by Andre DP Encarnacion, UP MPRO
Newly-elected UP Alumni Engineers (UPAE) President Engr. Adrian S. Arias pledged to step up its efforts give back to both UP and the College of Engineering, amidst notable changes in the University’s academic landscape this year. Arias spoke during the induction ceremony of the UPAE’s new set of officers on March 6, 2017 in Quezon Hall.
Arias, who takes over from the outgoing UPAE president, Levy V. Espiritu, invited his fellow alumni engineers to invest in the College, its people, and the various projects of the UPAE. He noted that such investments would reap benefits for them not only as alumni, but also as Filipinos “contributing to the betterment of the College, the University and the country”.
The UPAE is well-known for spearheading initiatives such as the Study Now Pay Later (SNPL) program, which provides a monthly allowance of P5,000 for needy but deserving students of the College. In addition to the 10 students currently availing of this program, the UPAE under Arias seeks to add 12 more beneficiaries this 2017.
As part of its continued support of faculty development, the UPAE also pledged to formally turn over P1.2 million to the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI) to revive the UP President Vidal Tan and Dean Crisostomo Ortigas Professorial Chairs in Engineering.
In addition to its other contributions, the UPAE vowed to assist the College’s infrastructure program. It will also urge industry partners to provide more internships and “real-world learning experiences” for students and faculty members.
Aside from its various institutes, the new UP Engineering Centennial Library will also move to the newly-constructed UP Engineering Complex by 2018. The College will fully implement its new curriculum next school year.
UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, who was guest of honor during the induction ceremony, suggested that the UPAE should also refurbish UP’s dormitories and assist in the maintenance of iconic campus landmarks such as the UP Lagoon. He also encouraged the organization to see how student loans can be adjusted vis-a-vis the thrust toward free higher education in Philippine state universities and colleges (SUCs).
The other new UPAE officers are: Maj. Gen. Silvino Alcabasa, Jr., Vice President-Internal; Engr. Dante Abando, Vice President External; and Engr. Gerardo M. Angeles, Secretary; together with new members of the UPAE Board of Trustees. Engr. Carlos Antonio Berba will continue as UPAE Treasurer. (Andre DP Encarnacion, UP MPRO)
Source: https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/up-alumni-engineers-vow-to-give-back-more-to-up