The Oblation, Vol.2 No.1 January to March 2008

The

OBLATION The University of the Philippines Centennial Newsletter

Vol. 2 No. 1 January-March 2008

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS LAUNCHED I

n the morning of January 8, 2008, in the midst of all the problems of the country and the University, Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, the Centennial president of the UP as well as its first woman president, said “there was this day to look forward to.” “The thought that, perhaps, this anniversary would serve to unite us—despite our conflicts and problems, both internal and external—was a source of encouragement,” Roman said at the Centennial kick-off ceremonies at UP Manila. “You are all aware that we have had our share of problems, particularly with regard to our decision to adjust student fees to more realistic levels, and our continuing efforts to get Congress to approve a new UP Charter. Not to mention the day-to-day business of running the University.” Roman considers the Centennial as an occasion to celebrate, assess the University’s performance in the past century, and to imagine its role in the next. The Centennial Lecture Series enlisted a competent group to be part of UP’s stock-taking and planning. President Roman paid tribute to the past 18 UP presidents, who offered themselves to UP, with much dedication, patience, endurance, and sacrifice resulting in a UP that the Philippines can be proud of. She concluded saying that “one thing has remained constant—a quality difficult to define but recognized by all who have spent either a season or an entire lifetime in the university. For lack of a better term, we might call it the UP spirit—the force that serves as a bond across generations and even across continents. We can build on this UP spirit and we will,” Roman said. Later in the afternoon, UP officials, faculty members, staff members, students, alumni, and friends from all over the country arrived in droves in a grand motorcade. Many of the alumni came home from abroad and some from other places in the Philippines.

Thousands converge at the Oblation Plaza (right) in front of Quezon Hall during the January 8 kick-off ceremonies, while the Centennial Cauldron (below) carries the flame—symbolizing the UP spirit—that has been passed from generation to generation.

As the contingents massed along University Avenue and the Oblation Plaza in UPD, helicopters hovered low and scattered confetti, flower petals, and balloons among the crowd. The gathering was also highlighted by two batches of sky-divers from the military’s Special Action Force and the police bearing the emblems of the different UP constituent units and congratulatory banners of the Centennial. The sky-divers executed a perfect landing on the open field beside Plaridel Hall. All throughout the day, projectors flashed highlights of the activities live on at least four giant screens installed along the University Avenue and the Oblation Plaza. Intermittently, the newly-restored Carillon rang out with tunes being played by Prof. Jerry Dadap, one of the first carilloneurs of the University. As the parade ended, a group of students blew ten tambulis while a barrage of kwitis rocketed to the sky to signal the start of a program in front of the Oblation Plaza. Torches were then passed by a hundred alumni, University officials, former UP presidents, students, national scientists and artists, and other alumni around the 2.2-kilometer Academic Oval, accompanied by a 100-gun salute from the UP Rifle Team. According to Alumni Regent Ponciano Rivera Jr., concurrently president of UP Alumni Association (UPAA), the flame symbolizes UP’s quest to learn more and be of service to mankind.

Carillon plays music once again UPAA officials led by Ponciano Rivera, Gari Tiongco, and Gen. Jaime de los Santos,turn over the new Carillon bells to President Roman, while UP System and UP Diliman officials witness.

Centenary, p. 6

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espite the early afternoon downpour, the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio Global City was filled with laughter and camaraderie, as close to 400 UP Alumni Engineers of the College of Engineering came to celebrate its 60th Grand Alumni Homecoming on November 9, 2007. Most batches were represented, with the event being made more memorable by the presence of the oldest guest, 99-year-old and Diamond Jubilarian, Fernando Javier (CE ’33). UP President Emerlinda R. Roman and former Department of Energy Secretary Dr. Francisco L. Viray (EE ’70) also graced the occasion. The program started at 7:00 in the evening with the upbeat opening number of the UP Pep Squad, this year’s UAAP Cheering Competition Champions. Ting Joson-Pascual (IE ’87), Eric Nera (MetE’83), Riza GervasioMantaring (EE ’92), and Ji Reyes (ME ’83) hosted the affair. “Be Eng’g Proud,” the theme of this year’s homecoming, was chosen by the UPAE to reflect the fact that some of the country’s top-caliber engineering professionals and decision-makers are College of Engineering alumni. Dean Guevara spoke about her pride and gratitude on being an alumna of the College. UP alumni, p. 3

UP honors Pinoy scientist in Harvard

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n December 18, 2007, after almost two decades, the UP Diliman (UPD) campus was once again ringing with carillon musical pieces as 36 new bells were installed in the UPD Carillon. Through the efforts of the UP Alumni Association (UPAA), the bells were imported from The Netherlands, the old clavier keyboard was replaced with a new heavy-duty oak-wood one, a hook-up with a master clock, and synthesizer; and the steel

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UP alumni engineers reunite at the Fort

probes, laughter, news

UP regents greet Prof. Baldomero Olivera, Harvard Foundation Scientist of the Year, after conferring upon him an honorary doctorate. Dr. Olivera leads research in drug discovery from animal sources, particularly from venomous snails found in Philippine seas. A UP alumnus and research ally, he delivered the second of the UP Centennial Lecture Series on January 16, 2008.

frames, bolts, cables, walls, and ceilings were refurbished. Past and present UPAA officials and other influential alumni and donors gathered at the Carillon site to witness the turnover of the bells to UP, and the lowering of a time capsule for the next phase of the UPAA Carillon project, the establishment of the Carillon Plaza. Former UPAA President Lt. Gen. Jaime Carillon, p. 6

3 UPCBA honors distinguished alumni

Alice S. Laya Centennial Chair

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UP at 100! Ang galing mo!

2 | The University of the Philippines CENTENNIAL NEWSLETTER

The

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Looking back in appreciation and gratitude,

moving forward

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ow best to remember a loved one, how to give tribute to a beloved teacher, mentor or boss in a meaningful and continuing way? Many alumni have found that a gift to their alma mater in the form of dedicated professorial chair or a faculty grant in their honor, especially in this centennial year, is at once a fitting testimonial, an investment in, and a legacy to UP. Presented here are various professorial chairs endowed to honor and remember, and to move the beloved alma mater and our nation forward.

