The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), through the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), bestowed Dr. Evaristo A. Abella with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his notable achievements and contributions to the field of environmental science held today, October 8, at the UPLB campus, Laguna during its 106th Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming celebration.
Serving as the 11th University President, Chair of the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC); the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region 3; and the Development Council-State Universities and Colleges (DC-SUCs) III - Center for Interinstitutional Research and Policy Studies (CIRPS), Dr. Abella’s contributions were felt not only within CLSU but throughout Central Luzon by taking the role of leader who helps and accommodates other institutions, fostering a strengthened partnership and relationship to other higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country.
With the theme “Affirming Loyalty of UPLB Alumni to the University: Then, Now and Beyond,” Dr. Abella presented CLSU’s shared heritage and responsibility to that of UPLB in advancing knowledge for stronger communities during the SESAM Alumni Homecoming Symposium.
“Together, we have built a legacy of excellence in agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. We will continue to push boundaries, innovate, and make a lasting impact on communities here in the Philippines and abroad. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand, united by our shared heritage and responsibility to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.” said President Abella.
The audience including his fellow alumni, faculty, staff, and students appreciated Dr. Abella’s presentation, as he committed to the continuous collaboration between the two institutions that molded his career and made him what he is today.
Along with his fellow alumni awardees, Dr. Arlen A. Ancheta (Research and Extension), Dr. Luningning R. Morales (Government Service), and Dr. Julius Alfonso C. Sabularse (Private Practice), Dr. Abella received a certificate of recognition and received a bust of Macli-ing Dulag, an environmental hero of the Philippines, to commemorate his contributions to raising the need for a more careful analysis of development projects that is anchored on social justice and sustainable development.
Moreover, Dr. Ronan G. Zagado, a newly hired faculty member of the Department of Communication and Development Studies was also recognized as the Distinguished Alumni of the UPLB-College of Development Communication.
Consequently, as a culminating activity, Pres. Abella and Dr. Zagado joined the UPLB Alumni Association (UPLBAA) awarding ceremony held at the Charles Fuller Baker Hall in the afternoon together with other outstanding alumni awarded by Capt. Mauro W. Barradas, UPLBAA President and Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., UPLB Chancellor.
