SCIENCE, ART, religion—though different in nature, they serve as avenues for embodying excellence. This was proven by four outstanding individuals who were recognized in this year’s Special Academic Convocation.
This year’s awardees are Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, recipient of the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi award, Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra and Monsignor Jose Bernardo Jr, recipients of the Bukas Palad award, and Alfredo Rafael Antonio Bengzon Ph.D, recipient of the Lux-in-Domino Award.
The Academic Convocation is a university tradition that recognizes the life and works of men and women in the society who exemplify the values of the university. The event was held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theatre on July 22.
Filipino identity in art
Alcuaz was given the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi award for his dedication to the pursuit of nationality and the Filipino identity, as seen in all his works.
Christian Aguilar, Alcuaz’s son, said that his father produces art in almost anything he sees. “[When there is] something he sees or feels, then he just starts playing with it… [He] can play with even the most subtle of objects like sand.”
Aguilar also noted the universality of Alcuaz’s paintings. “What is interesting with his works is the presence of mystery in the messages of his paintings. He would say to others [that] it is up to you what you see in it; what you see is the message.”
Alcuaz said that he is grateful for the award given to him and dedicated it to everyone, “What an artist expresses is not for few people but for the whole humanity.”
On behalf of his father, Aguilar said, “We are deeply touched with this recognition because it has been almost 60 years since my father left this school and [Ateneo] still remembers him as someone precious.” Alcuaz is a visual artist whose works are exhibited in 20 museums worldwide.
Bridging religious gaps
D’Ambra was conferred the Bukas Palad award for his efforts of bringing peace to Muslim-Christian communities despite threats to his own life. This award is given to those who embody the Ignatian spirit of generosity.
D’Ambra is the founder and leader of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, an interreligious group in Mindanao which brings people of different faiths together. “There is a gap between Muslims and Christians…there is a lot of prejudice…so I wanted to become a bridge,” said D’Ambra.
He said that the award is both an honor and a responsibility. “To have a Bukas Palad Award, one must have a bukas puso (open heart)…[we must] open our hearts and minds and be ready for surprises,” he said.
He also said his work is full of joyful and painful surprises. “In time, tears of pain will become tears of joy when we reach the point wherein there will be cultural dialogue to prepare peace for all.”
The Bukas Palad was formerly known as the Peypoch Award, named after Fr. Manuel Peypoch, SJ.
Renewing priesthood
Bernardo, also a recipient of the Bukas Palad Award, contributed to the priestly and religious vocation by putting up a retreat center in Tagaytay. He said that his ministry is dedicated to the renewal of priesthood. “We are all earthly vessels, fragile and human, but through ordination we became vessels of grace. But this requires renewal.”
He said that the purpose of the retreat house was to care for the priests who, in turn, care for the laymen. “The job of a priest is to be a caregiver, a pastor, a minister, but who will care or minister for the priests?” Bernardo said.
At the end of his speech, Bernardo invited the community to remember and pray for the priests who have been part of their lives.
Improving health
This year’s most outstanding alumnus is Bengzon, who was recognized by being conferred the Lux-in-Domino Award, an award exclusively for Ateneo alumni.
Bengzon was honored for ensuring, through his work, that health become a basic human right.
He said he wanted to have new doctors who will have a new way of thinking and of looking at health. “My dream and passion is [that] those in the health sector and the Ateneo come to recognition that there is an invitation and command to put the service for our country and society first.”
Bengzon said that he was deeply honored and humbled by this award and considered it both a privilege and responsibility.
He is currently the Vice President of the Professional Schools, Dean of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Dean Emeritus of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, and President and Chief Executive Officer of The Medical City.
All four awardees were given a replica of the Sacred Heart statuette. The original one was carved by Jose Rizal and is displayed at the university archives.
