The UP Alumni Engineers, Inc. (UPAE) formally inducted its 2026 Board of Trustees and Officers in a ceremony held at the National Engineering Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. The programme featured welcome remarks, messages from university leadership, the oath-taking proper administered by the UP President, the ceremonial turnover of the UPAE President’s seal, acceptance and closing remarks, and fellowship.

In her message, Maria Antonia Tanchuling shared the College’s momentum in strengthening academic quality assurance and industry alignment, noting the value of alumni partnership in consultations and advisory work. She announced, “All our academic programs in undergraduate level have been accredited,” and emphasized that progress is sustained through alumni engagement: “It’s all because of the alumni support that we are getting.” She also encouraged continued work on membership-building and bringing younger graduates into organized alumni service.

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez emphasized the central role of engineering and scientific capability in national development and institutional resilience. He reaffirmed the strategic importance of the College, stating, “The College of Engineering… is our most important college,” and called for science-driven solutions and broader impact pathways—particularly translating university outputs into usable public value. He stressed, “This is the time for science to speak… loud.”

In his acceptance message, Victor Emmanuel B. Ahorro outlined UPAE’s direction for the year through “three C’s: continuity, connections, and contribution,” highlighting the need for membership-based financial stability, stronger alumni network activation across sectors, and sustained service to the College and community. He also recognized the previous year’s gains under Manfred M. Guangko, including improvements in organizational facilities and flagship initiatives, and noted preparations for the UPAE Sundial Awards for Innovation and expanded fellowship activities.

Closing the ceremony, Ildefonso E. Banzali thanked stakeholders and underscored execution discipline for a one-year term, stating, “We have a lot of work to do,” and expressing optimism for sustained service and continuity.

UPAE 2026 Officers and Board of Trustees:

President: Victor Emmanuel “Vic” B. Ahorro (BSCE ’85)
VP Internal: Ildefonso “Delzi” E. Banzali (BSMetE ’82)
VP External: Arnel M. Molina (BSEM ’83)
Secretary: Jonathan M. Yap (BSCE ’01)
Treasurer: Winston A. Sumalia (BSCoE ’07)

UPAE 2026 Board of Trustees
Ernest Hermes R. Bolivar (BSME ’91)
Carlos C. Centeno Jr. (BSCE ’89)
Michael Oliver “Mike” M. De Guzman (BSCE ’95)
Armando T. De Jesus (BSME ’89)
Rodolfo “Roel” T. Faustino III (BSME ’95)
Jill Z. Manapat (BSMatE ’11)
Carlos Christopher “Caloy” M. Manalo (BSCE ’91)
Joseph Donato N. Pangilinan (BSIE ’85)
Erickson “Eric” L. Salanguit (BSCE ’08)
Roland M. Torres (BSMetE ’92)

Guests include Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, President, University of the Philippines, Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Dean, UP Diliman College of Engineering, Alfonso Aliga Jr., Executive Director, UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc., Engr. Manfred M. Guangko, Immediate Past President, UPAE, Engr. Joey Gomez, Past UPAE President, as well as Angel Lopez, Chairperson of the Engineering Student Council, Maja Pagador, Local Operations Councilor, Brian Ricafort, Student Affairs Councilor.