Amb. Ramon V. Del Rosario, Sr. Professorial The Teresa Ancheta Aquino Centennial Professorial Chair Chair in Business Administration

in Nursing

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Dr. Magdaleno Albarracin Jr., Mrs. Trin Albarracin, Ambassador Ramon V. del Rosario Sr., President Roman, Dr. Cesar Virata, and Chancellor Sergio Cao during the donation turnover

Excerpts from the welcome remarks of Dr. Magdaleno B. Albarracin, Jr. on 17 January 2008 at the Phinma Boardroom.

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elcome to Phinma on the occasion of the launching of the Amb. Ramon del Rosario, Sr., U.P. Centennial Professorial Chair in Business Administration. Today, we honor a great man. We are also helping a great institution the University of the Philippines in its faculty retention program. Trin and I are honored to fund the Amb. RVR professorial chair and doubly honored for having been given the consent by Amb. RVR to name after him this professorial chair. Being a pillar of Dela Salle University, his consent is a coup for U.P. and me. This professorial chair will be one of the first, if not the first, to be endowed with P3 million versus the normal P1.5 million. We will also raise to P3 million the endowment of the Phinma professorial chair established years ago. And we will upgrade to P1.5 million from P500,000 the Bacnotan Consolidated Industries professorial chair also established years ago. U.P. and I thank the Emar Corporation of the del Rosario family for its P1.5 million donation to help increase the endowments of the Phinma and Bacnotan professorial chairs. All together, a total of P6.75 million will be donated to U.P. today. I am happy to help U.P. raise funds for faculty retention because, to me, the faculty and the students are the core of a university. Physical facilities are important but they are secondary. As I often say, I much prefer to study gravity and classical mechanics from Isaac Newton even under an apple tree than from an ordinary physics professor inside a modern classroom; or philosophy from Socrates even inside an Athenian jail than from a typical philosophy professor in a university; or management from Amb. RVR while inspecting a cement plant or attending a contentious board meeting than from a multi-media lecture at Harvard. May I emphasize the importance of U.P. to nation building. It is also

a great investment vehicle. Let me apply the concept of intrinsic value which Warren Buffet, the second richest person in the U.S., uses in evaluating companies and stocks for acquisition. (See table below) Now what enterprise creates such wealth at such low cost? If there were a way to collect from every graduate 5% of his value added, a Warren Buffet will offer to buy U.P. for an attractive price and will offer free tuition plus board and lodging to every student he thinks will likely finish. But there is no such collection mechanism on hand so no Warren Buffet will buy UP. But we all know in our hearts that UP creates tremendous wealth, estimated at P244.4 billion per year for our society. We also realize that any child of a jeepney driver or a lavandera who graduates from U.P. will most likely become part of the middle class, which is the bulwark of a democratic society. Thus, U.P. deserves the help of everyone, whether or not he is an alumnus. At the personal level, the years spent in U.P. by every alumnus must

be very significant and memorable. Those were the more idealistic and perhaps more reckless years—thus more dear to recall. Some met their future spouses while in U.P. They should donate perhaps 10% of value added. Others fell in love but lost it with lots of regret. But the memory is sweet and lingers on. That makes U.P. deserving of a donation of even 15%. Joke only. I have three loves in my life: U.P., Trin, and Phinma in chronological order. Many years ago, U.P. sent me to the University of Michigan for my masters in electrical engineering. There I met Trin. Years later, U.P., thanks to my dean then Cesar Virata, sent me to Harvard for business administration where I later met Amb. RVR which in turn led me to Phinma later. Thus, because of U.P., I met my two other loves. And because of Phinma, I am able to help U.P. And because of Trin, I have been able to do a good job in both U.P. and Phinma. As with most of us, in spite of my years, I still want to do more

r. Belinda Aquino, (AB English ’57) recently donated a Centennial professorial chair in honor of her mother Teresa Ancheta Aquino. Dr. Aquino wrote that she “makes the financial assistance for personal and institutional reasons as her supreme tribute to her late mother, Teresa Ancheta Aquino, who struggled through a profoundly painful childhood to acquire a basic education and eventually become a modern woman and productive citizen. The young fragile life of the donor’s mother was punctuated by extreme adversity in a time of cholera, dysentery, smallpox, leprosy, bubonic plague and other diseases that decimated her family, aggravated by the ravages of the Philippine-American War. That she survived at all was probably an act of God, but was also a tribute to her fortitude, determination, courage, capacity for endurance, and good old Ilocano resilience. She became one of the pioneer nursing students, possibly one of the first from Northern Luzon, at the Philippine General Hospital in the early 20th century…If mothers are proud of their daughters in the natural scheme of things, the reverse is equally, if not more, true.”

She adds, “the Donor is dedicating this assistance as well to the other hardy pioneers of her mother’s generation, trailblazers in building the profession of nursing at a crucial time of the nation’s confrontation with modernity, especially with science and health issues. Without their knowing it, they were making history. They were part of the core group from whom the great institution we now know as the Philippine General Hospital emerged. And its Nursing School, later College, would become the premier institution in this profession in the country.”

Dr. Belinda Aquino receives a certificate of recognition from President Roman in the presence of Nursing Dean Josefina Tuazon and UP Foundation’s Prof. Gerry Agulto.

for education especially for U.P. I quote the last stanza of the poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost:

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Alice S. Laya Centennial Chair

Warren Buffet’s Intrinsic Value Concept Applied to UP (in PhP)

Foundation) in two (2) hinterland barangays. A photo from the reception launching the Alice S. Laya Centennial Professorial Chair shows (from L-R) Dean Erlinda Echanis of UPCBA, Dr. Laya handing the check to President Emerlinda Roman, UP Diliman Chancellor Dr. Sergio Cao, and Dr. Magdaleno Albarracin, Vice Chair of the UP Centennial Commission.

