPECIAL 2020 UPAA YEARBOOK October 26, 2021 Get your copies now from the UPAA Secretariat at Rm. 211, 2nd floor, ANg Bahay ng ALumni, R. Magsaysay Ave., UP Diliman, Quezon City. Telephone Nos.: 8920-6868; 8920-6871 Email: [email protected] |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/benedict-a-exconde-ms-agricultural-economics-2005/ | Benedict A. Exconde (MS Agricultural Economics, 2005) – UP Alumni Website | Benedict A. Exconde (MS Agricultural Economics, 2005) October 15, 2021 Let’s offer a prayer for our departed alumnus. May he rest in peace. If you have heard or read about any fellow UPLB alumnus/alumna who passed away, please inform us through https://alum.uplb.edu.ph/submit-obituary Source: UPLB Office of Alumni Relations FB |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/cfos-dean-yap-appointed-to-ched-technical-panel-for-fisheries-education/ | CFOS Dean Yap appointed to CHED Technical Panel for Fisheries Education – UP Alumni Website | CFOS Dean Yap appointed to CHED Technical Panel for Fisheries Education February 9, 2023 Ms. Lenilyn Gallos Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap, dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas, was appointed to the Technical Panel for Fisheries Education of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Yap took oath as a member of the new set of technical panels in a ceremony held online on February 7, 2023. CHED chairman Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III administered the virtual oath-taking of the seven-member team spearheaded by Mr. Michael Tiu Lim as the chairperson. Lim is the Vice President for Business Development of Mega Fishing Corp. Other members of the said panel are Atty. Gloria E. Ramos (Vice President, Oceana- Phils), Dr. Carlos C. Baylon (Member, PRC Board of Fisheries), Dr. Catalino Dela Cruz (Member, PRC Board of Fisheries), Dr. Maria Rowena R. Equia (Professor, De La Salle University and retired Scientist, SEAFDEC AQD), and Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado (Dean, School of Marine Fisheries and Technology, Mindanao State University – Naawan). The technical panel is expected to assist CHED in the formulation of policies and standards, and in the evaluation or assessment of higher education institutions (HEIs) and the program offerings. Members of the technical panel were selected based on their expertise, training, and experience. Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/cfos-dean-yap-appointed-to-ched-technical-panel-for-fisheries-education |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/uplb-researchers-discover-new-critically-endangered-tree-species-in-palawan/ | UPLB researchers discover new, ‘critically endangered’ tree species in Palawan – UP Alumni Website | UPLB researchers discover new, ‘critically endangered’ tree species in Palawan February 9, 2023 Although its habitat remains unspoiled, Helicia danlagunzadii is suspected of being collected for biological use, leading to its possible population decline MANILA, Philippines – On the fourth day of a grueling eight-day floristic survey in July 2019, traversing all of Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL) in southern Palawan, the researchers saw a bright yellow flowering treelet belonging to the Proteaceae family, glistening even before the crack of dawn. It was a newly discovered species they named Helicia danlagunzadii. “Parang sulit ‘yung pagod kasi [noong] unang beses na makita ko, [I know] it’s a new species,” said Pastor Malabrigo Jr., the first author of the study and a plant taxonomy and forest biodiversity professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). (When I first saw it, I felt that all the effort was worth it because I know it is a new species.) The researchers officially described the new species and explained their process in a peer-reviewed journal article, published in the Philippine Journal of Science (formal publication release in April 2023). The study was led by Malabrigo – also the Museum of Natural History’s curator for trees – alongside fellow UPLB researchers Arthur Glenn Umali, Gerald Eduarte, John Ryan Navidad, and Adriane Tobias. “Kung mapapatubo natin ‘yan sa isang landscape area o urban parks natin, palagay ko, pagkakaguluhan ‘yan,” Malabrigo said on the possible benefits of the newly discovered species. (I think the public will be excited about it, especially if we can grow the new species in a landscape area or urban parks.) The bright yellow flowers covering its leafless branches are a sight to behold, ensuring its huge potential not just for aesthetic purposes but for other ecological services as well. DISCOVERY. Close-up photo of Helicia danlagunzadii’s inflorescence. Image courtesy of Pro-Seeds Development Association As a close relative of the macadamia tree, H. danlagunzadii has the possibility of producing economically significant fruits due to the predictive power of classification. Malabrigo explained that this is a scientific concept suggesting that related species are likely to have similar properties. “Biodiversity is directly related to food security,” Tobias said about the importance of the discovery to biodiversity and resilience. He added that as more humans discover more species, especially those that are potential food sources, the better stability we ensure in having access to adequate food. Compared to the other five Helicia species found in the Philippines, the new species is unique for its bright shorter clusters of flowers in a branch or set of branches (inflorescences) at 2.5-3.5 centimeters (cm) (vs. 4-32 cm inflorescences of other Helicia species with relatively darker colors) that are often found in pairs. This flowering treelet or shrub grows up to 4 meters tall, with oval leaves and bright yellowish florets. It has the smallest maximum height among the Helicia species in the Philippines, based on the study. The researchers chose the name, danlagunzadii, for the new species in honor of Malabrigo’s mentor, Daniel Lagunzad, who was “a great Filipino systematist and ecologist,” according to the study. Lagunzad worked as a professor at the Institute of Biology of the University of the Philippines Diliman, and was known for inspiring his students toward taxonomy and curing people’s plant blindness. Challenges However, the researchers, some of whom are assessors for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have assessed H. danlagunzadii under the critically endangered classification of the IUCN Red List. Their assessment will eventually be approved and added to the updated IUCN Red List website. They acknowledged the possibility of population decline due to the limited number of the said species found in the identified area – a key biodiversity location. Only three matured H. danlagunzadii were observed during the survey. Although its habitat remains unspoiled, the species is suspected of being collected for biological use, leading to its possible decline. The said species was discovered during a floristic survey in 2019, as part of the project “Enhancing Conservation Actions in Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape” funded and supported by the Forest Foundation Philippines. “We have the so-called ‘tragedy of the uncommons’ sa (among) trees. Kapag hindi kilala, walang economic value, hindi alam na sa kanila lang makikita, critically endangered, and then pinuputul-putol lang (If it is unknown, has no economic value, and people are unaware that it can only be found in their area and is critically endangered, would likely be cut down),” Malabrigo explained, as most of the locals replace native plants with their misperceived high-value ones. With 10 vegetative cover types, MMPL is home to more than a hundred threatened species, and the lack of knowledge of a species makes it difficult to impose existing protection laws. Since H. danlagunzadii is located in the transition zone between mossy forest and sub-alpine forest, as well as along the trek path, the new species is likely to have experienced gathering from both locals and tourists. Rising hope against biodiversity loss Collected on July 25, 2019, from the highest mountain in Palawan, H. danlagunzadii is crucial to the biodiversity of the said province and the country. With Palawan as a biodiversity hotspot, which entails high plant endemism and habitat loss, discovering new species provides hope amid biodiversity loss. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience and stability – and, essentially, for human survival. The researchers highlighted the importance of discovering and naming new species, which is the root of all eventual discoveries about their ecological and economic importance to humans. They said even the locals do not have a name for H. danlagunzadii, suggesting that it has no specific economic value for them. It strengthens the need for more taxonomists in the country, whom they also called “critically endangered” in the country. “Napakalaki ng ambag nito, hindi lamang sa Palawan at Pilipinas, kundi maging sa buong siyensya (This discovery has a significant contribution, not only to Palawan and the Philippines but also to science),” Umali said about their discovery and the entire process of naming new species. Malabrigo suggested both in situ (onsite) and ex situ (offsite) conservation strategies to the government and concerned organizations. As a critically endangered species, it falls under a utilization ban to prevent any illegal gathering and protect these species. More importantly, he pointed out the need for grant-giving institutions to prioritize biodiversity explorations, especially since the Philippines is a megadiverse nation. “Unless a species is named, hindi mo siya mapapag-aralan,” Malabrigo reiterated. (Unless a species is named, people will never start to study it for further exploration.) Future studies Currently, the researchers have already discovered and published four new species from MMPL alone, with another three still undergoing publication review. They excitedly shared that they also have identified 10 new species for further exploration. With their upcoming book launch in June 2023, in line with the anniversary of the MMPL proclamation, the researchers are excited about the biodiversity research and exploration possibilities in the country. With the numerous unexplored areas and species in the Philippines, the researchers encourage young people to experience the exciting life and several perks of being a botanist: going to different places, encountering various creatures, and having a significant contribution to science, all while getting paid for it. – Rappler.com Source: https://www.rappler.com/environment/up-los-banos-researchers-discover-new-critically-endangered-tree-species-palawan/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/student-from-up-diliman-created-an-app-that-provides-information-about-careers-in-agriculture-wins-2nd-place-at-the-hack4rice-hackathon-last-september-1/ | Student from UP Diliman Created an App