Written by: Doroteo Prudenciano II & Szarina dela Paz Photos by: Ray-B Alunen, Szarina dela Paz, & Doroteo Prudenciano II
In celebration of the 116th founding year of the UST Faculty of Engineering (UST-FoE), the UST Association of Civil Engineering Students (UST-ACES) and UST Engineering Alumni Association, Inc. (UST-EAAI) conducted Balik Engg and EngGAHling: Grand Alumni Homecoming, respectively, on February 18, 2023, on campus.
Balik Engg
Former and current faculty members, deans, and administrators went to the Fr. Roque Ruaño Building through ACES’ Balik Engg on Saturday morning. Among those present was former Engineering Dean (years 1985-2000), Prof. Alberto A. Laurito, MSc, batch 1973 Chemical Engineering (ChE) alumnus.
“I’ve never been away, even after I retired, I kept in touch [with them],” former Dean Laurito said when asked how he felt seeing his former colleagues and batchmates.
The event commenced with an opening prayer led by FoE regent, Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon Jr., O.P., followed by a speech by Dean Angelo R. dela Cruz, Ph.D., PECE, welcoming back the former faculty members to UST.
“It’s nice to see former colleagues, also some students, but also to be in the University again [...] dito sa Engineering [building], wala masyadong changes, still the same corridor, same classrooms but outside talagang I was surprised, I saw the developments,” former ChE faculty and laboratory supervisor, Dr. Servillano S.B. Olaño Jr. reminisced.
“It’s really nice to be around not only meeting former students, colleagues, faculty members but also being back in campus after so many years [...] we are just thankful to God that we are still here, enjoying life, and [given] the opportunity to be in [UST] again,” Dr. Olaño Jr. continued.
The remaining hours of the event were spent with reminiscing their time in Ruaño. A few intermission numbers also took place when a videoke machine was brought out. First to set the stage was Dean dela Cruz with Orange and Lemon’s “Hanggang Kailan.”
EngGAHling: Grand Alumni Homecoming
After the homecoming celebration of the former and current faculty members, deans, and administrators of the FoE, the jubilarian alumni, Batches 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, and 1998, had their Grand Alumni Homecoming, entitled “EngGAHling” at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Building with the theme, “Connect, Give Back, Leave a Legacy.”
In the afternoon, the jubilarian alumni gathered at the Roque Ruaño Building before beginning their “Amazing Alumni Walk.”
The UST Yellow Jackets (UST-YJ) led the start of the walk by playing drum beats and Thomasian cheers. Dean dela Cruz alongside the FoE Secretary, Engr. Ma. Luisa Asilo, and other faculty members were at the forefront of the walk.
There were five stations during the said walk, each with different tasks, namely, the Engineering Building, Arch of the Centuries, Benavides Monument, Martyr’s Monument, and Thomasian Alumni Center located at the BGPOP Building.
Rev. Fr. Luanzon Jr. O.P., presided over the Thanksgiving Mass, assisted by UST Civil Engineering (CE) Batch of 1978 alum, Deacon Rey Caluya Encarnacion.
“Minahal niyo ang USTe dahil maraming bagay kayong natutunan dito lalo na ngayon ay dala-dala niyo pa sa inyong buhay. For that, we welcome you back to UST, to your second home that you love,” Fr. Luanzon stated during his homily.
UST-EAAI President Engr. Jason L. Ong graced the event with his opening remarks followed by a message from Dean dela Cruz.
Moments after, the presentation of awards of the Rector’s Cup Engineering Team for placing 4th runner-up, Class C for placing 1st runner-up, and Nestor Jongko emerging as the winner was headed by one of the members of the UST-EAAI Board of Directors, Eng. Bong Fernando.
UST-EAAI Board of Directors member and one of the tournament directors of the Rector’s Cup, Engr. Bong Fernando, presented the awards to the Rector’s Cup winners, namely, Rector’s Cup Engineering Team placing 4th runner-up and Class C 1st runner-up winner Nestor Jongko.
Public Relations Officer of UST-EAAI, Monina Evangelista of Batch ‘83 awarded the UST-EAAI scholars with cheques from William Belo, John Paul Pe, Jason Ong, Paul Wee, Fannie Cantal, and Dante Cantal which were received by Engr. Ong and Agnes Pabillo.
Batches ‘73, ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, and host Batch ‘98 were also awarded with medals. Additionally, a cheque from the host batch was awarded to UST-EAAI.
Following this, an Oath of Thomasian Engineer led by Batch ‘98 was conducted and a ceremonial turnover to Batch ‘99 was done. The alumni song, “Inhinyero Ako,” brought together the jubilarian alumni in one voice.