100,000/month - How much a typical UP graduate is assumed to earn more than if he graduated from an average school 50 million - Approximate incremental income over 40 years of professional life from having studied in UP, or 50 million - Value added by UP per graduate 2.5 million - 5% of incremental income every alumnus could give back to UP 500 billion - Potential donation of 200,000 UP alumni (proven and probable reserves) 250 billion - Value added or wealth creation by UP per year (5,000 UP graduates/ year x 50 million value added by UP/graduate) 244.5 billion - Net wealth created by UP per year (250 billion minus operating costs excluding PGH)

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r. Jaime C. Laya, former Governor of the Central Bank and Dean of the College of Business Administration (1957-78), recently donated a Centennial Professorial Chair to the College of Business Administration (UPCBA) in honor of his late wife Alice Sandoval Laya. The late Mrs. Laya (UPCBA ’69) was the moving spirit of Marinducare Foundation Inc. that galvanized

concerned citizens with roots in Marinduque to band together to help the underprivileged in Marinduque. MFI now on its 20th year continues to provide among others, assistance in Education at the Elementary (with ERDA) and Pre-school levels, in Micro-Financing, Copra Trading, Fishing, Swine Disposal and Handicraft projects and importantly in the establishment of a potable water system (with Peace and Equity

The late Alice Laya

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National government supports UP Centennial with a record P2.64B

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he Office of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives’ combined contribution during 2006-2007 for the University of the Philippines’ Centennial projects and activities have now reached a record high of P1.05 billion. These contributions will go a long way in helping UP President Emerlinda Roman’s vision for 2005-2011 to make UP a Center of Excellence and Culture and an efficient university. Part of the funds will also be used in the activities to celebrate the UP Centennial. UP expects to receive an additional P1.59 billion from the national government during 2008. UP constituent units will benefit from the 2006-2007 contribution. P500 million has been earmarked for the development of the National Science Complex and Technology Incubation Park in the Diliman campus to strengthen UP’s position as the leading research and development institution in the country. Created under Executive Order No. 583 (08 December 2006) by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the complex will serve as the national hub for the generation and application of new scientific knowledge in the natural and applied sciences and mathematics. It will house the National Institute of Geological Sciences, Marine Science Institute, National Institute of Physics, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, Institute of Mathematics, and the Natural Sciences Research Institute. P100 million has been allocated for engineering scholarships and the construction/ site development of the Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Building, the Department of Industrial

Engineering, and the Mechanical Engineering Building. P80 million has been assigned for the repair and rehabilitation of buildings damaged by typhoons Milenyo, Reming, Paeng, and Senyang in UP Los Baños. P60 million has been set aside for construction projects in UP Diliman (College of Engineering Library, Department of Computer Science, and the Executive House), UP Los Baños (various buildings), UP Manila (Institute of Ophthalmology and the Sentro Oftalmologico), UP Visayas (Cebu College Library), UP Mindanao (Central Administration Building), UP Baguio (College of Arts and Communications), and UP Open University (Centennial Building and Marker). P117.3 million has been allotted for the Philippine General Hospital for the modernization of its medical facilities. P192.7 million has been earmarked for the completion of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and College of Mass Communication buildings in UP Diliman, the restoration of the Carillon bells, the construction of a medical museum in UP Manila, and the monitoring and rehabilitation program of the Marine Biological Station of UP Visayas on Taklong Island, Guimaras. Additional funding is going to be allotted to the following in 2008. P644.8 million will be earmarked for the construction and completion of the National Institute of Civil Engineering building; the Industrial Engineering building; the Electrical and Electronics Engineering building; the Mechanical Engineering building; and the Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering and the Center for Energy and Environment Engineering building. A portion of the entire amount will be used for

the acquisition of various pieces of equipment for the College of Engineering. Another P500 million is expected for the National Science Complex and Technology Incubation Park in UP Diliman. P228.3 million will be earmarked for the construction of various school buildings in UP Mindanao, UP Pampanga, and UP Visayas; the construction of a student center in UP Manila; a fourstorey high-school building in UP Iloilo and the National Center for Good Governance in UP Diliman; the completion of the Medical Museum in UP Manila, the Mass Communication Media Center, and the College of Architecture buildings in UP Diliman; continuation of UP Centennial projects; repair/ rehabilitation of the National College of Public Administration and Governance building, the Computer Science building, the Home Economics building, and the Kalayaan Residence Hall in UP Diliman; and establishment of a university town in UP Clark Pampanga, a bio-fuel center in UP Los Baños, and the Kanluran Road in UP Mindanao. P150 million will be allotted for upgrade of facilities in support of technology commercialization, establishment/ upgrade of analytical laboratories, and infrastructure support for the commercialization of seeds in UP Los Baños. P68.5 million is expected to be allotted for the acquisition of information technology, office, and classroom laboratory equipment; support for the Agricultural Mechanization Development Program of UP Los Baños and the UP Manila School for Health Science Extension in the Aurora Province; and modernization of the Natural Sciences Research Institute.

PHINMA donates four professorial chairs to College of Eng’g

Representatives of UP Engineering Class of ‘56; Mena, Jovellanos, and Vila family members; and CoE faculty members close ranks behind Prof. Jose Jovellanos, officials of the UP System, UP Diliman, College of Engineering, and PHINMA.

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n 13 December 2007, four (4) newly created College of Engineering (CoE) Professorial Chairs—the Dean Marino Mena Professorial Chair, Prof. Jose Jovellanos Professorial Chair, UP Engineering Class of 1956 Professorial Chair, and Prof. Emeritus Norberto S. Vila Professorial Chair-were inaugurated at the Board of Regents room. These Professorial Chairs were donated by PHINMA Foundation (Philippine Investment Management Consultants, Inc.) through the generous support of Dr. Magdaleno B. Albarracin (EE ‘56). Dr. Albarracin, Vice Chair of PHINMA, has been continually helping the College in its faculty retention program and improvement of its facilities to enhance the learning environment of students. Each Professorial Chair amounts to P240,000 per year for the next five years. A candidate for professorial chair should be a regular member of the faculty with the rank of Assistant Professor or higher, and as a general rule, should have served the University of the Philippines as a faculty member for at least five years. This year’s recipients are Angelo Cedric M. Festin, Ph.D. (BS CS ‘92, MS EE ‘96) and Susan P. Festin (BS CS ‘94), both from the Department of

Computer Science; Aura C. Matias, Ph.D. (BS IE ‘82, MS IE ‘89) from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research; and Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Ph.D. (BS EE ‘94) from the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

The well-attended affair was graced by UP President Emerlinda R. Roman, UP Chancellor Sergio S. Cao, Dean Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Dr. Albarracin, Prof. Jose Jovellanos, the family of Prof. Vila, representatives of Batch ‘56, and CoE faculty members.