that Provides Information About Careers in Agriculture Wins 2nd Place at the Hack4Rice Hackathon Last September 1 – UP Alumni Website | Student from UP Diliman Created an App that Provides Information About Careers in Agriculture Wins 2nd Place at the Hack4Rice Hackathon Last September 1 September 9, 2019 Hack4Rice Champions: Team Pilapil: Allison Gacad, Maria Beatriz Marasigan, Kristel Diane Artificio, with the event organizers: Marko Kärkkäinen, Jack Lagare (from left to right) Manila, Philippines – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), hosted a hackathon last August 30 to September 1 called Hack4Rice. The main focus of this is to research on rice within the country. Located at the IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, the theme for this year’s Hack4Rice is “Advancing Rice Research Through Tech and Innovation,” aiming to bring people with diverse backgrounds together and nurture a community of collaboration and innovation. Participants had the opportunity to interact with IRRI staff involved in rice research and operations, external partners, and so much more who can provide valuable insights and have a thorough knowledge about the pain points that the hackathon hopes to help alleviate. With the exception of those from outside the Philippines joining remotely, participants got to experience the idyllic scenery of Los Baños, wonderful food, and the peace and quiet an escape from the urban jungles brings. Through Hack4Rice 2019, the opportunity to expand their reach became available as the participants got to interact with people coming from different fields. As the hackathon aimed to provide the participants with as near a glimpse of the world of rice research, there are a lot of opportunities to ensure impact through what you build. Team Pilapil, who are Allison Gacad, Maria Beatriz Marasigan, Kristel Diane Artificio (from left to right), are students and graduates from the University of British Columbia, UP Manila, and UP Los Baños, respectively. The team landed in second place with a mobile app which serves as a career guide to high school students who’s about to enter college. It includes potential careers, universities, scholarships, and majors related to agriculture. It also has a personality quiz which will analyze the results to give a recommendation of a career that you will possibly fit in. The other teams that participated were Team Blu, who won 1st-Place, and Team Croppynet that bagged 3rd-Place. A special award was also given to Team Humaygosh, with an artificial intelligence platform where crop breeders can upload their data, use developed tools to easily visualize their data, run machine learning algorithms, and collaborate with different domain experts to solve challenging problems in the field. One of the media partners of Hack4Rice is Amidextr, a content marketing and events management company focused on serving tech companies in Asia Pacific. “Agriculture is a commonly overlooked field, but it no longer has to be with Pilapil. Students who wish to take up agriculture for college will now be more informed on what steps to take next in order to pursue a career in the industry,” said Sofia Galve, a co-founder of Ambidextr. Hack4Rice a great opportunity to develop collaboration not only between teammates but with other participants and stakeholders thereby nurturing an environment for empowerment. ABOUT IRRI The International Rice Research Institute is dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through our work and partnerships, we aim to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry. Source: Ambidextr Media |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-college-of-masscom-names-seven-glory-awardees/ | UP College of Masscom names seven Glory awardees – UP Alumni Website | UP College of Masscom names seven Glory awardees October 26, 2021 The UP College of Mass Communication Alumni Association has announced that seven outstanding alumni will receive the 2021 Glory Awards in a virtual ceremony on November 27. The awardees who were selected by a distinguished jury of peers are: Maria Luz Balmaceda (corporate communications), Atty. Maria Kristina Conti (social advocacy), Abner Mercado (broadcast journalism), Catherine Garcia-Molina (film), Felix “Nonon” Padilla (performing arts), Rowena Carranza-Paraan (social advocacy), and Dr. Marianne Dayrit Sison (mass communication education). The Glory trophy sculpted by professor emeritus Gigi Javier Alfonso will be presented to winners in recognition of their excellent work and impact in the communities they serve. This year’s panel of jurors was composed of broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, professor emeritus Monina Movido-Escalada, former deputy press secretary Danilo Gozo, investigative journalist Malou Mangahas, and writer-director and actress Bibeth Orteza. The Glory also has two permanent jurors—UPCMC Dean and film professor Arminda Santiago and former ANC and CNN Philippines news director Jing Magsaysay, who represents the family of Dr. Gloria Feliciano, the founding dean of UP’s 56-year-old mass communications program. Dean Feliciano inspired the alumni association to launch the annual Glory Awards in 2017 in honor of her legacy of excellence and service to the mass communications field. The winners Marlu Balmaceda led the brand and corporate communications unit of SGV & Co., the country’s premier auditing and professional services firm, for 25 years. She was the Philippine program manager of the global Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” search. As executive director of the SGV Foundation, she helped make a difference in the lives of young students through education and entrepreneurship programs. Atty. Krissy Conti is a human rights advocate who has defended jailed journalists, student activists, political prisoners, urban poor evictees, and quarantine “violators” during the pandemic. She helped prosecute Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, accused in the kidnapping and disappearance of UP students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, leading to his conviction. She also serves in the legal team that is assisting the families of persons killed during the government’s war on drugs. Abner Mercado is renowned for documentaries about social and environmental issues, politics, and cultural anthropology. His work led him to scale Mt. Everest twice and record the moment the Philippine flag was waved from the roof of the earth. He was among the first workers displaced by the withdrawal of ABS-CBN’s franchise to operate, but he considers the experience as his “medal of valor” from his network of 21 years. Mercado won a bronze medal from the New York Film and TV Festival and a special jury prize at the 9th Moscow International Festival of Mountaineering and Adventure Film. Cathy Garcia-Molina directed the two highest-grossing Filipino films of all time—Hello Love, Goodbye (2019) and The Hows of Us (2018) among a string of hits with ABS-CBN Star Cinema. She was nominated for best director at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for Hello Love, Goodbye. The same film won her Movie Director of the Year honors from the Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards, duplicating her feat in 2007 when she directed that year’s biggest blockbuster One More Chance. Molina has won six times as Most Popular Film Director at the annual Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Entertainment Awards. Nonon Padilla has staged and directed over a hundred plays, composed music, and designed sets for the country’s pre-eminent theater groups. In 1987 he founded the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino and started the Actors’ Company that produced highly regarded performers including Nonie Buencamino, Pen Medina and John Arcilla, among others. In the early years of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), he prepared the training curriculum to guide PETA artists in honing their acting craft. Internationally, his works have been performed in New York’s Royal Theater, Singapore, Japan, and across Canada. Weng Carranza-Paraan served as chairperson, president, and secretary-general of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines for over a decade. She waged a long campaign for justice on behalf of 57 journalists and media workers killed in the infamous Ampatuan massacre in 2009. She currently heads ABS-CBN News Public Service and produces the Lingkod Kapamilya segment and the citizen journalism program Bayan Mo, I-patrol Mo. Her ongoing projects include voters’ education and fighting disinformation thru news literacy. Marianne Dayrit Sison is an academic leader in the public relations field. She is the founding chair and convenor of the Asia Pacific Public Relations Research and Education Network (APPRREN). In 2019 she was awarded as Educator of the Year by the Public Relations Institute of Australia and the following year, she received the Communication Excellence in Organizations (CEO EXCEL) award from the Philippine chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. She is based in Australia where she is an Honorary University Fellow and former deputy dean of media and communication at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/upaa-davao-installs-another-set-of-legacy-tiles/ | UPAA Davao installs another set of Legacy Tiles – UP Alumni Website | UPAA Davao installs another set of Legacy Tiles October 14, 2021 The UP Alumni Association Davao led the installation of another set of Legacy Tiles on the Oblation Plaza in UP Mindanao on October 9, 2021. Salamat! UP Alumni Association directors and lawyers Bai Ashrafia Biruar-Mitmug, Marie Glenn Cedeno-Sorila, and Marianne Esther Aniceto-Guinomla touch up the Legacy Tiles in the UP Mindanao Oblation Plaza on 09 October 2021 UP Alumni Association directors (left-right) Ramon Bien, Nap Concepcion, Maris Aniceto-Guinomla, Sherwin Ramos, Marie Glenn Cedeno-Sorila, Toie Biruar-Mitmug, Bogs Quitain, Rene Estremera, Mon Abpi, and Mona Abad at the Legacy Tiles installation in the UP Mindanao Oblation Plaza on 09 October 2021. UP Alumni Association directors (left-right) Bogs Quitain, Mon Abpi, Toie Biruar-Mitmug, Maris Aniceto-Guinomla, Marie Glenn Cedeno-Sorila, Sherwin Ramos, Mona Abad, Nap Concepcion, Ramon Bien, and Rene Estremera at the Legacy Tiles installation session in the UP Mindanao Oblation Plaza on 09 October 2021. Source: UP Mindanao FB post |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/ipb-honors-alma-l-javier-with-a-new-gumamela-hybrid/ | IPB honors Alma L. Javier with a new gumamela hybrid – UP Alumni Website | IPB honors Alma L. Javier with a new gumamela hybrid February 7, 2023 To many, the hibiscus or gumamela is a very familiar sight. The flowering plant is a common sight in Filipino gardens and is often overlooked because nothing seems to be new with the often red-colored flower. But wait, something’s been up at the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) – a