Ateneo confers special academic awards on July 19

The Ateneo de Manila University will be holding its special academic convocation ceremonies on July 19, 3:30 p.m. at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater. 

 

Distinguished public servant Jose “Ping” de Jesus leads the awardees. He will be conferred the Lux-in-Domino award. 

 

De Jesus has widely contributed to nation building as he served in various capacities in the government as undersecretary of the Department of Culture, Education and Sports (DECS) after the 1986 Edsa revolution, as one of former President Corazon Aquino’s trusted advisers and eventually as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also during that time. The award is in recognition of his selfless service to his countrymen and for exemplifying the true essence of what being a man for others is all about.

 

Sr. Amelia G. David, ICM is one of the admirable Catholic educators in the country. She has “handled difficult situations with grace” according to one student. She is best remembered for her courageous act of hiding and protecting computer tabulators who walked out in the 1986 snap elections during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos. 

 

She is also a peacemaker, having contributed to the work of bridging the gap between Christian, Muslim and Subanon people in Mindanao with the help of various agencies and religious leaders. She will be conferred the Bukas Palad award for exemplifying the “Ignatian spirit of generosity” in her efforts as a churchwoman, as an educator and as a peacemaker.      

 

Prof. Reynaldo C. Ileto, PhD is known for his notable contribution to Philippine historiography. His “history from below” has “represent(ed) nationalist thinking focused on people’s everyday lives, their rhythms of change and local knowledges.” 

 

As a nationalist scholar, Prof. Ileto has made it his mission “to bring the perceptions and visions of the so-called inarticulate masses out of obscurity and official suppression.” For his scholarly contributions to the country, particularly in “proclaiming the Filipino image as that of a vibrant people making history by living the traditions, aspirations, and spirituality intrinsic to their identity”  he will be conferred the Gawad ng Lahi award. Press release and photos from Ateneo de Manila University