UPCBA honors distinguished alumni

Alumni engineers proudly stand beside College of Engineering Dean Rowena Guevara and President Roman during the UPAE homecoming.

UP alumni, from p. 3

Various citations and awards were presented to outstanding alumni led by the Most Distinguished Alumnus, Johnip G. Cua, (ChE ’78), the first Filipino CEO of Procter & Gamble Philippines. The Departmental Awards were presented to Julius B. Maridable (MEChE ’81), Rene S. Santiago (BSCE ’70), Dwight David M. Simon (BSEE ’82, MSEE ’86), Jose Galo P. Isada (BSGE ’70), Noel M. Tempongko Jr. (BSIE ’82), Bienvenido C. Gonzales (BSME ’78), and Ralph A. Ante (BSMetE ’78). The achievement awardees for entrepreneurship, engineering education, and government service were Katrina K. Limcaoco (BSIE ’91), Ibarra E. Cruz (BSME ’54) and Romeo M. Cabacang (BSChE ’80, MSChE ’85), respectively. The posthumous award for engineering education was conferred to Edgardo S. Pacheco (BSME ’53). The UPAE’s 2008 sevenmember Board of Directors were also elected. Members are Benito

M. Pacheco, Eric Nera, Edel Templonuevo, Dante Briones, Bobbie Angangco, Roger Robang, and Cherrie Chan. The last and most awaited part of the program was the raffle draw, done using numbered ping-pong balls inside a tambiolo especially designed by Prof. Happy Denoga and Dr. Alex Paran of the Mechanical Engineering Department. Mike Echavez of the Computer Science Department developed a computer program, which instantly showed onscreen the names of winning ticket holders. The lucky winner of the Grand Prize, Toyota Camry, was Efren “Chip” Marqueses, ChE ’90. The next draw will be in June 2008. The homecoming organizers were the Silver Jubilarians (Batch 1982), led by Dante Briones, Lucille Tolentino, Edel Templonuevo, the event director, and Gene Peralta, representing the Batch ‘82 MS/ PhD graduates.

Revised Criteria for Distinguished Alumni Awards

or call telephone nos. 920-6868; 920-6871; 920-6875; and 929-8327, or email [email protected] Advertisers, sponsors, and donors are also welcome. Envisioned as a collector’s item, the three volumes will be packaged in a specially-designed slip-case. They will also feature the works of UP alumni and National Artists Napoleon Abueva, Abdul Imao, and BenCab.

UPAA updates

The UPAA (UP Alumni Association) Board has revised the criteria, categories and some processes with regard to the nomination and selection of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. There will be no more “most” outstanding awards and categories are made broader and thematic. The previous 11 categories could be looked at as examples but more categories may be defined. The nomination process will also be open. In addition, search committees will be established in the different UP campuses with the help of UPAA chapters. Special recognition will be given to individuals and groups who have had exceptional and outstanding achievements in pursuing the goals of the University and/or the UPAA. They shall be nominated by any UP alumni or chapter, chosen by the UPAA Committee on Alumni Awards, and affirmed by the UPAA Board. Special recognition shall be given, but not limited to, service to UPAA, outstanding alumni chapter, a three-generation alumni family, and international alumni achievers The deadline for submission of nominations is April 15, 2008.

2008 Centennial Yearbook

The UP College of Business Administration recognized its distinguished alumni Augusto L. de Leon, Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr., Dominador T. Gregorio (not in photo), Henry Joseph M. Herrera, Robert F. Kuan, Oscar R. Sañez, and Ramon Y. Sy, shown here flanking Chancellor Sergio S. Cao and CBA Dean Erlinda S. Echanis, during homecoming ceremonies last December 2 in UP Diliman. The awardees are leaders in government and local and international business and finance.

The UPAA will come out with a once-in-a-lifetime three-volume UPAA 2008 Centennial Yearbook focusing on the theme “UP Alumni: Excellence, Leadership & Service in the next 100 years.” This special publication will be issued during the UPAA’s Grand Alumni Homecoming and Reunion on June 21, 2008 at the Araneta Coliseum. All alumni and alumni associations of UP, accredited with UPAA or not, are called upon to participate in this rare publication. They can visit the UPAA Office at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP, Diliman, Quezon City

announcements

UP

President Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman and the UP Centennial Commission will hold a dinner in honor of UP Centennial donors on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Rizal A Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La, Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City. The dinner will be hosted by Mr. David M. Consunji.

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he UP Centennial Concert will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June 18, 19, & 20, 2008. The concert will showcase the great talents of UP. It is hoped it will bring alumni back to memory lane as it will feature significant historical events in UP and in the country. Funds raised will be for the “Iskolar ng Bayan” Fund. Visit the UP website www.up.edu.ph for more details.

