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My last visit to Manila occurred six years ago. Previously, I traveled back every couple of years, but I found myself with fewer reasons to return. My three children now reside in Canada, the US, and Australia, prompting me to prioritize visits to their homes instead.
However, last July, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) presented me with a significant reason to return. I was to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2024, recognizing my “Leadership in IT Development (Private and Public),” and my presence was essential.
The local nomination was made by my former colleague, Fe Ferriols, while my nomination from the US came from Liza Reyes, a co-founder of UPAA in Arizona and a fellow Board Member of UPAA in America, with whom I collaborated on a strategic plan.
The Award
In the 1970s, during the early computer era in the Philippines, I was fortunate to be recruited by multinational companies such as NCR, IBM, and SGV/Andersen Consulting. Their comprehensive training equipped me for the technological transformations that followed. I led several significant initiatives that shaped my contributions to the nation:
a. As Marketing Manager for the Institute of Advanced Computer Technology, a division of SGV/Andersen Consulting, I played a key role in advocating for information technology across various demographics, from children to business executives.
b. While serving as Vice-President of the Development Academy of the Philippines, I led the charge in implementing IT applications for government bodies, including the Office of the President.
c. As General Manager of MegaLink, I initiated the switch that enabled banks to share ATMs, greatly enhancing the accessibility of electronic banking in the country.
d. In my role as Deputy Commissioner at the Bureau of Internal Revenue, I contributed to the department’s automation, transforming its interaction with taxpayers and reducing instances of corruption.
e. As Managing Director of SAP Philippines, I spearheaded the rollout of comprehensive applications for the largest corporations in the country, boosting their global competitiveness.
f. As President/CEO of BayanTrade, a consortium of the country’s six largest conglomerates, I was instrumental in introducing eProcurement to the Philippines.
g. In my capacity as pro-bono consultant for the Commission on Elections, I played a role in shaping the automation of electoral processes, beginning with the initial phase of voter registration.
On August 14, UP President Angelo Jimenez hosted a dinner for the awardees, providing us with commemorative journals from the university. Just three days later, on August 17, the awards were officially presented in a ceremony held at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni on the prestigious University of the Philippines campus.
My youngest grandchild, an eight-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, attended alongside my youngest daughter. As he accompanied me on stage to receive the award, many remarked on the touching gesture. His light blue Barong Tagalog beautifully complemented my darker blue Diwata gown, while my daughter’s modern black dress also featured designs from Filipiniana Australia.
The Appreciation Parties
The following day, I organized two Appreciation Parties at Ral’s in the UP Ayala Techno Hub, located on Commonwealth Avenue near the university. In the morning, I hosted a family breakfast for my siblings, their spouses, and children. At lunchtime, I gathered colleagues who collaborated with me on the seven projects mentioned earlier. This group included representatives from the Philippine computer industry, members of the Philippine Toastmasters District, and supporters from the Vanguards/Corps of Sponsors, who provided invaluable support and training throughout my career. I took the opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to my former colleagues for their collaboration and trust in my leadership.
Returning to my home country to receive this award was a fulfilling experience. At 75, I reflected on the journey that began with my birth, education, family life, career growth, and finally, this recognition. It was unfortunate that my husband, Bill, could not join me on this trip, as he had on three prior occasions.
The scheduled events also allowed me to enjoy two additional adventures! Stay tuned for my next two posts highlighting a nostalgic visit to Baguio and a staycation at the historic Manila Hotel, where I explored the latest updates in Malacanang.
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