Once A Bedan, Always A Bedan:
The San Beda College Alumni Foundation’s
“Parangal at Pasasalamat, Lupon ng Katiwala.”
By: Patricia Marie V. Rivera
The San Beda College Alumni Foundation’s “Parangal at Pasasalamat, Lupon ng Katiwala” was celebrated last October 19, 2023, at the Okada Manila to showcase the success of the foundation with its events and projects that contributed significantly to the Bedan community throughout its 25 years of service. The event recognized and celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of the Bedan Alumni by bestowing recognition and awards to its donors, partner companies and organizations, on deserving individuals, that have left a lasting legacy for the promotion and development of the Bedan community.
Furthermore, the event celebrated the outstanding 25 years devoted to supporting the development of Bedan education and the Catholic faith by the San Beda College Alumni Foundation (SBCAF). Throughout the years, the SBCAF has been renowned for providing support to deserving but financially challenged Bedan students to finish their education. Moreover, through the SBCAF Professorial Chair research program, the foundation has also provided funding for research to all seasoned faculty researchers of the university in partnership with the Research and Development Center of SBU. Additionally, the newly developed SBCAF website was formally launched on the said occasion. Last but not least, the “Katutubong Puno” TREEbute program, the foundation is committed to both environmental preservation and educational excellence. This native tree-planting initiative aims to combat the harmful effects of non-native tree species that disrupt the country’s biodiversity. By restoring indigenous flora, the program helps rebuild natural ecosystems, support local wildlife, and improve climate resilience. Through this initiative, the foundation ensures that future generations benefit from a healthier and more sustainable environment.
The SBCAF’s Parangal and Pasasalamat have thus revealed a masterpiece that represents a major milestone for the foundation. A coffee table book titled “Ora Et Labora: Benedictines’ Gift to the World” was presented by the foundation as a celebratory piece for the 25th anniversary of SBCAF. Dr. Joffre Alajar, the executive director of the San Beda College Alumni Foundation is the editor-in-chief with the dedicated staff of SBCAF are the team behind this masterpiece. The coffee table book is more than merely a book; it’s a visual voyage through the illuminating legacy of Bedan faith, wisdom, and ideals that infuse every Bedan Alumni’s life story. Students and alumni of the university can revisit and reflect on the countless successes and achievements of the San Beda College Alumni Foundation through this coffee table book. Each page is a testament to their devotion and commitment to San Beda University. SBCAF President Dr. Jaime Z. Galvez Tan, assisted by SBCAF Officers and Trustees, formally presented the coffee table book to representatives of the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, San Beda University, San Beda College Alabang, and the Monastery of the Transfiguration in order to share this masterpiece.
Aside from the newly released coffee table book by the foundation as a way of expressing appreciation for the dedication, commitment, and service to the San Beda College Alumni Foundation, notable people and organizations were given tokens of gratitude through the Sto Niño De Praga service awards. The SBCAF Incumbent Board of Trustees, including Dr. Jaime Z. Galvez Tan, Mr. Tomas P. Africa, Mr. Edgardo B. Favila, Mr.Geoffrey L. Go, Mr. Roman Felipe S. Reyes, Atty. Constantino L. Navarro III, Mr. Mukesh S. Advani, Atty. Jonas L. Cabochan, Mr. Enrico U. Dee, Dr. Conrado F. Oca, Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr., Dr. Edgardo C. Paras, Jr., Mr. Jorge Z. Ortoll, and Ambassador Jose E.B. Antonio has received this award for their contributions to the initiatives and accomplishments of the foundation as they have paved the path for the foundation’s success by continually providing their knowledge and abilities to the Bedan community. The Los Fondos De Bedistas Donors and Incumbent Advisers of SBCAF are among the other awardees.
To cap it all off, The SBCAF Parangal at Pasasalamat – Lupon ng Katiwala is a celebration of the foundation’s 25 years of service, whereby the Bedan Luminaries’ extraordinary accomplishments and the foundation’s success were recognized, along with the lasting contributions they would make to the Bedan community. The Bedan Alumni’s commitment, kindness, and generosity have indeed touched the lives of countless people. They have opened doors for other Bedans. May they always be an inspiration of hope and an example to follow, encouraging other Bedans to pay it forward to their beloved university. May their contributions to the Bedan community thrive and serve as an inspiration to all, always in service of San Beda, our Country, and God! As every Bedan says, “Once a Bedan, Always a Bedan.”