4 | The University of the Philippines CENTENNIAL NEWSLETTER

Cecilia “Ces” Oreña-Drilon Broadcast Journalist

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probes

laughter

news

UP

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es Drilon writes, “More than lessons in the classroom, it was the atmosphere in UP that helped me in my journalism career. The curiosity, the open-mindedness, the relentlessness in seeking answers—these are attributes that the campus helped shape in me. My exposure in the Sigma Delta Phi sorority also proved valuable later on, the public humiliation initiations helped in giving me the ‘kapal ng mukha’ tv journalists need in some situations when doors are closed in our faces.” Ces Oreña-Drilon is one of the most awarded broadcast journalists in the Philippines. In 2004, Drilon was among twelve women to receive the prestigious TOWNS Award, given every three years to outstanding women for their service to the nation, through their achievements in their respective careers. In 1996, Ces also won the JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD given by the Metro Pacific Excellence in Journalism Awards. She also won in two other categories, BEST SOCIAL ISSUES REPORTER and BEST ECONOMIC ISSUES REPORTER. In 1995 and 1994, respectively, Ces won the ULIRANG INA award, an honor bestowed on outstanding mothers, and the EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARD, given by the International Planned Parenthood Foundation, East Asia and Oceania Region, for her reportage on young adult sexuality. In 2003, Drilon was given the Sigma Delta Phi’s Mariang Maya award for her outstanding achievement in broadcast journalism. One of the oldest Greek-letter societies in UP, the Sigma Delta Phi Sorority gives out the award to their outstanding members every ten years. Drilon currently co-anchors the groundbreaking news program, “BANDILA,” aired on ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest network.

has indeed made significant contributions to many facets of Philippine life. Among the many UP alumni who have made successful careers in showbiz and who have brought laughter to our lives are Candy Pangilinan, Tessie Tomas, Nanette Inventor, Rene Boy “Ate Glow” Facunla, Herbs Samonte, and, of course, Willie Nepomuceno. Cheche Lim-Lazaro continues to bring us fearless analyses of the issues of the day, while Ces Drilon in her 21-year career as broadcast journalist has covered some of the country’s most memorable stories. We asked Cheche, Ces, and Willie Nep what it was in their UP experience that contributed to their successful media and showbiz careers.

“I learned that there is not one but many voices and many sides to an issue. Never give up, stand up for what you believe in, hold fast to your ideals.” Cheche Lazaro, one of the Philippines’ most respected broadcast journalists, is founding president of Probe Productions Inc. and host of The Probe Team, the first investigative newsmagazine for television in the Philippines that has won local as well as international recognition. She first burst into the male-dominated media scene working with the American Broadcasting Corp. in 1985, during the twilight of the Marcos dictatorship. Cheche has since won the respect of her peers and the public as a broadcast journalist and producer of award-winning television programs such as The Probe Team, 5 and Up, Cheche Lazaro Presents, and Gameplan.

Willie Nepomuceno AB Fine Arts ‘71

Cheche Lim-Lazaro AB Speech & Drama

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ecilia “Cheche” Lim Lazaro writes, “UP was a particularly unique and special experience. It was the first time I came across the words ‘academic freedom.’ It opened up a whole new horizon. You could freely express what you believed in, attend or not attend class as you wished, make choices about your academic program, be a part of any campus organization, join rallies for fun or because of your political beliefs, and you were part of a community that took those words seriously. “It was preview of the field I chose to join, a foretaste of the career that I now have.

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illie Nepomuceno recalls, “When I entered the university, my inclination at the outset was towards the visual arts, music and theater. Somewhat very personal expressions of artistry. Quite selfish in a way. “My UP experience changed all that. At UP we all went through a common learning experience of registration gauntlets, terror teachers, boycotts, fraternity rumbles and debates, but I guess the best things I learned remain to be the pursuit of excellence, the freedom of choice, integrity, responsibility and the resultant benefit of one’s action to mankind. “Of course such idealism has been tempered by time, but to be able to contribute in setting a high standard in whatever we do must always be a given. “Nothing in my UP experience attracted me to show business except perhaps, to bring those lessons learned into it. “No matter how quixotic, the torch of idealism flames eternal and I owe it to UP.” A 1971 Fine Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines, Willie has a string of Awards from the 1980s including the Aliw Awards for Best Comedy Act and Best Stand UP Act, Cecil Award for Best Comedy Recording (Willie’s Way, Dyna Records), Most Outstanding Entertainer of the Year (Consumers Union of the Philippines), and the Gawad CCP Award for the Most Outstanding Television Special (Cultural Center of the Philippines).

UP Visayas kicks off the Centennial with a parade

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by Joseph Anthony G. Escaran lumni all the way from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Negros and other parts of the country joined the faculty, staff, students, and friends for “Bayle sa Kalye”, the Centennial Kick-off of UP Visayas Iloilo on Jan. 26, 2008. UP President Emerlinda Roman, Vice-Presidents Amelia Guevara, Cristina Hidalgo, and Marvic Leonen also joined the parade, which started at 2:00 in the afternoon after the “Kasadyahan,” one of the highlights of the Dinagyang festival. Chancellor Aguilar updated the alumni on the status of the following Centennial projects: Professorial Chairs

and Faculty Grants, Library Modernization, Centennial Classrooms, UPV Alumni Gallery, Mini Cinema, Libro para sa Iskolar Ng Bayan. A Centennial raffle draw was launched after his speech. A brand-new Toyota Vios will be given away as grand prize. The draw date is on July 26, 2008 during the UPV Grand Alumni Homecoming, and proceeds of the raffle will be used to fund the said projects. Pres. Roman talked about how the university has gone a long way from less than twenty courses to more than six hundred to date. She mentioned that homes of the faculty were once used as classrooms whereas now the faculty already conducts online lectures. Roman also said that UP was known

as “University of Pila” while it is now known as “University of Pindot” for its online enrolment system. Roman enumerated the three big events that were considered significant: 1) The Centennial Kick-off in UP Manila and UP Diliman campuses last Jan. 8, 2008; 2) The Centennial Homecoming that will be held on June 21, 2008 at the Araneta Coliseum; 3) The Centennial Lantern Parade in December. Pres. Roman expressed her elation over the success of the kick-off parade and expressed her appreciation for the full participation of the students, faculty, staff, and especially the alumni. The crowd was estimated to be around 6,000 people.

(Leftmost) Dancing and singing to the tune of “UP Ang Galing Mo,” the UP contingent parades along the major streets of Iloilo City. Each academic group had their own gimmick and mascot as they vied for Best in Gimmickry, Best in Mascot, and the Most Number of Participants awards. The program starts with Palupad or flying of the balloons by UP President Roman, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and UP faculty, staff, REPS, and alumni representatives.

