The U.P. Alumni Association (UPAA) recognized 96 outstanding alumni in ceremonies held last August 17 at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni in U.P. Diliman during the occasion of the 2024 U.P. Alumni Homecoming.

“These exceptional individuals were recognized for their established leadership, significant achievements, tireless service, and substantial contributions to their professions and the communities they chose to serve” said UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester F. Aranton.

Among those honored were ten Upsilonians and two Sigma Deltans; also honored with the UPAA Multigenerational Award was the Sese family.

The awardees and their respective citations are as follows:

UPAA LIFETIME DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEES

Ancheta K. Tan '63
Bachelor of Laws 1966

For the impact of more than 50 years of his law practice, and for his service concerning labor relations in the national and international spheres.

Jesus I. Yabes '66
Bachelor of Arts in Economics 1970, Master of Arts in Public Administration 1977, Bachelor of Laws 1983

For his laudable service as Ambassador of the Philippines, and for ensuring the welfare of the overseas Filipinos he committed to serve.

UPAA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDEES

Economic Development through Foreign Direct Investment Generation

Tereso O. Panga '86
Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature 1991, Diploma of Industrial Relations 1998, Master of Industrial Relations 1999

For driving economic development, ensuring job creation, and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable investment growth through his leadership in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

GOOD GOVERNANCE (Protection from Human Trafficking and Other Forms of Abuse)

Nicholas Felix L. Ty '99
Bachelor of Science in Economics 1997, Bachelor of Laws 2003

For his conscientious work in anti-trafficking at the Department of Justice, and for his contributions to the UP College of Law and the UP Law Center

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Ariestelo A. Asilo 2006
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition 2007, Master in Management 2018

For his empathetic leadership, community service, and nutrition entrepreneurship that continues to deliver positive and long-lasting impact to rural communities.

UPAA PRESIDENTIAL MERIT AWARDEES FOR SERVICE

Amb. Edgardo B. Espiritu '55
Bachelor of Laws 1958, Doctor of Laws honoris causa 2020

For his lifelong dedication and integrity as lawyer, diplomat, banker, and public servant, notably his leadership during the Asian economic crisis; for his exemplary fight against government corruption; and for his service as UPAA president marked by the establishment of the iconic Ang Bahay ng Alumni.

Atty. Reynaldo C. Laserna '62
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration 1965

For his steadfast leadership of the UP Alumni Association through the unprecedented conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuation of operations and services during the difficult period.

Atty. Estelito P. Mendoza '47
Associate in Arts 1948, Bachelor of Laws 1952

For his acclaimed career as a formidable Filipino lawyer who has held important roles in the government and private sectors for more than 60 years of his career, creating a legacy beyond his legal practice.

Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual '67
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry 1969, MBA 1972

For the reforms he initiated to elevate the University of the Philippines as a premier institution, enhance its impact on society, and provide a conducive environment for learning and research, enabling UP to thrive as a leading institution in the Philippines.

Mr. Ponciano E. Rivera, Jr. '61
Bachelor of Arts 1961

For his steadfast leadership during UPAA’s historic period on the occasion of the UPAA’s Centennial Celebration and its succeeding projects and programs.

UPAA PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEE

Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa '78
Bachelor of Science 1979, Doctor of Medicine 1983

For his significant contributions to achieve changes in the Philippine health sector by applying lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen primary health care, in pursuit of universal health care.

UPAA MULTIGENERATIONAL AWARDEE

Sese Family
For their distinct achievement in having produced three generations of UP graduates, thus upholding the UP tradition of academic excellence and nurturing a heritage of the finest family values, both of which are highly worthy of admiration and emulation by our present and future generations.

SIGMA DELTA PHI AWARDEES

UPAA PRESIDENTIAL MERIT AWARD FOR SERVICE

Gladys San Juan-Tiongco, SDP '67

Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service 1967, Bachelor of Laws 1971

For her distinguished role as the only woman president of the UPAA (2011-2012) who continues to make significant strides in public service and education.

UPAA PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD

Rebecca F. Maronilla, SDP '64

Bachelor of Arts 1969

For her leadership and dedication which impacted community service, education and the UPAA - cultivating growth and development in multiple sectors

Sources: UPAA FB Page, PDI, sis Yeye Marasigan '96 of the UPAA Secretariat