The DMCI Group of Companies hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for the UP College of Engineering (UPCOE) and the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI) on July 9 at their Valeron Tower Showroom in Pasig City.
The DMCI Group, through the DM Consunji Construction, DMCI Project Developers, Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, DACON Corporation, and Maynilad Water Services, supports the UPCOE with 21 professorial chairs and 8 teaching and research awards, and in completing facilities and fitting several laboratories, which boost instruction and research productivity of the largest academic unit in the UP system.
DMCI Holdings Chairman and UPERDFI Adviser Isidro A. Consunji opened the event by sharing the vision of his father, the late David M. Consunji, who co-founded UPERDFI in 1972 to foster “the best minds in the academe to engineer a better Philippines”. He also shared their view that the companies’ donations are investments in the nation’s future and recognized the contributions of the faculty members, the College and UPERDFI in nurturing generations of engineers. He also thanked the DMCI Group for the collective effort and hoped for stronger industry-academe ties to advance the engineering profession.
UPCOE Dean and UPERDFI Trustee Tonette Tanchuling thanked the DMCI Group for their steadfast dedication to supporting engineering education and research throughout the decades. Together with UPERDFI President Lito Bermudo, Chairman Noly Torres and ED Tito Aliga, UPCOE Associate Deans Eric Tingatinga and Meynard Berana, Institute of Civil Engineering Director Jose Regin Regidor, Deputy Directors Fer Germar, Sean Palmiano and Anjo Victor, Dean Tonette presented tokens of appreciation to the DMCI Group represented by Sid Consunji and Dinky Consunji Laperal. She also expressed gratitude to the Consunji Family for organizing the dinner, through the efforts of her thesis advisee and CE alumnus Miguel Consunji Laperal.
In attendance were DMCI Homes President and UPERDFI Member Alfredo R. Austria, UPERDFI Advisers Former Prime Minister Cesar E.A. Virata, Rogelio M. Murga and Manuel T. Frondoso; Trustees Ricky Peña, Glen Tabios, Alexis Acacio, Bobby Batungbacal, Jeng Pascual, Gilbert Santa Maria, and Pepe Santiago; and Members Chicho Mantaring, Riza Mantaring and Joey Gomez. Also attending were College Executive Board members Lew Tria (EEEI), Justine Villar (DCS), Mitch Oyales (DMMME), Ayin Tamondong (DGE), John Carlo Garcia (DME), Raymond Lagria (DIEOR), Butch Cervera (EgyE Program), and Christian Arranz; COE faculty members Henry Adorna, Lea Diola, Luis Mabaquiao, Lestelle Torio-Kaimo, Roel Bahia, Roselyn Gabud, Ram Tamargo, Luigi Teola and Helli-mar Trilles.
The event also celebrated the 70th year anniversary of D.M. Consunji Construction and the 25th year anniversary of DMCI Homes.
