LIFE'S WORKS RECOGNIZED. Three individuals were awarded for contributing to society and exemplifying the ideals of the Ateneo. Photo by Raisa M. Tumbocon
THREE DISTINGUISHED individuals were recognized in this year’s Special Academic Convocation held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater last July 19.
This year’s awardees include Reynaldo Ileto, PhD, who received the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi; Sr. Amelia David, ICM, who was conferred the Bukas Palad Award; and Jose de Jesus, recipient of the Lux in Domino Award.
The awardees were given a statuette of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, replicas of the original one carved by Jose Rizal as a student of the Ateneo. The original statuette is currently on display at the University Archives.
The Special Academic Convocation for the Traditional University Awards is an annual event where individuals are recognized for exemplifying the ideals of the Ateneo through their works.
“History from below”
Ileto was conferred the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi for his scholarly contributions in Philippine historiography and for paving a new way of understanding Philippine history.
The award is granted to recognize the efforts of individuals or organizations that have contributed to the development of national consciousness and the pursuit of the Filipino identity.
Ileto authored Pasyon and Revolution: Popular Movements in the Philippines, 1840-1910, which framed Philippine culture in the eyes of the masses, his signature contribution.
Villarin said Ileto’s work was revolutionary and foundational. “History is usually written by the elite. So this, to look at history from the perspective of the poor was something groundbreaking and liberating,” he said.
In his speech, Ileto shared that he failed the entrance exam for the Ateneo Grade School when he took it in 1954, but was later admitted by headmaster Aureo Nepomuceno, SJ through his mother’s earnest pleading.
“‘Let Rey reveal his true self,’ she argued… ‘Let him find his way and speak,’” Ileto said. “To let people speak and to listen, that is the very spirit–a feminine one inherited from my mother–in which I have practiced ‘history from below,’” he added.
“And the Ateneo has listened; it has understood and has responded by calling me to this Convocation to present me with the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi. Fr. Nepomuceno’s spirit is alive and well, and I am deeply grateful for that,” said Ileto.
Interfaith dialogue
David was conferred the Bukas Palad Award for her various contributions as churchwoman, educator and peacemaker. The award is given to those who embody the Ignatian spirit of generosity.
David was first at a loss whether to accept the award or not. “I realized that the award is not really for me alone, but for all the people who have shaped my life and my values,” she said in her speech.
She is most known for helping hide and protect the computer tabulators who walked out of the Commission on Elections during the 1986 snap elections. She was also one of those who protected and fed the group of former President Fidel Ramos and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in Camp Crame in the same year.
David also made her mark as a peacemaker by linking up with various agencies and religious leaders to hold peace-building seminars for the Muslims, Subanen and Christians in Mindanao in the 1990s.
“We recognize her for her work in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur. She did faith understanding, and it’s not an easy thing to do especially in a place like Mindanao,” said Villarin.
“If there is anything about this award that I can own, it is that I have been at the right place, at the right time. There were moments and situations where action was imperative, and given the resources I had, I acted according to how I saw what’s best for the situation,” David said.
Public service
De Jesus, this year’s most outstanding alumnus, received the Lux in Domino Award in recognition of his achievements as a public servant. The award, exclusively for Ateneo alumni, is given to those who truly exemplify the Ateneo’s identity as a Filipino, Catholic and Jesuit university.
De Jesus said that he accepted the award happily and proudly, but not without some fear and anxiety because he knew the responsibility that came with the award.
He served in various positions in the government as undersecretary of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. He was also one of former President Corazon Aquino’s trusted advisers.
“We recognize him for his public service, for his humility. When he was working as the DPWH secretary, [the department was known for] pure graft and corruption. He was able to turn it around,” said Villarin.
De Jesus also served as the secretary for the Department of Transportation and Communications under President Benigno Aquino III from 2010 to 2011.
“As each succeeding job became bigger and weightier, the thought of doing something of value and contributing one’s share to the ever-enlarging goal of nation building became a strong driving force, a serious responsibility,” De Jesus said in his speech. “This was energizing, the thought that I was, in some way, participating in God’s work.”