distinctly new hibiscus hybrid named after a remarkable woman who figured prominently in the life of the man who founded IPB. IPB launched Hibiscus rosa-sinsensis ‘Alma L. Javier’ in simple rites at the institute on Jan. 31, in gratitude to National Scientist Emil Q. Javier, who founded the institute in 1975, and in honor of his wife, Alma. She has a noteworthy career as a teacher, guidance counselor, and dedicated mother and wife. She has been a reliable and steadfast presence in their family, “my rock and anchor,” as Dr. Javier put it. “She was always there,” recounted Dr. Emil, acknowledging that without her unceasing love and support, he would not have become the Emil Q. Javier that people have come to know today. Dr. Javier is renowned nationally and internationally for being an institutional builder and visionary leader in agriculture and policymaking, and for being a champion of agriculture modernization. Developed by IPB breeder Ms. Agripina Rasco, Hibiscus rosa-sinsensis ‘Alma L. Javier’ boasts of striking colors more distinct than the common gumamela. Its core is a deep fire red, subdued by a soft pink halo that diffuses into warm red-orange. Blanketed with a yellowish sheen, its huge overlapping petals are adorned with delicate pink lines drawing towards its edges. All year round, the flower blooms freely and vigorously. Hibiscus rosa-sinsensis ‘Alma L. Javier’ was formally presented during the celebration of Dr. Javier and Alma’s 53rd wedding anniversary. UPLB officials, academic dignitaries, relatives, and close friends were present to witness the event. (Juvelle P. Villanueva) Source: https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/ipb-honors-alma-l-javier-with-a-new-gumamela-hybrid |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/museo-kordilyera-senior-museum-aide/ | Museo Kordilyera (Senior Museum Aide) – UP Alumni Website | Museo Kordilyera (Senior Museum Aide) February 9, 2023 Museo Kordilyera is in need of the services of a Senior Museum Aide. For interested and qualified applicants please refer to the post below. Source: University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/call-for-donations-help-for-evacuees-and-victims-of-the-2019-mindanao-earthquakes/ | CALL FOR DONATIONS: Help for evacuees and victims of the 2019 Mindanao Earthquakes – UP Alumni Website | CALL FOR DONATIONS: Help for evacuees and victims of the 2019 Mindanao Earthquakes November 12, 2019 Donations for the 2019 Mindanao Quakes FOR LOCAL DONORS: Union Bank of the Philippines Commonwealth Branch SA 102270018964 FOR INTERNATIONAL DONORS: Philippine National Bank UP Campus SA 108660029835 Swift: PNBmPHmm Account Name: U.P. FOUNDATION, INC. Bank Name: Philippine National Bank Branch: New York Branch Account Number: US DOLLAR – 570060001155 Address: 561 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 1004 ABA Routing Number: 026-003007 Tel. No. (212) 790-9600 Account Name: University of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. Bank Name: Philippine National Bank Branch: U.P. Campus Branch Address: #3 Apacible Street, U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Account Number: US Dollar – 108660029835 Swift Code: PNBMPHMM Routing Number: 010080298 #BeResilientPH #DisasterPreparednessPH Source: https://www.facebook.com/UPResilienceInstitute/photos/a.124906135582552/136808811058951/?type=3&theater |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/a-pillar-rests-baldo-83/ | A pillar rests: Baldo, 83 – UP Alumni Website | A pillar rests: Baldo, 83 October 27, 2021 One of the pillars of special education (SPED) in the country, Prof. Trinidad C. Baldo, PhD, passed away on Oct. 3. She was 83. Known for being kind, loyal, and supportive to both students and colleagues, Baldo was author of several modules in education. She also served as consultant and resource speaker at the Department of Education (DepEd) for SPED from the 1970s to 2003. Baldo began her career at the UP Diliman College of Education (UPD CEd) on July 1, 1971 as an instructor and later rose in academic ranking as a professor, a post she held until she retired on Sept. 26, 2003. CEd dean Prof. Jerome T. Buenviaje, PhD, responding to an email UPDate Online sent, said Baldo was a “very good writer of published books in the elementary. She wrote the initial concept of, which some CEd faculty modified later as, ‘The Mobile Training for SPED Teachers and Administrators in the Philippines’ which we implemented for 23 years in all regions of the country, several times.” Buenviaje continued, “We had 44 mobiles across the country. She was national coordinator from 1994 to 2004. Ratings for the mobile training were always outstanding, and Dr. Baldo was always among those who topped the evaluation. She was a very good teacher, garnering top scores in the student evaluation of teacher (SET).” According to the CEd Office of the Dean, Baldo received numerous national awards, including the recognition of the DepEd and the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) as one of the Three Pillars of Special Education in the Philippines in 2007. Trained in module writing in England, two of her articles—“The disadvantage gifted: Issues and concerns” and “Towards a conceptualization of giftedness in the Philippine context” were featured in Education Quarterly. Born on Sept. 26, 1938, Baldo is survived by her sister and brother, niece, nephews, and grandchildren. Author: Mariamme D. Jadloc Source: https://upd.edu.ph/a-pillar-rests-trinidad-baldo-83/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/prof-ruben-f-balane-1941-2021/ | Prof. Ruben F. Balane (1941-2021) – UP Alumni Website | Prof. Ruben F. Balane (1941-2021) October 12, 2021 How can you add gold to the sunset, said Justice Holmes. Sometimes, words just aren’t enough. But even though the deepest feelings often seem unremarkable when expressed in language, there are still those precious moments when we just have to take a chance and hazard to articulate what is best said unspoken in the hope that the words will echo on long after our voices have been silenced. Yesterday, 11 October 2021, one of those times came to pass when the sun set on one of our guiding lights, Professor Ruben Figueroa Balane… (read more by following this link: bit.ly/RememberingOurDearProfBalane) #UPCollegeofLaw #UPLaw #UPLawCommunity #UPLawAlumni Source: University of the Philippines College of Law FB post |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/de-ungria-awarded-rotary-golden-wheel/ | De Ungria awarded Rotary Golden Wheel – UP Alumni Website | De Ungria awarded Rotary Golden Wheel February 7, 2023 For her noteworthy research work in forensic DNA technology, Maria Corazon A. de Ungria, PhD, recently received the Rotary Golden Wheel Award for Supporting Education. Her research in forensic DNA technology served as a tool for human identification in criminal investigation, disaster victim identification, and in resolving parentage disputes. De Ungria. Photo from De Ungria De Ungria’s Rotary Golden Wheel Awards trophy. Photo from the NSRI De Ungria, who is head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the UP Diliman (UPD) Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), provided technical assistance in drafting the Supreme Court Rule on DNA evidence, which was approved in 2007. This rule has effectively aided the Philippine judicial system in handling sexual assault cases. The Rotary Golden Award aims to give recognition to non-Rotarians who best exemplify the Rotary spirit of service above self and the guiding principles of the 4 Way Test: Is it the truth?; Is it fair to all concerned?; Will it build goodwill and better friendship?; and Will it be beneficial to all concerned? The award distinguishes men and women in their chosen profession or business for their integrity, dedication, and adherence to high ethical standards. De Ungria is university researcher V, the highest rank for Research, Extension, and Professional Staff, at the NSRI. She was recently recognized as career scientist 4 under the Department of Science and Technology-Civil Service Commission. She is a professorial lecturer at the UPD College of Science and team-teaches the science in society program and biology 397: current topics in biology (forensic). De Ungria was honored at the Annual Rotary Awards ceremony on Jan. 28 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta Center, Quezon City. The ceremony was organized by the Rotary Club of Kagitingang Cubao, District 3780, in partnership with the Quezon City Local Government. Source: https://upd.edu.ph/de-ungria-awarded-rotary-golden-wheel |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/master-of-public-management-to-celebrate-25-years-in-upou/ | MASTER OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS IN UPOU – UP Alumni Website | MASTER OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS IN UPOU February 10, 2023 Instituted in 1996, the Master of Public Management (MPM) will celebrate its 25th anniversary on 24 February 2023 with the theme “Online, Open, and Onwards: Meeting Challenges Ahead”. The program will run from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, UP Open University Headquarters, Maahas, Los Baños, Laguna. The program will highlight a hybrid forum on Voluntary Sector Management education, a roundtable discussion on MPM’s history, presentation of service awards, and launching of a micro-credential course on Sustainable Development Goals for public servants. MPM alumni, students, faculty, staff, and partners have been invited to this event. Another highlight of the celebration will be the recognition of three (3) outstanding alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions that bring about substantial benefits to society and distinct honor to the University. The call for nominations is still ongoing this January 2023. Please check https://bit.ly/3kcFNdb for nomination form and guidelines. For more inquiries about the MPM@25 event, please contact [email protected]. |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/a-great-ride-edward-hernandez/ | A great ride: Edward Hernandez – UP Alumni Website | A great ride: Edward Hernandez November 19, 2019 Locals hitching a ride on a restored military truck after WWII was the catalyst to launching one of the largest bus companies in the Philippines. Today, the locals are still hopping on board, but travelling in far more comfort. It was September 1945, the end of World War II. The Philippines had been liberated from Japanese occupation, and mechanic Jose Hernandez was scrounging spare parts from abandoned US military vehicles to restore an old truck he needed to transport merchandise for the family business. However, within days of the Chevy hitting the road, locals were hopping on board, wedging themselves among the bags of rice, fish sauce and laundry soap, to hitch a ride. Quickly establishing that the unsolicited passengers would provide a more profitable business, Jose