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Volume 2 Number 1 JANUARY-MARCH 2008

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Far Though We Wander by Vicki Bello-Jardiolin

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UP at 100! Ang Galing Mo!

he Centennial Year celebrations have been launched, kicked off with a motorcade, 100 torches, a concert and fireworks to the jaunty accompaniment of UP ANG GALING MO, lyrics of which we reprint here. Now the alumni, never too modest to begin with, are celebrating with an orgy of self congratulatory texts and emails. Here’s a sampler. “Eight things I learned at UP: 1. Suggested readings are MANDATORY. 2. You can know everything, yet still fail an exam. 3. All your classmates are brilliant. Others just aren’t studying. 4. Teachers impressed with no. 1 5. Your best efforts could still get a 5.0 6. Every class is like a thesis defense—it’s not enough that you understand; you have to know how to explain it as well. 7. Seatworks natin, finals sa ibang school! 8. UP at 100! Ang Galing Mo!

During the Centennial kick-off on January 8, 2008, the Centennial Cauldron is about to get lit, the UP Pep Squad—UAAP Cheering Competition champion—peps up the massive crowd, alumnus Ryan Cayabyab plays a composition for his alma mater, delegates from UP Manila show their force, College of Fine Arts parols of Ikot jeeps do an encore of their Lantern Parade performance, and delegates from UP Baguio prepare to dance.

UP Ang Galing Mo (Rock Music)

“UST accepts wise students. LA SALLE accepts great students. ATENEO accepts best students. UP doesn’t accept the best, greatest, or wisest. UP makes them! HAPPY CENTENNIAL!” “UP made you in such a way that when the world is sitting, you would be standing. When the world is standing, you would stand out. When the world stands out, you would be outstanding. And when the world tries to be outstanding, you would be the standard. In short laging pasaway ka. Isang masaya at mayabang na sentenaryo sa iyo taga UP!” Here are the lyrics of “UP Ang Galing Mo”, composed by Herbie Rosales, 55, of Tau Alpha Fraternity.

Narito kami’y nagpupugay Sa Universidad ng aming buhay Ikaw pa rin ang binabalikan Di pa rin malilimutan Ikaw pa rin ang UP Naming mahal REFRAIN: Sandaang taon na tayo Lagi ka pa rin sa aming puso Sandaang taon na tayo UP, ang galing mo Salamat sa iyong mga guro Salamat sa inyong pagtuturo Taglay nyo ang kahusayan Taglay nyo ang karunungan Hinubog nyo kami Sa kabutihan Wala nang ibang maihahambing Sa talino mo’t angking galing Daanin man sa syensiya Hi-tech man at kahit ano pa Ikaw pa rin UP Ang nangunguna

To which another alumnus adds, 9. EVERY TEACHER LOADS YOU WITH SO MUCH READING MATERIALS…… 24 hours a day just isn’t enough. 10. EVERY instructor feels he is the only instructor hence you must ALWAYS be prepared when you attend his class. Despite all these faultfinding about UP and its teachers, we are MIGHTY PROUD TO BE UPIANS!”

(REPEAT REFRAIN) Sa iyong dugo ang kasaysayan Dumaloy sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan Sagisag ka ng kagitingan Bandila ka ng kalayaan Pag-asa ka lagi Na mamamayan

“Sabi nga nila, ang gwapo/ganda mo. Sabi ko naman, bale wala yan. Sabi rin nila, ang talino mo. Sagot ko nga, hindi naman masyado. Sabi rin nila, ang kisig/sexy mo. Sabi ko, ganyan lang talaga yan. Paulit-ulit sabi nila, ang galing-galing mo naman. Kaya sabi ko nga, galing yata ako sa UP. UP@100: ANG GALING MO!”

Sandaang taon na tayo Dangal ka ng Pilipino Sentro ka ng pagbabago UP, ang galing mo Sandaang taon na tayo UP, ang galing mo UP, ang galing mo!

“Naked man, brilliant students, brain-wracking terms, liberal culture, life-long pride, rushing latenight work, ugly eye-bags, notorious professors, hell weeks, toxic lifestyle, constant lack of sleep, nose-bleed, final exams, heart-stopping results, diehard friendships, people call it ‘University of the Philippines.’”

Mabuhay ang UP!

You make us proud!

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his is 2nd part of our series on UP Alumni who with their dedication and excellence in their work give us great pride. Presented here are UP Alumni Association awardees for 2005 & 2006.

2005

Prof. Solita Collas-Monsod, AB ’59 cl, 2005, for her honesty, integrity, strong humanitarian orientation, and unwavering courage in articulating and advocating the truths of her convictions in the academe, government, civil society, mass media and the international community. Engr. David M. Consunji, BSCE ’46, LLD ’93 pioneered in building high-rise and innovative edifices in the country including the hemispherical-domed Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice in the UP Campus. Dr. Thelma F. Navarette-Clemente, AA ’40, MD ’45, a community doctor, she built and established clinics and organizations for the poorest and neediest. A proponent of scholarship grants in medicine and its allied fields, knowing how the young and most potentially gifted of the poor can avail themselves of these. Dr. Azucena L. Carpena, BSA ’60 cl, 2005, for her having laid the groundwork in varietal development of root crops; for being an internationally recognized root crops breeder. Dr. Paulino B. Zafaralla, BFA ’63, MA ’73, PhD ’90, for his consistent and selfless assistance in the promoting Philippine culture and the arts through his numerous art critiques and monographs and for his having made art and culture a formidable presence in the pervasively scientific environment of UP Los Baños. Ms. Mercedes Tan-Gotianun, BSPhar ’50, for being a role model of success for women in business, for her having been the market leader in consumer financing and for being the first Filipina to become president of a universal bank. Engr. Claudio B. Altura, BSCE ’57, for his nationwide contribution to infrastructure developments and for spearheading projects that benefit the smallest barrios in terms of farm-tomarket roads, schoolhouses, and hydro projects. Mr. Eduardo V. Mañalac, BSGeo ’67, for his exploration and discovery of petroleum sites in about half a dozen countries, earning for himself the respect and esteem of his peers worldwide; and for having enhanced the utilization of renewable and alternative energy resources. Prof. Ruben David F. Defeo, AB ’75, for his multifaceted role as art educator, critic, historian, and curator and the sensibility he has infused in each of them, and for his international involvements in art exhibits making the world aware of what is artistic, cultural, and uniquely Philippine. Dr. Liberato V. Laureta, BSFish ’73, MSFish ’81, for his thirty years of dedicated service to the University, as researcher, then professor of aquaculture and as marine scientist; for his prodigious and award winning output in the research and publication of his works on fisheries technology and aquaculture.

