The UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. was established in 1972 to support the UP College of Engineering. On August 3, 2022, UPERDFI celebrated its 50th Anniversary through a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bahay ng Alumni.
UPERDFI was joined by esteemed donors, members, trustees, advisers, partners at the University of the Philippines, UP College of Engineering and UPSCALE Innovation Hub, staff and friends in this auspicious occasion.
The program was hosted by Bing del Rosario. Golden Jubilee Chairperson Val Reyes led the invocation. Co-chairperson and Adviser Chato Calderon welcomed the attendees and thanked the members of the Golden Jubilee Committee who worked on the coffee table book, AVP, event and fundraising. Chairman Alex Sy gave the opening remarks and shared the commitment of UPERDFI to support the College for the benefit of society.
The commemorative video was premiered during the event. It told the story of UPERDFI’s inception, impact areas and challenges during its first 50 years. The memorabilia book was also launched and given to the special corporate and individual donors who have immensely contributed to support UPERDFI and UPCOE since 1972.
UPERDFI also presented a Plaque of Appreciation to Executive Director Tito Aliga for leading the Foundation’s initiatives and day to day operations since 2017.
Guests enjoyed the sumptuous meal served by Gourmet Garage while the live band led by Tony Gaerlan performed on stage. The EnggMusika ensemble composed of Chato Calderon, Aura Matias, Babylin de Leon, Boy de la Peña, Glen Tabios and Ji Reyes sang a tribute to the donors.
The closing remarks of Dean Ferdinand Manegdeg were delivered by Associate Dean Carl Michael Odulio. Dean Ferdie thanked UPERDFI, alumni and industry for continuously collaborating with the academe. UPERDFI President Chicho Mantaring thanked the donors who contributed to the Golden Jubilee Fundraising and reiterated UPERDFI’s commitment to mobilize resources in support of engineering projects that benefit society.
UPERDFI is grateful to all the special guests who joined this momentous occasion. This event was organized by UPERDFI led by Bing and Elise del Rosario, the UP College of Engineering and the National Engineering Center, led by Dean and Executive Director Ferdie Manegdeg.