installed wooden planks at the back of the open-sided truck to accommodate them. His wife, Marta, became the treasurer, and he set off on his first run along the 200-kilometre return route from Batangas Pier to Divisoria, with his ‘conductor’ brother-in-law Leonardo hanging onto the side collecting fares Victory Liner was born. Jose’s grandson and the company’s vice president of operations, Edward Hernandez, describes the stories surrounding those early days as legendary. They are retold many times, particularly at company events, when Victory Liner’s fleet of nearly 1,000 vehicles, 25 passenger terminals and routes that traverse most of central and northern Luzon and Metro Manila, are celebrated. Edward remembers his grandfather as a formidable character, instilling the virtue of hard work and discipline into his children and extended family right up until his death in 2001. “He was very strict and really tough, and my uncles tell me they were disciplined harshly,” Edward says. “But all the things he taught us about commitment, sacrifice and discipline were important and I believe that’s why we’re what we are today.” “Everyone in the family was encouraged to help with the business, even when we, all the cousins, were very young. We were pulled into the shop during the school holidays to do our fair share and to learn directly from him or the managers. We’d rotate too. One time I’d be at the overhauling shops, learning how to overhaul an engine, at another I’d be working in the electrical department.” Victory Liner is based in Caloocan, northern Metro Manila. Most executives and members of the company’s board are family members. Edward’s father, Johnny T Hernandez, is president and his cousin, Marivic Del Pilar, is vice president for treasury and marketing. Edward says that being family does not automatically entitle anyone to a position within the company, nor are there jobs for the in-laws. More of his grandfather’s scrupulous rules. “We need to get outside experience working somewhere else before we can formally join the company,” Edward explains. “I studied hotel and restaurant administration at the University of the Philippines and worked with some hotel and restaurant chains here in the Philippines, as well as in America. After that, my father called me in to help with the company. We do have a choice, but personally I wanted to contribute my share.” Edward uses airline and rail transport service as the company’s benchmark, with levels of comfort varying, from regular air-conditioned transport with free wi-fi, to super deluxe coaches offering onboard toilets, free snacks and steward service. “We offer first-class service on our longer routes taking 10 hours or more. It’s the same concept as business class on airlines, with wider seats, more leg room, food and service,” he explains. Most bus companies throughout the Philippines are privately operated, so the transport system is not subsidised by the government. In fact, most of the regulations and policies governing the bus industry stem from the lengthy experience and lessons learned by Victory Liner itself. “Our safety record is unmatched in the country, and the government has heeded this,” Edward says. “GPS, speed limits, safety protocols, inspections – all these things were non-existent in the Philippines until we implemented them. Scheduling isn’t mandated by the government, either. We are unique because we introduced specific schedules.” “GPS, speed limits, safety protocols, inspections – all these things were non-existent in the Philippines until we implemented them.” “Also, in the Philippines, most operations in ticketing, accounting and HR are still manual. Our goal is to automate, and we’ve been visiting companies overseas to determine the best systems for us. We’ve introduced some already. It’s a process, but we’re getting there.” Victory Liner drivers are heavily screened and undergo extensive training, not only on the road, but in workshops detailing defensive driving, economical driving and customer service. Once accepted into the company, they undergo a six-month probationary service on easier routes before being upgraded to longer and harder journeys. However, Edward stresses, while skills are vital, personality and commitment are regarded as just as important. “We’re in the service industry, primarily there to help others, so our customers are paramount to us,” Edward says. “While we understand transport is a basic need, we also realise it’s not as simple as just getting people on a bus and driving them somewhere.” “We want to make all our journeys, from the lowest to the highest fare, memorable and provide the customer satisfaction they all deserve. The motivation to serve is ingrained in each of our drivers while they transport passengers from one destination to another.” Edward, who has also completed a Masters in Strategic Business Economics, says he’s adopted a different leadership style from that of his grandfather. Rather than enforcing strict rules with little opportunity for negotiation, Edward prefers a more participative approach. “I am a bit different,” he admits. “My grandfather’s demanding rules were followed, no matter what, whereas I believe in the capability of our managers and prefer to give them the independence to develop their own management style. Of course, we have metrics in place to ensure the company is heading where we want it to, but as more of a results-oriented person, I’m happy to give managers a free hand to use their own style of management. For me, a manager can deviate, as long as we reach the goal together.” “For me, a manager can deviate, as long as we reach the goal together.” “I also like to employ professionals at the top of their field,” he adds. “We have managers ranging from those tenured in the company to new blood; a good mix of people who rose up through the ranks and those from outside the industry.” For Edward, however, the company’s real success is measured by the loyalty of its customers, many of whom have relied on Victory Liner for getting around for generations. “I see grandparents and parents encouraging their children to ride with us, just as they did,” he says. “Our service is going right down the line and that’s testament to the fact that we’ve been doing something right. What really makes me proud is when I read comments on social media from people saying how happy they are with our service.” “We also have third-generation employees whose grandparents worked with my grandfather. That is very special. They are proud to work with us and to help us serve the country.” These exceptional relationships extend to Victory Liner’s suppliers too, in particular, RYCO Inc, Bridgestone and MACC, with whom the company has enjoyed decades of partnership. Edward describes their association as going beyond purely business. “These companies are very important,” Edward says. “Just like our passengers and staff, we have multi-generational suppliers from families who interacted and did business with my parents and grandparents. We are on to our third generation with RYCO, and second for MACC.” “Sometimes our families lived in the same rural city, and as children we went to the same high schools. We get together, not only because of business, but to go out just to have fun or join in family gatherings. Actually, it’s really one big family. That’s how it is here in the Philippines.” Twice a year, the Hernandez family gets together to celebrate summer holidays and the new year. Extraordinarily, Edward knows everyone, about 100 of them, by name, from matriarch and chair of the board, Gerarda H Villa, to the tiniest toddlers. “It’s not so extraordinary, really, because I am in charge of keeping the family tree,” he laughs. “I am the custodian and have to maintain all the records. And yes, it’s getting difficult because we are up to the fifth generation and, like many other families, we are scattered all around the world.” Edward, who has two children of his own, admits the family company is a paradise for the youngest members of the Hernandez family. His young son, Kiro, like most little boys, loves buses, and a trip to the office is a treat. “He has lots of fun exploring the garage, having a look underneath the buses or peering at their engines. And, of course, he loves going for a ride.” Edward still occasionally hops on one of his buses, particularly the Manila to Baguio route, and while he’d prefer to travel incognito, without fuss, that’s becoming more difficult. “They do find out,” he laughs. “But I like it because it’s often so much more convenient than driving and parking my own car. I hop on, sit comfortably, don’t have to find a car park, and then I’m fresh and ready for a meeting. That’s what I tell my friends too – why take the car when you can hop on a Victory Liner bus? Efficient, safe and relaxed.” Source: https://www.theceomagazine.com/executive-interviews/transportation-logistics/edward-hernandez/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/dr-gil-n-octaviano-jr-aa55-upic/ | Dr. Gil N. Octaviano, Jr. (AA’55, UPIC) – UP Alumni Website | Dr. Gil N. Octaviano, Jr. (AA’55, UPIC) October 27, 2021 We send our deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Gil N. Octaviano, Jr. (AA’55, UPIC). He passed away Oct. 25, 2021. He was President of UPAA Negros Chapter. His wake will be in Rolling Hills Hope 2, from Oct. 26 to 28, 2021. Interment will be on Oct. 29, 2021 at Bacolod Memorial Park. Source: UPV Office of Alumni Relations FB post |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/national-scientist-ramon-barba-passes-away/ | National Scientist Ramon Barba passes away – UP Alumni Website | National Scientist Ramon Barba passes away October 12, 2021 by Charissa Luci-Atienza National Scientist Dr. Ramon C. Barba has died at the age of 82. National Scientist Ramon Barba (NAST PHL website) This was confirmed by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña to the Manila Bulletin on Monday, Oct. 11. Barba died on Sunday, Oct. 10. “I will honor him in behalf of DOST on Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. here in DOST where his cremains will be brought,” de la Peña said in a Viber message to the Manila Bulletin. Barba was recognized for his achievement in the field of plant physiology, focusing on the induction of flowering of mango and on micropropagation of crop species. In 2014, late President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of National Scientist to Barba and fellow academicians Angel Alcala; Gavino Trono; and Edgardo Gomez. The award is the highest recognition to an individual who earned a doctoral degree in any field of science and has made significant contributions in one of the different fields of science and technology. Barba’s flower induction treatment is considered as the most significant breakthrough in mango research in the country, based on his profile posted on the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) website. “His technology of using potassium nitrate to stimulate flowering is a milestone in the study of tropical tree physiology and is the main stimulus to the growth of the local mango industry,” it said. “His researches on tissue culture of bananas, sugarcane, cassava, and many other horticultural crops have resulted in the development of valuable methodologies in plant physiology and plant breeding,” it added. Barba was elected a member to the NAST PHL, the country’s highest recognition and advisory body on science and technology. Barba got a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture at the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA) in 1958. From 1958 to 1960, he served as assistant instructor at UPCA’s Department of Agronomy, Fruit Crops Section. He also earned his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Horticulture at the University of Georgia in 1962 and a doctorate in plant physiology at the University of Hawaii with an East-West Center grant in 1964. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Horticulture in 1967, and a year after, he returned to the Philippines. In 1969, he was appointed as assistant professor at the UPCA, and after six years, decided to resign from his post. He was re-appointed as professor in 1981. Barba also served as consultant for the Quimara Farms on Mango Production, and project director of CORE Foundation. He also worked at Plantek, a biotechnology company in Singapore as its part-time director. Among the numerous awards received by Barba were the following: The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines for Agriculture by the Philippine Jaycees (1974), Rizal Pro Patria Presidential Award for Tissue Culture (1980), the Most Distinguished Alumni Award, University of the Philippines (2004), and the SEARCA-Dioscoro L. Umali Achievement Award in Agricultural Development (2011). He was born on Aug. 31, 1939 in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte to Juan Madamba Barba and Lourdes Cabanos. Source: https://mb.com.ph/2021/10/11/national-scientist-ramon-barba-passes-away/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/upou-ugnayan-ng-pahinungod-2-project-assistants-job-order/ | UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungód – 2 Project Assistants (Job Order) – UP Alumni Website | UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungód – 2 Project Assistants (Job Order) February 7, 2023 The Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU is looking for two (2) Project Assistants (Job Order). Interested applicants may submit the following to [email protected] until 17 February 2023: – Subject: Application for Project Assistant – Application Letter addressed to Asst. Prof. Queenie Ridulme, Director, Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU – Curriculum Vitae – Copy of Transcript of Records Read more: https://www.upou.edu.ph/…/job-opportunity-two-2…/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/dr-bienvenido-jess-r-rola-frc-58-bsf-60/ | Dr. Bienvenido “Jess” R. Rola (FRC ’58, BSF ’60) – UP Alumni Website | Dr. Bienvenido “Jess” R. Rola (FRC ’58, BSF ’60) February 10, 2023 We express our sincerest condolences to the family of Dr. Bienvenido “Jess” R. Rola. May your soul rest in peace. Source: UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources Facebook |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/upaasf-delegation-to-international-organization-on-migration-workshop-visits-ovppa/ | UPAASF Delegation to International Organization on Migration Workshop visits OVPPA – UP Alumni Website | UPAASF Delegation to International Organization on Migration Workshop visits OVPPA November 20, 2019 UPAA San Francisco represented the US-based Filipino Diaspora in advocating for Community Resilience and Safer Shelters in the Philippines during the recent Stakeholders Workshop on Safe Shelters and Diaspora Engagement that was organized in partnership with the UN Migration Agency, International Organization on Migration (IOM) on November 14-15, 2019 at the I’M Hotel in Makati. In photo, from left: Gabrielito Moraleda (UPAA San Francisco), AVP Rica D. Abad (Director, UP System Office of Alumni Relations), Michelle Rose Villariez (National Training Officer- Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit, IOM), Gil Ongchangco (UPAA San Francisco), Dr. Elena E. Pernia (Vice President for Public Affairs, University of the Philippines). |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-visayas-oar-upcoming-alumni-activities/ | UP Visayas OAR Upcoming Alumni Activities – UP Alumni Website | UP Visayas OAR Upcoming Alumni Activities October 28, 2021 Please visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/upvoar |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/dr-paterno-v-viloria-1923-2021/ | Dr. Paterno V. Viloria (1923-2021) – UP Alumni Website | Dr. Paterno V. Viloria (1923-2021) October 12, 2021 Image from the UPD Institute for Small-Scale Industries Facebook page Former UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (ISSI) director, Paterno V. Viloria, Ph.D. passed away on Sept. 22. He was 97. Viloria started working in ISSI in 1968 and became its third director from 1976 to 1979. During his term as ISSI director, Viloria co-founded the Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation (SERDEF), a private company recognized as one of the pioneers of small and medium enterprise (SME) growth. IISI forged an alliance with SERDEF to undertake pilot and demonstration programs that led to responsive projects and activities for SME development. SERDEF still holds office at the UP ISSI. Viloria served as its president from 2002 until the time of his death. After his stint at the ISSI, Viloria joined the World Bank as international consultant on small business development, which took him to consultancy engagements in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nepal. “PV,” as he is fondly called by his friends and colleagues, has a track record of more than 45 years in the promotion and development of SMEs, and entrepreneurship in developing countries in various fields such as SME financing, human resources development, project management, enterprise development, project appraisal and evaluation, and countryside development and appropriate technology. From 1971-79, Viloria taught graduate courses in human behavior in organizations, interpersonal relations, business policy, entrepreneurship, and project management at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University, San Sebastian College, Ateneo Graduate School of Business, and at the UP Tacloban. He was also associate professor from 1965-1979 at the University of the East. Viloria is credited for organizing the first National Convention on Manpower Training and Development in 1973 and the 1st Asian Regional Training and Development Conference in 1974. He was the first and only Filipino president of the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations (1979). He planned and organized the 8thInternational Training and Development Conference hosted by the Philippines in 1979. Villoria was a decorated war veteran. He served in the Korean War with the 20th Battalion Combat Team, Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea from 1951 to 1952. He was in the military service from 1950 until 1968, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He also served as president of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea Veterans Association, Inc. In 1989, Viloria received the US Bronze Star Medal from the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), and in 2018, he was one of the 13 Filipino World War II veterans awarded with the US Congressional Gold Medal for his valuable support to the US Rangers in the rescue of American prisoners of war from the Cabanatuan Prison Camp. (https://pvao.gov.ph/u-s-congressional-gold-medal-awarded-to-filipino-wwii-veterans/). The congressional gold medal is the highest civilian award given by the US Congress to a person or unit for an outstanding deed or act of service to US security, prosperity, and national interest. Viloria earned his Ph.D. in commerce from UST in 1979, his master’s in business administration from UP Diliman in 1962, and his bachelor of science degree in commerce from the Far Eastern University in 1949. He also has a diploma in international course on small-scale industries management from the Research Institute for Management, Delft, The Netherlands (1969) and a certificate in smaller industries management from the Nagoya International Training Center, Nagoya, Japan (1973). Viloria is survived by his wife Candida, and daughters Sarah Jane and Dinah. Source: https://upd.edu.ph/viloria-97/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/iraya-energies/ | Iraya Energies (1 Senior Data Scientist, 2 Front-End Developers & 2 Backend Developers) – UP Alumni Website | Iraya Energies (1 Senior Data Scientist, 2 Front-End Developers & 2 Backend Developers) February 7, 2023 Iraya Energies is a software development company focused on “Reading the Earth Better,” through the application of industrial-scale Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning on large volumes of unstructured legacy and energy data. Iraya’s technology brings significant efficiency gains in exploration, development and production in oil and gas data, mining data, and supports cross-functional application of expert surface and subsurface knowledge to environment, engineering, and renewable energy industries. Interested applicants can send their CV to [email protected] |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/prof-danilo-l-concepcion-passes-the-mace-symbolizing-the-up-presidency-to-his-successor-atty-angelo-a-jimenez/ | Prof. Danilo L. Concepcion, 21st President of the University of the Philippines (UP), passes the mace symbolizing the UP Presidency to his successor, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez – UP Alumni Website | Prof. Danilo L. Concepcion, 21st President of the University of the Philippines (UP), passes the mace symbolizing the UP Presidency to his successor, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez February 13, 2023 LOOK: Prof. Danilo L. Concepcion, 21st President of the University of the Philippines (UP), passes the mace symbolizing the UP Presidency to his successor, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, as he officially starts his term as the 22nd UP President today, February 10, 2023. The turnover ceremony for the UP Presidency was held this morning at Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, the seat of governance for the national university. It was attended by officials of the UP System, both outgoing and incoming; officials of the different UP campuses; the families of the two UP presidents; members of the UP community; government officials and private sector representatives; and international guests, including members of the diplomatic corps and a delegation of academics from Southern Taiwan