The University’s wellspring of pride Ms. Pacita U. Juan, BSHRA ’76, for her mission to educate consumers on the fine art of coffee drinking, for championing through the FIGARO Coffee Company the cause of the Philippine BARAKO, thus resuscitating the industry back to a healthy state. Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua, AA ’51, MD ’56, as the recognized Father of Philippine Endocrinology, his pioneering efforts have changed the lives of many patients and physicians alike. Dr. Teofilo A. Abrajano, Jr., BSGeo ’77, for having operated in the cutting edge of his expertise in the rarified and competitive world of the American academe as researcher, professor and sharer of his accomplishments. Dr. Benito O. De Lumen, BSST ’62, for his more than 25 years as a respected professor at the University of California at Berkeley, teaching and conducting research in agricultural chemistry-biochemistry, biotechnology, food chemistry and nutrition. Dr. Fely Marilyn Elegado-Lorenzo, BSN ’73, MPH ’81, for her exemplary work, leadership and significant contributions to health and nursing development. Dr. Lydia Calceña-Mangahas, DVM ’68, whose life and work as a veterinarian are a testimony to community service, professional ethics and leadership. Dr. Adolfo B. Bellosillo, AA ’55, MD ’63, as founding president of the Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases, he was instrumental in extending the Foundation’s massive educational program to all segments of society, rich or poor, in near or far-flung areas without regard for safety, accessibility and comfort. Dr. Abundio D. P. Palencia, Sr., AA ’51, MD ’56, for his outstanding performance in the fields of quality education and health extension service in the province of Camarines Norte. Atty. Eduardo F. Hernandez, AA ’49, ROTC ’51, LLB ’53, for leadership in law, writing, business and community work and

for serving his alma mater as alumni regent and president of the UP Alumni Association from 2000 to 2003 by raising millions for the University. Engr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, BSME ’72, for his philanthropic activities of donating barangay school buildings to Bulacan, Cavite and Occidental Mindoro, including the setting up of a foundation in honor of his mother to support the indigent patients of the UP-PGH. Dr. Raymundo S. Punongbayan, BSGeo ’60, volcanologist, for having sat in vigil over the nation, night and day, assured that he was keeping watch.

2006

Prof. Antonio O. Mabesa, BSA ‘56, for his having deeply etched his artistic spirit in the Theater Arts as actor on stage and film, director, producer and professor of artists. Dr. Nelia P. Cortes-Maramba, MD ’60, for her impact on public welfare and national development through her research programs on new drugs from medicinal plants which are affordable and accessible to the community. Dr. Arsenio N. Resurreccion, BSAE ’71, MS ’78, for being a highly respected scientist, researcher and resource person and for his aggressive and pioneering efforts toward agricultural mechanization in the countryside. Mr. Percy J. Arañador, BS ’81, for his ability to balance creativity with business, working in every imaginable scenario as world class designer, stylist and consultant. Mr. Victor B. Valdepeñas, BSF ’66, MA(Eco) ’69, for his world-class impact as banking strategist, finance wizard and management guru. Dr. Lina B. Diaz De Rivera, MAT ’76, PhD ’91, for her 45 years as mentor, 18 of them in the basic grades and the last 27 You make us, p. 6

UP Memory Lane

The 2005 UPAA awardees proudly carry their trophies while walking up memory lane during the homecoming ceremonies.

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he Oblation: The University of the Philippines Centennial Newsletter is an update for University alumni about University events and projects running up to the UP Centennial in June 2008. UP reaches out to its graduates and friends for whom the UP is an indelible chapter of their lives and because of which, have continuously supported the University’s projects and objectives as the premier and national university. How to bridge distances and participate in this momentous juncture in the University’s and the country’s history? The Oblation features the many who have already done so and is also a means to thank them and invite them to come visit and be part once more of the UP community. The quarterly newsletter is accessible online at www.up.edu.ph.

Editor in Chief Prof. Victoria Bello-Jardiolin | Editorial Consultant Prof. Isabelita O. Reyes, PhD | Managing Editor Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc | Copy Editor Marby Villaceran | Writer Francis Quina | Layout Artist Alicor Panao

UP Landmarks Sketchbook exhibition opens in New York Engineer Fernando Javier carries the torch of 1908 on his way to a march along the UP Diliman Academic Oval, which ended after sunset.

Centenary, from p. 1

On the eve of its centennial year, the UP College of Fine Arts (CFA) in partnership with UP Foundation Inc. marked the exhibition opening of UP Landmarks Sketchbook in New York on November 19, 2007. The remembrance collection of works by well known CFA alumni artists, faculty members, and award-winning students depict various landmarks, icons, structures, and landscapes from the seven constituent universities, some of which are shown below. The special guest at the New York opening was Ambassador to the UN Hilario Davide (second from left) together with (from left) Nora Catiis, UPAA –NJ chapter president; Manuel Rodriguez Sr., father of Philippine printmaking based in New Jersey; NY Consul General Cecilia Rebong; CFA Dean Tina Colayco; Prof. Ruben Defeo, exhibition curator and UP Diliman Director for Information and Initiatives for Culture and the Arts; Lenore Lim, president of the Society of Philippine American Artists; and Menchee Fulgado, president of the UPAA-NY chapter.

UPLB Carillon by Armando Bacaltos

You make us, from p. 5

with the UP College of Education as teacher of teachers in literacy education. Dr. Ernesto P. Sonido, BSEM ’50. The first Filipino geophysicist, his efforts resulted in the great shift from land to offshore exploration, leading to the discovery of new commercial oil and gas fields. Atty. Andres G. Garmaitan, BSJ ‘61, LIB ’61, for standing as the only Filipino among 100 most influential legal practitioners across the Asia Pacific region.

