Quezon City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lauds the recognition of several of its officials as distinguished awardees by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA). The award to be conferred on August 17 highlights the Department’s dedication to fostering a culture of service excellence and continuous economic improvement.

“These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our DTI officials, not only to the DTI but also to the Filipino people and our country. They represent the best of what the DTI has to offer, and we are proud to have them as part of our team,” said DTI Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga will be honored with the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Award in Economic Development and Foreign Direct Investment Generation. Meanwhile, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director General Rowel S. Barba will receive the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Award in Public Service.

These recognitions directly reflect the DTI’s core value of investing in its people and creating an organizational structure that supports growth and development. By investing in its workforce and creating an environment that promotes efficiency and collaboration, the Department strives to achieve optimal productivity and effectiveness in all its endeavors.

In 2023, DTI Undersecretary for Communications Ed Sunico was also honored with a UPAA Distinguished Alumni Award in Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development.

From L to R: Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Director General Rowel Barba, DTI Undersecretary for Communications Ed Sunico, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso Panga

This year, the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards will recognize over 50 alumni across various fields, including agriculture, business, community service, culture and the arts, education, environmental conservation, good governance, journalism, medicine, public health, science and technology, and social entrepreneurship.

In addition to these individual awards, UPAA will present the Lifetime Achievement Awards to 12 senior alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional accomplishments and dedicated service throughout their careers.

“Together, let us elevate the industry-academe-government partnership to ensure that we are not just prepared, but empowered to lead and succeed in the future. Our collaborative efforts today lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow,” said UPAA President Robert Lester Aranton.

Through a diverse range of programs and projects, UPAA empowers UP alumni to contribute their talents and expertise in service to their fellow alumni, the University, and the broader community. UPAA works hand-in-hand with affiliated alumni chapters located throughout the Philippines and around the world. ♦

Date of release: 13 August 2024

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