representing Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. Source: University of the Philippines Facebook |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/alumni-relations-committee-convention-2019/ | Alumni Relations Committee Convention 2019 – UP Alumni Website | Alumni Relations Committee Convention 2019 November 20, 2019 In this photo: Headed by Vice President for Public Affairs Elena Pernia and AVP for Public Affairs and Director for Alumni Relations Rica D. Abad, the UPS-OAR convened OAR Directors, University Registrars and UP High School Principals for the annual Alumni Relations Committee (ARC) Convention on November 07-08, 2019 at the F. Benitez Hall Alumni Center, UP Diliman. AVP for Public Affairs and Immediate former OAR Director Wendell Capili and UPS-DPO Atty Gabby Fernandez were also invited as guest speakers for the activity. The UP System – Office of Alumni Relations (UPS-OAR) organized the Alumni Relations Committee (ARC) Convention on November 07-08, 2019 at the F. Benitez Hall Alumni Center, UP Diliman. The 2-day convention resolved database issues and concerns; and established a long-lasting partnership between OAR and Registrar Offices in seamlessly providing and exchanging information of UP alumni. Vice President for Public Affairs Elena Pernia chaired the standing committee, with Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and Director for Alumni Relations Rica D. Abad as Vice Chair. The ARC Convention was attended by the Directors from OAR, University Registrars, Principals from UPIS, UPHS Cebu, UPHS Iloilo, UPHS Los Baños, UP Computer Center for CRS, and UP Information Technology Development Center (ITDC) for SAIS. |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/uplb-grad-tops-october-2021-forester-board-exam/ | UPLB grad tops October 2021 forester board exam – UP Alumni Website | UPLB grad tops October 2021 forester board exam October 29, 2021 The Professional Regulation Commission announced Wednesday that 443 out of 761 examinees passed the Forester Licensure Examination given this month. Richelle Royce Ilagan Tapulao of the University of the Philippines Los Baños topped the exam with a rating of 91.70 percent. Nel Angela Rico Orenciana, also from UP Los Baños, placed second with 91.50 percent, while Claude Sol Talidro of Caraga State University in Butuan City placed third with 91.10 percent. UP Los Baños was this year’s top performing school with a 100 percent passing rate. The successful examinees who garnered the highest places in the examination are the following: You can check the roll of successful examinees here. Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/27/21/uplb-grad-tops-october-2021-forester-board-exam |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/ms-elizabeth-castro-molano-ramos-1926-2021/ | Ms. Elizabeth Castro Molano-Ramos (1926-2021) – UP Alumni Website | Ms. Elizabeth Castro Molano-Ramos (1926-2021) October 11, 2021 My dearest 95yr old Mama Anita peacefully joined our Lord God Almighty (and my Papa Andoy) this morning at 6AM, Oct 10th, in her sleep at our Lingayen home. Thank you so much Ma. You’ll live in our hearts forever! ♥❤💓 CHEERS in heaven! Source: Emiliano Alejandro Molano Ramos FB post |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/uplb-professor-emeritus-is-rotary-star-of-excellence-award-recipient/ | UPLB Professor Emeritus is Rotary Star of Excellence Award recipient – UP Alumni Website | UPLB Professor Emeritus is Rotary Star of Excellence Award recipient February 6, 2023 Professor Emeritus Macrina Tamayo-Zafaralla was awarded by the Rotary Club of Alaminos Downtown, Laguna on Jan. 30 with the Gold Award (Non-Rotarian) MC Rotary Star of Excellence Award, for her work as the proponent of Pitsong-Manok Amulungin Biopark and Siway River Biopark in Brgy. San Gregorio in Alaminos town of Laguna. Prof. Zafaralla conceptualized the Biopark Strategy and the UPLB Aquatic Macrophyte Bioabsorption System (AMBS), a technology designed to help restore water quality using bamboo and native aquatic plants such as water hyacinth or kangkong. AMBS has been operational in bioparks in Tanay, Rizal, and Lipa, Batangas. (Kristel Hope T. Villafuerte) Source: https://uplb.edu.ph/academic/uplb-professor-emeritus-is-rotary-star-of-excellence-award-recipient |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-baguio-office-of-the-vice-chancellor-for-administration-junior-office-associates/ | UP Baguio Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration (Junior Office Associates) – UP Alumni Website | UP Baguio Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration (Junior Office Associates) February 14, 2023 The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration is in need of the Services of a Junior Office Associate. For interested and qualified applicants please refer to the post below. Source: University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/oath-taking-of-the-newly-elected-upceaai-officers-2019-2022/ | Oath Taking of the Newly Elected UPCEAAI Officers 2019-2022 – UP Alumni Website | Oath Taking of the Newly Elected UPCEAAI Officers 2019-2022 November 22, 2019 From Left to Right: Prof. Maria Angelica D. Abad (Inducting Officer), Prof. Carmelita C. Ramirez (President), Dr. Alda Perlita S. Polestico (Vice President), Dr. Rosenda A. De Gracia (Secretary). Dr. Gloria T. Tariga (Asst. Secretary), Dr. Eden O. Kelemen (Treasurer), Dr. Eduardo R. Alicias, Jr. (Auditor), Dr. Julian E. Abuso (Public Relations Officer), Prof. Digna B. Dela Cruz (Board Member) |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/evelyn-d-mariano-58/ | Evelyn D. Mariano, 58 – UP Alumni Website | Evelyn D. Mariano, 58 October 31, 2021 A dedicated staff member of the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Office of the Dean, Evelyn Dela Cruz Mariano, passed away on Sept. 16. She was 58. Mariano first worked at UPD on June 1, 1989 as a research assistant under then CAL dean Vivencio R. Jose. Later on, she was promoted as a university research associate (URA), a position she held until she passed. Ma. Teresa Peralta, Mariano’s colleague, described her as “a cheerful soul always ready to welcome people with a warm smile, a devoted and loving mother and wife, a hardworking employee, a compassionate friend, and someone with profound generosity and sensitivity, always thinking about the needy.” On Sept. 25, CAL offered a thanksgiving mass for the life of Mariano via Zoom. Born on July 6, 1963, Mariano is survived by husband David and their three children. Source: https://upd.edu.ph/mariano-58/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/human-rights-icon-chito-gascon-passes-away/ | Human Rights Icon Chito Gascon Passes Away – UP Alumni Website | Human Rights Icon Chito Gascon Passes Away October 11, 2021 Written by KIM G Quilinguing “Perhaps, when I end my tenure as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, and when I return to perhaps a teaching role or a mentoring role, I am certain, I will return once more to many of these great works of Philosophy and refresh my mind about the important things that we must confront as a people, as humanity. And I will always return to those important teachings.” Such were the words of the Commission on Human Rights Chairperson and University of the Philippine alumnus Jose Luis Martin Chito C. Gascon in a video for freshies posted by the UP Diliman Apeiron Core Group on September 28. The group is the official student volunteer arm of the Department of Philosophy. Early Saturday morning, October 9, Gascon’s brother Miguel shared a post on Facebook which read: “Sa dami mong laban, sa COVID pa tayo natalo.” He was 57. Gascon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1988. He would also later earn his Bachelor of Laws degree in UP in 1996. Furthering his studies, he would finish a Master of Laws degree at Cambridge in 1997. In the video for freshies shared by the Apeiron Core Group, Gascon said he found Philosophy as an essential foundational subject. It provides, he said, “an opportunity to affirm one’s principles, as well as the capacity to look wide and long, towards our society, to see how there could be progress, [and] change might happen.” An active student leader, Gascon was Chair of the UP Student Council from 1985 to 1986. He led his fellow students in active-non-violent protest actions, which contributed to and culminated in the People Power Revolution and the ouster of Marcos in 1986. Later, Gascon represented the youth as the youngest delegate to the 1986 Constitutional Convention, which prepared the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Afterward, he served as the youngest member of the 8th Congress from 1990 to 1992. After his studies abroad, he returned to the country and served as Undersecretary of Education from 2002 to 2005. He also worked as a political officer for then-Senator Mar Roxas at the Senate from 2008 to 2010. He was a Board Member of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority from 2010 to 2011. He served as Undersecretary at the Office of the President from 2011 to 2014. Simultaneously, he was part of the government delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review in 2012. After leaving Malacañang, he became a Human Rights Victims Claims Board member from 2014 to 2015. He was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in 2015. His appointment to the Commission was no surprise. Gascon spent many years advocating for human rights, social justice, and social change. From 1997 to 2002, he was Executive Director of the National Institute for Policy Studies. In 2005, Gascon became the Executive Director of Lawyers League for Liberty (LIBERTAS). This organization aids advocacy groups in electoral reform, transparency in governance, and human rights. In the same year, he would also receive a Democracy and Development Fellowship from Stanford University’s Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law. In 2007, Gascon became a Fellow at the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship of the National Endowment for Democracy. From 2008 to 2011, he was the Director-General of the Liberal Party. Aside from his involvement in civil society, Gascon was active in reconciliation efforts with insurgent groups. He was a member of the Technical Working Group on Power Sharing with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an alternate panel member in the peace talks with the MILF. Gascon was also a member of the AdHoc High-Level Working group for the Tripartite Review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Peace Committee for Southern Philippines. Gascon was a panel member of peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front between 2001 to 2004. From 2010-2014, he chaired the Government’s Human Rights Monitoring Committee. The Committee monitored the peace process within the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law framework. Chairperson Jose Luis Martin ‘Chito’ C. Gascon’s official portrait photo from the