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NEWS & UPDATES
October
2008
UP
SURP holds first grand alumni homecoming
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October 24,
2008---The
School of Urban and Regional Planning held its very first Grand
Alumni Homecoming, dubbed “SURP 43 @ 100”, at The
Grand Terrace in Commonwealth, Quezon City. UP SURP alumni, faculty,
and guests convened for a nostalgic night of reminiscing,
recognition, and renewal of friendship and camaraderie.
The night’s activities commenced with the doxology and the
Philippine National Anthem led by the SURP Chorale. Hosting the
program were Mr. Tomas A. Cabueños, Jr., (MAURP ‘86), President of
the
UP Alumni
Association (UPAA) SURP Chapter, and Ms. Kathleen
Almonte, (DURP ‘04).
In his
keynote address,
Dean Candido A. Cabrido, Jr. lauded the invaluable contributions of
the faculty members to planning education, as well as the
achievements of the alumni in the fields of planning, development,
and nation-building. He also
expressed pride
in alumni who become “ambassadors” of the institution that is UP
SURP. One noted alumnus, Archt. Felino A. Palafox, Jr. (MEP ‘74),
clearly embodied SURP’s
ideals
when he turned
down a million-dollar contract that, he said, would go against the
principles of sustainable development and environmental protection.
On behalf of the SURP, the Dean expressed hope that the School’s
alumni will continue to display such manifestations of SURP ideals
and values.
No less than the University President and UP Diliman
Chancellor graced the night’s festivities.
President Emerlinda R. Roman
conveyed the University’s pride in the School’s accomplishments in
providing planning education, conducting research and training
programs, and maintaining local and international linkages.
Chancellor Sergio S. Cao, on the other hand, expressed
hope that the UP SURP will continue the tradition of UP’s 100 and
SURP’s 43 years of academic excellence and service to the nation.
The
induction of officers
of the newly formed UPAA SURP Chapter concluded the first part of
the program.
The second half of the program started with the roll call
of alumni from the different batches. Distinguished alumni were also
honored, with Engr. Teodoro T. Encarnacion, (MEP ’69) and Dr. Byong
Gyu Park (PhD (URP) ’87) giving their responses on behalf of all the
awardees. Special recognition was also given to husband-and-wife and
parent-and-child alumni who have become part of the SURP family over
the last 43 years. Another highlight of the evening was the
launching of the renovation plan for the SURP Gerardo Calabia
Theater. Dr. David Leonides T. Yap, SURP’s Director of Research and
Publications, presented the plan.
As the program came to a close, the singing of UP Naming
Mahal rekindled everyone’s community and school spirit even more.
The festivities continued well into the night with the alumni
dancing and partying to the music of a live band.
Indeed, the
SURP homecoming served venue for alumni, faculty members, and
friends to renew ties, salute the School, and recognize the roles
SURP has played in their lives and in the country’s development,
particularly in the year of the UP Centennial. The homecoming also
tapped the continued commitment of alumni to assist in future School
improvements and undertakings.
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