Dr. Alberto Victor D. G. Romualdez, Jr., MD ’65, for his

achievements as President of Family Care Foundation, running a network of reproductive and family-planning services among low-income families.

Dr. Carnencita MatiasAbaquin, GN ’62, BSN ’69, MN

’75, PhD ’00, for her contributions to the advancement of the nursing profession in the Philippines as

Sundial by Jose Joya

educator, nursing practitioner and researcher.

Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez,

AA ’54, AB ’57, BSFS ’58. Through her imaginative socio-economic and business projects, she has pulled out Antique from the Club 20 of poorest provinces. Dr. Nina G. Barzaga, BSPH ’75, MD ‘79, for merging the theories of higher technologies with the practice of public health, especially in disease control and prevention. Engr. Francis Chua, BSIE ‘72, for spearheading the BUY FILIPINO movement that educates consumers to patronize local products and services of companies that employ Filipinos. Atty. Romeo P. Gerochi, BS ’71, for his relentless and gallant effort in espousing the cause of power consumers in the City of Iloilo. Ms. Olivia Rocha-Aliga, BM ‘74, for the recurrent themes of leadership and service in the performance of her musical gifts as pianist, musical

The first torch-bearer was Civil Engineer Fernando Javier from Baguio, an alumnus (Batch 1933) who turned a hundred years old on December 22, 2007. He has been a civil servant, a survivor of the Bataan Death March, an Engineering professor in Afghanistan and Korea, and an environment worker in Guam. Without the aid of a cane, he was able to walk the entire length of the Academic Oval together with other torch-bearers. The 100th torch-bearer was the 19th and current UP President, Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, who lighted the Centennial Cauldron in front of the Oblation Plaza. The cauldron, designed by Joel Ajero, 1969 Chemical Engineering graduate, features three pillars representing the three core values of the University: excellence, service, and leadership. Springing from the base is a tree with seven flowers representing the seven CUs. The cheering crowd burst into

singing UP Naming Mahal. The crowd was then invited to the UPD Amphitheater for the Centennial kick-off concert. Before a crowd that filled the entire amphitheater to overflowing, the concert featured the UP Madrigal Singers, UP Pep Squad, UP Jazz Orchestra, UP Concert Chorus, UP Symphonic Orchestra, UP Symphonic Band, Ryan Cayabyab, and Nanette Inventor. A grand fireworks display, sponsored by Beta Epsilon, capped the day-long festivities. UP remains the country’s only national university that has produced 30 of 31 national scientists, 36 of 57 national artists, 7 of 14 Philippine presidents, 12 Chief Justices of the Supreme Court, 15,000 doctors, 8,000 lawyers, 23,000 teachers, and 247,000 alumni. Here, over 50,000 students are educated in the seven CUs made up of 12 campuses all over the country. (Compiled reports from Prof. Tessa Jazmines, Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc, Bernice P.Varona, and Francis Paolo Quina)

UP Manila Oblation by Randy Solon

director, and conductor harnessed to respond to the call of her Alma Mater. Amb. Lauro L. Baja, Jr., BSJ ’60, LIB ’60, for his exemplary and distinguished 43-year record in the diplomatic service including his Presidency in the UN Security Council, that has earned the Philippines high esteem in the United Nations. Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion,

BSChem ’51. Considered a pillar in the population field, founded the UP Population Institute, turning it into one of the leading centers for demographic and population training in Asia. Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., AA ’55, BSJ ’58, LLB ’59, for a

most inspiring demonstration of the best of what a UP alumnus could be in the service of the country and its people. He taught the ordinary person the grandeur of the law and the magnificent ways by which it could serve the nation.

Usbong ng Pag-asa The distinguished alumni of 2006 line up for a souvenir shot as they vow to continue inspiring UP alumni to give hope to the country.

Pre-Centennial Lantern Parade Fine Arts students’ three-dimensional larger-than-life rendering of Manansala’s “Cumbancheros” makes a grand entrance during the 2007 Lantern Parade at UP Diliman last December 15. The much-awaited participation of the College of Fine Arts also featured stylized and witty renderings of UP icons such as the Oblation and ikot jeeps. Effigies of artists Ben Cabrera and Malang provided the climax to the pre-Centennial lantern parade. UP lantern parades are part of alumni’s cherished memories.

Carillon, from p. 1

S. de los Santos and current Alumni Regent and UPAA President Ponciano E. Rivera Jr. formally turned over the bells to UPD Chancellor Sergio S. Cao, and earlier in the day to President Emerlinda R. Roman. Gen. de los Santos said that the UPAA will raise more funds to complete the project this year, which means having the Carillon Plaza landscaped and transformed into a venue for the arts. Regent Rivera then presented plaques of appreciation to the main donors of the project. Among them were Engineer Manuel Yu Agustinez, Atty. Loida NicolasLewis, the CASAA Foundation, Dr. Mario and Eva Labadan, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Evangelista, and the late Betty Go Belmonte. Other major donors were Atty. Estelito Mendoza, Mayor Jejomar Binay, and the San Miguel Corp.; plus, Atty. Ed Hernandez, Melito Salazar, Victor Ramos, Susana Guerrero, Loretta

Cadavillo-Galang, Mayor Marides Fernando, Vicente Quimbo, Francis Laurel, Francis Chua, the Capitol Medical Center, BSBA ’67, UPCM (Medicine) ’67, UP Law ’67, UPCA (Agriculture) ’67, UPCA (Architecture) ’67, and UP Inter-college Class ’58. Arranged and played by Prof. Antonio Regalario, a UP carilloneur in the 1960s, the musical pieces were met with resounding applause. On the ground, performances were rendered by the UP Singing Ambassadors and the Andres Bonifacio Group conducted by Prof. Jerry Dadap, another UP carilloneur. Another phase of the UPAA project is the establishment of a scholarship to train new carilloneurs. The occasion was also attended by Senator Richard Gordon, who promised to start the groundwork for the Oblation Plaza with a donation of half of the cost, and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte, who highlighted UP’s physical role as a locus for the city’s development.