Commission on Human Rights website. In recent years, Gascon would face challenges as head of the constitutional body, ensuring the promotion, protection, and preservation of human rights enshrined in the Constitution. In an interview on Esquire Philippines in 2017, he remained undaunted by the constant criticism of the CHR by those in halls of power and on social media. The Commission has been very vocal on the rise of extra-judicial killings and human rights violations. “Right now, in a sense, I’m going back to basics. I was moved into action by the human rights violations I saw happening during the dictatorship. And now I have been allowed to serve the people in an institution that is mandated to promote human rights, in a set of circumstances that are not ideal,” he said. He constantly faced challenges in his advocacy for human rights, social justice, and social change for many years. And yet, he remained optimistic, even telling the Esquire interviewer: “The revolution you aspire for is out there on the horizon. It’s something you never give up on.” In a recent video shared by the Apeiron Core Group, Gascon advised the new generation of Iskolar ng Bayan to “Find your niche, be as inquisitive, and as useful as you can be. And apply what you learn to society. That’s all that we can do.” Source: https://up.edu.ph/human-rights-icon-chito-gascon-passes-away/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/hokkaido-university-confers-honorary-doctorate-degree-upon-dr-joel-joseph-s-marciano-jr-director-general-philippine-space-agency/ | Hokkaido University confers Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Director General, Philippine Space Agency – UP Alumni Website | Hokkaido University confers Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Director General, Philippine Space Agency February 6, 2023 President Kiyohiro Houkin (right) conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Dr. Marciano (left). President Houkin and Dr. Marciano Hokkaido University conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Director General of the Philippine Space Agency in an official ceremony on January 27, 2023. The ceremony was held in the Hokkaido University Conference Hall, and was attended by university officials, faculty, students, and Dr. Marciano’s family from the Philippines. Dr. Marciano is a renowned expert in the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. For more than 20 years, he has made significant contributions to the improvement of Philippines’s advanced science and technology at the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines, and the Philippine Space Agency. Since 2015, he has led the development of micro satellites for scientific earth observation, and together with Hokkaido University, has worked to complete, launch, and subsequently operate the Philippine micro satellites. In March 2020, he went on to become the first Director General of the Philippine Space Agency, and has been committed to the development of space exploration and utilization in the Philippines. He has also built a stronger relationship with the University by serving as a Hokkaido University Ambassador from 2017 to 2022, participating in the Hokkaido Summer Institute as an invited lecturer since 2016, and even sending Filipino students and researchers for short-term exchanges to the University. In the context of the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the University and the Philippine Space Agency in March 2022, future exchanges and advancements between Japan and the Philippines aimed at the cultivation of human resources for the space industry at the University are also expected. Following the conferment ceremony, Dr. Marciano delivered a commemorative lecture titled “Building the Space Value Chain in the Philippines: The Catalytic Role of Hokkaido University and International Cooperation”. Text and photos provided by Division of International Relations Source: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/blog/honorary-doctorate-degree-upon-dr-joel-joseph-s-marciano-jr-director-general-philippine-space-agency/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/upaa-iloilo-chapter-up-silak-brotherhood-in-association-with-ms-community-learning-center-integrated-bar-of-the-philippines-iloilo-chapter-and-upv-oar-organizes-childrens-literacy-program-and-f/ | UPAA Iloilo Chapter, UP Silak Brotherhood, in association with MS Community Learning Center, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Iloilo Chapter, and UPV OAR, organizes Children’s Literacy Program and Free Legal Consultation – UP Alumni Website | UPAA Iloilo Chapter, UP Silak Brotherhood, in association with MS Community Learning Center, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Iloilo Chapter, and UPV OAR, organizes Children’s Literacy Program and Free Legal Consultation February 14, 2023 UPAA Iloilo Chapter, UP Silak Brotherhood, in association with MS Community Learning Center, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Iloilo Chapter, and OAR, organized the Children’s Literacy Program and Free Legal Consultation More photos on UPV Office of Alumni Relations Facebook |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/7641/ | UP Pharmacy Foundation President visits OAR – UP Alumni Website | UP Pharmacy Foundation President visits OAR January 7, 2020 From Left: Jay C. Amorato (UPS-OAR staff), Rica D. Abad (AVP for Public Affairs and Director for UPS – Office of Alumni Relations), Paul Marvin T. Quizon (President for UP Pharmacy Alumni Foundation, Inc.) and Nelson E. Carandang (UPS-OAR staff). AVP for Public Affairs and Director for Alumni Relations Rica D. Abad turned over the original UP Pharmacy Alumni Association plaque to Mr. Paul Quizon, President of the UP Pharmacy Alumni Foundation, Inc. who visited the Office of Alumni Relations on November 05, 2019. Mr. Quizon has served as the President of the UP Pharmacy Alumni Association. The UP Pharmacy Alumni Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 to provide support in projects and activities of the University and the UP College of Pharmacy. |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/prof-florentino-c-sumera-1951-2021/ | Prof. Florentino C. Sumera (1951-2021) – UP Alumni Website | Prof. Florentino C. Sumera (1951-2021) October 31, 2021 Chemistry professor Florentino C. Sumera, PhD passed away on Oct. 18. He was 70. Sumera started teaching at UP Diliman (UPD) in 1976 as an instructor and eventually became a professor, a post he held until his retirement in 2016. He served as director of the UPD Institute of Chemistry from 1993 to 1996. Sumera was also the coordinator of the Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSEP) from 2006 to 2009. MSEP is a partnership between the College of Science and the College of Engineering that offers graduate studies leading to professional careers as materials scientists and engineers in the industry, academia, or the public sector. Sumera taught organic chemistry and specialized in the design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers and nanomaterials. His numerous studies were published in ISI and local journals. He also presented his research in many international and local chemistry conferences and symposia. For his outstanding works in chemistry, Sumera received many awards such as the Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Sciences and Technology in 1991, the Federation of Chemical Societies Award for Chemical Research in 2007, the National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Award for Chemical Sciences in 2013, and the 2014 Outstanding Professional Award in Chemistry by the Philippine Regulation Commission. He was a recipient of the UP Centennial Professorial Chair in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013; the UP International Publication Award in 2000, 2006, and 2007; the Antonio de Leon UP Chemistry Award in 2008; and the 2008 Gawad sa Natatanging Publikasyon sa Filipino by the UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino for hisFilipino book in organic chemistry. Sumera mentored over 80 undergraduate and graduate students in their theses and dissertations. Many of his former students paid tribute to Sumera in their Facebook posts, expressing their appreciation of Sumera’s selfless guidance. He treated them not as mentees but as friends. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1974 and a Master of Science in chemistry in 1980 from UPD. In 1985, he earned his doctoral degree, with highest honors, from the École Nationale Superieure de Chimie de Rennes, Université de Rennes, France. He was invited for fellowships abroad, such as the IDP Fellowship in Australia in 1986, and the UNESCO Fellowship at the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 1987. Source: https://upd.edu.ph/sumera-70/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/statement-of-chr-spokesperson-atty-jacqueline-ann-de-guia-on-the-passing-of-chr-chairperson-chito-gascon/ | Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the passing of CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon – UP Alumni Website | Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the passing of CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon October 9, 2021 It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon. He passed away early this Saturday morning, 9 October 2021, due to Covid-19 complications. He was 57. At a time of unprecedented human rights challenges, Chair Chito courageously and steadfastly upheld the constitutional mandate of the Commission. Amidst the unrelenting attacks against the institution and to him personally, he was unwavering and unflinching in fighting for the universal values of freedom, truth, and justice that are essential in the pursuit of human rights. He was undaunting in the fight for human rights, rule of law, and democracy out of deep reverence to the equal rights and dignity of all. His leadership in the Commission has inspired and nurtured a culture of enabling, empowering, and safe environment that move CHR personnel to always serve with genuine compassion or Serbisyong may Malasakit, utmost integrity, and excellence. He impressed upon the CHR personnel and fellow human rights workers the impact and value of our work especially to those who have it least. CHR will continue the human rights work with equal fervor and sincerity that Chair Chito exemplified in his work. The Commission en banc (CeB) will continue to function with Commissioner Karen Gomez Dumpit as the Officer-in-Charge. As a National Human Rights Institution that embodies the principle of pluralism, the CeB comprise of Commissioners from diverse background, advocacy, and human rights expertise to be able to represent and give voice to the various sectors in society. Further announcement on the details of Chair Chito’s memorial will be made with due consideration to the restrictions of the pandemic. Chair Chito will be deeply missed. We ask for