The 2019 UP Alumni & Faculty Homecoming was made festive despite the gloomy weather because of the hundreds of graduates who returned to the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) for the 3-day activities. The different batches gathered to celebrate their class jubilee during the last night with a Homecoming Dinner and Awards Night held at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City last August 25, 2019.
During the program, alumni-jubilarians were recognized and honored. A total of eight awards was given to notable UP alumni this year. They or their representatives, received oblation trophies and UP medals for their commendable contributions in the field of expertise. UP Alumni Association Iloilo Chapter President Antonio Jose T. Evidente, Vice President for Administration Nestor G. Yunque, and Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and Office of Alumni Relations System Director Maria Angelica D. Abad handed the awards.
Four Outstanding UPV Jubilarian Awards were given.
The award in the field of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship was given to Mr. Artemio P. Pama, Jr. for his contribution to the corporate world, making an impact in the field of telecommunications, information and communications, and business process outsourcing, his leadership and active involvement in organizations, and his dedication to advocacy works.
In the field of Health and Medical Professions, the award was given to Dr. Renato G. Josef for his active involvement in local and international volunteer work and advocacies, particularly on health and wellness, occupational health and safety, and stress management, and in strengthening youth leadership.
In the field of Education, the award was given to Dr. Mervyn J. Misajon for his invaluable contributions in the field of business and public management through his 45 years of instructional experience as administrator, professor, researcher, and trainer in various local, national and international institutions including, his alma mater, UPV.
Prof. Alfredo B. Diaz was given the award in the field of arts and letters for his involvement in the ministry, for his contributions to theater arts both in local and national theater scene, and for his commitment to theater arts and education, especially in promoting Ilonggo Sarswela.
Diaz gave the response in behalf of the Outstanding Jubilarian Awardees. He opened with the Parable of the Talents, sharing that everyone is endowed with gifts, that God is the source of good things, and that people are given the responsibility to increase their talents. “Achievements are affirmations of our selfless strivings. Instead of UP pride, we should embrace humility and selflessness. Instead of parading our achievements and rankings, we need to expand and extend our reach to the marginalized sectors,” Diaz said.
Four additional awards were given.
The Distinguished Service Award was given to Ms. Salvacion Z. Perez for her unwavering spirit of service, her exceptional contribution to governance particularly in her home province Antique, and for the pride she has given to her alma mater.
The Posthumous Distinguished Service Awards were also given to Mr. Simplicio Griño, Mr. Jovito Plameras, Jr., and Mr. Enrique Zaldivar. All are former governors of Antique, who had given invaluable contribution to the development of their province. Family members of posthumous awardees received the trophies.
The newly reconstituted UPV Clovers Alumni Association officers lead by Dr. Ray L. Alindong took their oath during the program.
A number of alumni batches rendered intermission numbers along with entertainment numbers from UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) Dance Sport duo and UPV Rhapsody.
In attendance to the event were UPV Officials including Vice Chancellor for Administration Mary Ann T. Gumban and Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Martin G. Genodepa. Alumni, administrative personnel, faculty members, and retired personnel and officials were also present including Chancellor Emeritus Minda J. Formacion.
UPAAIC President Antonio Jose T. Evidente and UPV OAR Director Benmar B. Panaguiton gave their messages to the alumni during the program. After the program, alumni jubilarians spent the rest of the evening with fellowship and music.
The 2019 UP Alumni Homecoming and Awards Night were jointly organized by the UP Alumni Association Iloilo Chapter and UPV OAR.
