NEWS

The 2024 TOTAL Awardees with the UST Rector, OAR Director, and USTAAI President.

The University of Santo Tomas honored 13 alumni and 1 family who exemplified the Thomasian core values in their fields of expertise at the 2024 The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Awards. The awarding ceremony was held last September 27, 2024 at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, UST Manila.

The recipients were hailed as role models of students and younger generations of alumni by UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P.

"May the examples of our honorees motivate us to dream bigger, to strive harder, and never to lose sight of the impact we can create," said Rev. Fr. Ang during his speech. He also commended the awardees of their initiatives to drive progress within communities and bring about meaningful transformations.

The recipients were given gold TOTAL medals and plaques molded after UST Founder Fr. Miguel de Benavides whose religious and education contributions have left a lasting impact for centuries.

Among the awardees was Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation founder, Ms. Alice G. Eduardo under the category Accountancy, Business, and Management. Fondly known as the "Woman of Steel", she forged her path in an industry traditionally dominated by men, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to be leader in the field of construction and development.

Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) President Sr. Maria Marissa R. Viri, RVM was named TOTAL Awardee for Health Allied for her commitment in combining her profession as a licensed pharmacist and an administrator of different RVM schools in the country and establishing full-service testing and research laboratories for students.

Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier was conferred the TOTAL Awardee for Law and Judiciary. She is the 182nd Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Javier also served as an associate justice of the Court of Appeals where she led its Gender and Development Committee.

Two veteran and award-winning journalists were cited for the category of Media and Entertainment - Nestor Cuartero and Joselito Zulueta.

Cuartero, a former UST educator and book author, worked as a long-time editor for Manila Bulletin. He has garnered several awards such as the 2010 Binhi Awards' Environment Journalist of the Year and 2023 & 2024 SALUTE Awardee Nick Joaquin Literary Awards.

Zulueta was the former arts and culture editor of Inquirer and continues to write editorials and is a leading voice in journalism, literature, and criticism. His notable work includes the Inquirer's special Vatican correspondence for key global events. He teaches at the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters and the UST Graduate School.

The recipient for the category of Medicine is Makati Medical Center's Chief of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgery, Dr. Catherine Teh. She has made great contributions in the field of HPB surgery, multidisciplinary team approach, telemedicine, patient safety, and diversity and inclusion advocacies.

Two outstanding alumni stood out for the category of Music, Arts, Literature and Design. First is the modern and contemporary artist from Camarines Sur, Edgar Doctor. A prolific artist, Doctor has produced one-man shows and represented the country in several international and local art exhibitions. Architect Jose Pedro Recio was the second recipient to receive the award. He established RCHITECTS, INC. and has been recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission for his contributions in the field of Architecture.

Hasan Fard, the Chairman & CEO of Trend Group, Inc. and Trends & Technologies, Inc., was named the recipient for TOTAL Awards Science and Technology. He built Trends into a leading systems integrator and technology business services provider. His leadership has garnered the company over 300 awards and recognitions globally and locally.

For the Service to the Church, UST Education dean Assoc. Prof. Pilar I. Romero, PhD was awarded in this category. She is a seasoned textbook writer and editor, religious education program consultant, and a member of the Board of Don Bosco Education System. Her expertise include catechesis, Catholic education, teacher formation, school administration, and values integration.

The Service to Humanity award was conferred to Jollibee Group Foundation Founder and Chair, Grace Tan Caktiong. Her dedication steered the growth of the foundation's work in areas of agriculture, education, and disaster response which empowered more Filipinos to dream bigger for their families and communities.

UST has also given special awards such as the Young Thomasian Achiever, Posthumous Award, and Thomasian Family.

Assistant Secretary Paul Anthony Pangilinan was named the Young Thomasian Achiever for his commitment to public service since 2007. He continues to make significant impacts in improving the welfare of the Filipino people by serving the Office of the President today.

Former DATEM, Inc. co-founder and president Morris Agoncillo was conferred the Posthumous Award for his achievements in the field of civil engineering. Under his leadership, DATEM has earned various awards and recognitions. Engr. Agoncillo has also been known as a staunch supporter of UST's student-athletes.

The Thomasian Family Award was given to the Ling Family. In 1983, Architect Jose Siao Ling and his wife Architect Ana Mangalino-Ling established the JSLA Architects and has led the company, together with their sons and daughters, to become the leading ISO certified architectural design firm with over 800 completed projects and 50 design capabilities and master plan.

Health Allied recipient Sr. Viri gave a response message on behalf of her fellow awardees. She identified the award both as an honor and a responsibility for them.

"We are more determined to uphold the ideals of the TOTAL Award as we are expected to continue striving for excellence and serve as role models for future Thomasians. We commit to continuing to use our skills, knowledge, and experiences to make a possible impact in our respective fields and contribute to transforming the communities we serve. We hope to inspire others, to pursue their passion, embrace challenges, and contribute to the greater good just as the Thomasian community has inspired us," said Sr. Viri as she encouraged everyone to strive for excellence and to lead with integrity and compassion. "May the TOTAL Award we receive be a lamp that will guide us in upholding the values of our Alma Mater."

The TOTAL Awards is a biennial event where the University confers its highest honors upon the Thomasian alumni in recognition of their significant and exemplary contribution to the society and the Church. It began in 1993 and has cited over 295 alumni and 10 Thomasian families. Recipients have undergone comprehensive review process by a selection committee composed of past awardees, University administrators, and UST Alumni Association, Inc. (USTAAI) officers.