prayers for the eternal repose of his soul. Source: Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines FB page |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-mindanao-bachelor-of-arts-in-english-program-teaching-assistants-teaching-fellows/ | UP Mindanao Bachelor of Arts in English Program (Teaching Assistants/Teaching Fellows) – UP Alumni Website | UP Mindanao Bachelor of Arts in English Program (Teaching Assistants/Teaching Fellows) February 6, 2023 HIRING | The Bachelor of Arts in English (Creative Writing) Program at the University of the Philippines Mindanao is looking for Teaching Assistants/Teaching Fellows for the 2nd semester, AY 2022-2023. The applicant must be currently enrolled as an MA or PhD student of Literature/Creative Writing/Arts Studies in a UP Constituent University, and taking on 6 units of coursework. Accepted applicants will teach 6 units under a supervising faculty and will receive a tuition waiver, a salary, and book allowance during their employment. Interested applicants must send their updated CV, letter of intent addressed to Humanities Department Chair Professor Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, PhD, and proof of acceptance/enrolment in UP graduate school for AY 2022-2023 to [email protected] on or before February 15, 2023. Please share widely! Via Department of Humanities, UP Mindanao Source: University of the Philippines Mindanao Facebook |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/jesus-augusto-chito-p-francisco-1943-2019/ | Jesus Augusto “Chito” P. Francisco (1943-2019) – UP Alumni Website | Jesus Augusto “Chito” P. Francisco (1943-2019) January 9, 2020 We are deeply saddened by the passing of our most esteemed colleague and friend, Chito. He left behind a legacy of sharing, such that, his widow, Mariel, and family, decided to make UPERDFI the beneficiary of gifts in lieu of flowers. After his BSME degree, he took up BSEE, graduating in 1966. He joined Meralco, and rose through the ranks, becoming its President until he retired. Chito served UPERDFI as Chairman from the mid-90s until 2007. He was recognized as UPCOE’s Most Distinguished Alumnus by the UP Alumni Engineers in 2008, and as one of Top 100 Engineering Alumni in the Centennial Year of UPCOE in 2010. With his gentle demeanor, he got things done! We will surely miss him. Source: UPERDFI Newsletter – December 2019 ([email protected]) |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/u-p-alumni-association-board-of-directors-nominations-now-open/ | U.P. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN – UP Alumni Website | U.P. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN February 14, 2023 Nominations for the twenty-three (23) members of the U.P. Alumni Association (UPAA) Board of Directors for the term 2023-2026 are now open. Deadline is MARCH 1, 2023. The following units or groups of units will be represented in the UPAA Board of Directors: U.P. LOS BAÑOS/U.P. OPEN UNIVERSITY – 5 seats; U.P. VISAYAS/U.P. MINDANAO – 2 seats; U.P. MANILA – 3 seats; U.P. DILIMAN [Arts and Letters, Asian Center, CAS (College of Arts & Sciences), CLA (College of Liberal Arts), Tri-College (Tri-College joint course program of AC, CAL, & CSSP), Technology Management Center, Islamic Studies, Mass Communication, Science, Social Sciences & Philosophy, Social Work & Community Development, Population Institute, Northern Luzon College (defunct), U.P. Extension Program in San Fernando, Pampanga, U.P. Extension Program in Olongapo, U.P. Clark Air Force Base, and U.P. Tarlac (defunct)] – 5 seats; U.P. DILIMAN [Business Administration, School of Economics, School of Labor and Industrial Relations, School of Urban & Regional Planning, School of Statistics (Statistical Center), and National College of Public Administration and Governance] – 2 seats; U.P. DILIMAN [Architecture, Engineering, Fine Arts, and Music] – 2 seats; U.P. DILIMAN [Education and Home Economics] – 2 seats; U.P. DILIMAN [Asian Institute of Tourism, Human Kinetics (SPEAR), Library & Information Science, and ROTC] – 1 seat; and U.P. DILIMAN [Law] – 1 seat. All UPAA members in good standing as of MAY 15, 2023 may vote. Members in good standing are those members, regular and honorary, who shall have paid the annual (P300) or life membership (P1,000/$50) fees. Blank ballots and the official list of candidates (with their photos and brief CVs) will be distributed to members in good standing only. Duly accomplished ballots may either be mailed to the UPAA Elections Committee, c/o U.P. Alumni Association, P.O. Box 233, PHILPOST, U.P. Diliman Campus Branch, Quezon City 1101 or personally delivered to the UPAA Elections Committee at Room 211, Ang Bahay ng Alumni, Magsaysay Avenue corner Balagtas Street, U.P. Diliman Campus, Quezon City. Only mailed ballots with envelopes postmarked MAY 15, 2023 or earlier, and hand-delivered ballots received not later than 5:00 PM on MAY 30, 2023, will be considered valid. Election period starts APRIL 3, 2023 until MAY 30, 2023. Canvassing will be on Saturday, MAY 31, 2023. For further information, please contact the UPAA Secretariat at telephone numbers 7910-6390; 7587-8722 or through e-mail [email protected]. |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/yuchengco-center-names-dr-milton-amayun-as-new-president/ | Yuchengco Center names Dr. Milton Amayun as new President – UP Alumni Website | Yuchengco Center names Dr. Milton Amayun as new President November 1, 2021 De La Salle University (DLSU) (dlsu.edu.ph) Yuchengco Center, a think tank hosted by De La Salle University (DLSU) and sponsored by the Yuchengco Group of Companies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Milton B. Amayun as its new President. He succeeds Dr. Trinidad Osteria who recently retired from the position after more than a decade of service. He assumed the role on September 15, 2021. Dr. Milton B. Amayun, President of the Yuchengco Center. Dr. Amayun comes into the role with an extensive work portfolio of national and international engagements. Prior to his new position, he served as President of International Care Ministries Foundation, Inc. (ICMFI), a local non-government organization, from 2015 to 2020. From 2014 to 2015, he was the Senior Public Health Advisor at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Manila covering the Philippines, PNG, and Pacific Islands. He was the Family Health Team Leader for USAID/Benin in Africa from 2010 to 2014. Dr. Amayun completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in 1973. His Doctor of Medicine degree is from the UP College of Medicine in Manila. He earned his Master of Public Health, Health Policy and Management major, from Harvard University’s School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. Dr. Amayun is currently Part-time Professional Lecturer on social development themes at De La Salle University College of Liberal Arts, a Visiting Lecturer in Global Health at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, and a Mentor for the Harvard Alumni for Global Development. Additionally, he is the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Global Compact Network Philippines (UN GCNP), Member of the Research Advisory Board of the Zuellig Family Foundation, and an Editorial Board Member for the Christian Journal of Global Health. He was the former Lead Convenor for the Health and Nutrition Cluster of the Zero Extreme Poverty Philippines 2030. Recognition of Dr. Amayun’s work include awards from the Philippine Science High School (Gawad Lagablab for Social Upliftment), the UP Medical Alumni Society (International Service), the UP Alumni Association (Centennial Award for Global Health), the West Michigan Asian Association (Amazing Asian), the UP International Nursing and Healthcare Forum (Professional Excellence), the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (Dignity and Right to Health) and the Fullness of Christ International Ministries. In his inaugural meeting with the Center’s Board of Trustees chaired by Ms. Yvonne Yuchengco and attended by Board Members Bro. Armin Luistro and Dr. Reynaldo Vea, Dr. Amayun expressed his desire to revitalize the Yuchengco Center to lead and build programs that align with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). About Yuchengco Center The Yuchengco Center was first inaugurated on August 29, 1994 as the ‘Yuchengco Institute of Philippines-Japan Relations.’ In 1997, the Board of Trustees renamed it ‘Yuchengco Center for East Asia’ to reflect the expansion of its concerns to Northeast and Southeast Asia. In 2002, the Board shortened its name to ‘Yuchengco Center’ to signify a shift towards a broader perspective that is more issue-oriented and policy-focused. The Center’s institutional goals are: 1. Leadership in policy advocacy through research, conferences, publications, training and other activities that deal with social, economic and political issues in the country and the Asian region; 2. Proactive discussion of timely and emerging policy concerns; 3. Partnerships with national and international agencies that strengthen the Center’s role as a think tank for information dissemination and utilization; and 4. Contribution of research results to knowledge, policy and program development. The Center’s thematic areas include Globalization, Regional Security and Foreign Relations, Governance and Democratization, and Human Security, particularly Health and Education. Activities include research, conferences and seminars, publications, program and project evaluations, and capacity-building for educators, planners and policymakers. The Yuchengco Center is a non-stock, non-profit corporation with offices located at the 2nd Floor, Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, 1004. Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former Prime Minister Cesar E.A. Virata, Former Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, and Mapua President Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, along with three members of the Yuchengco Family, sit on the Board of Trustees. For further information, please contact the Yuchengco Center at [email protected]. Source: https://mb.com.ph/2021/10/28/yuchengco-center-names-dr-milton-amayun-as-new-president/ |
https://alum.up.edu.ph/up-diliman-grad-tops-metallurgical-engineer-board-exams/ | UP Diliman grad tops metallurgical engineer board exams – UP Alumni Website | UP Diliman grad tops metallurgical engineer board exams October 8, 2021 MANILA – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Thursday that 20 out of 38 passed the Metallurgical Engineer Licensure Examination given this month. Agustin Dominic Escaño Laplana of University of the Philippines Diliman topped the exams with a rating of 86.85 percent. The examinations were conducted in Cagayan De Oro and Manila. See the full list of passers here. Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/07/21/up-diliman-grad-tops-metallurgical-engineer-board-exams |
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