In an evening filled with inspiration and renewed purpose, the UP Alumni Engineers (UPAE) formally launched the UPAE Sundial Awards on July 11, 2025, at the historic Executive House in UP Diliman. The event gathered university leaders and officials, the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc , distinguished alumni, jubilarians, faculty, and friends of the UP College of Engineering to unveil a new tradition that seeks to recognize, empower, and reward Filipino engineering innovations aimed at addressing the country’s most pressing development challenges.

A Symbolic Beginning: The Sundial as Beacon

The launch of the Sundial Award draws inspiration from the iconic UP College of Engineering sundial, a familiar landmark in Melchor Hall that symbolizes precision, science, and time-tested excellence. A brief retrospective narrated during the event traced its origins to the beginnings of the University itself, when it was designed and installed as both a scientific instrument and a metaphor for engineering’s role in illuminating the future. Just as the sundial captures the sun’s path to measure time, the new Sundial Award aims to capture and spotlight the brilliance of UP Engineers whose ideas light the way for the nation.

This year’s theme, “Level Up, Double Up – Engineers Driven for Progress,” reflects a renewed call to action: to elevate ideas, double our efforts, and drive engineering solutions that move the nation forward. The Sundial Award seeks to recognize and reward UP Engineering alumni who exemplify this drive, harnessing their technical expertise to create lasting impact.

Leading the Charge: President Jimenez’s Challenge

The keynote address was delivered by the University of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo “Jijil” A. Jimenez, who called for a national reawakening anchored in science, technology, and innovation. He spoke candidly about the geopolitical importance of technology leadership, the urgency of bridging the country’s technology gap, and the pivotal role that UP engineers must play in the coming decades.

“We need to build an ecosystem where our engineers, our inventors, and our scientists can translate knowledge into real solutions for society,” President Jimenez declared. “If we don’t become a technology-producing nation in the next 26 years, we may miss the chance to fully harness our demographic sweet spot.”

He outlined the global trends in microelectronics, AI, and semiconductor design, pointing to Taiwan, Japan, and Korea as examples of how nations can leverage talent and research ecosystems for global impact. He emphasized that the Philippines, with its young, trainable, and technically capable population, is well-positioned to become a hub for high-impact innovation — if strategic investments are made now.

President Jimenez challenged the UP community to become a “fully research, fully innovative, and fully impact-driven university”, where labs are directly connected to local communities and real-world problems. “I stake my presidency on the College of Engineering,” he boldly stated, citing the College’s potential to become a powerhouse of transformative research and national development.

Academic Alignment and Support: Dean Tanchuling’s Vision

UPD College of Engineering Dean, Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, in her message, emphasized the College’s alignment with UPAE’s goals. She highlighted initiatives to expand graduate engineering programs in partnership with SUCs and industry, including new Master’s programs in AI, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Engineering in collaboration with UP Mindanao and other UP units. She also called attention to the College’s Fighting Fund, an alumni-led initiative that provides rapid financial support for student competitions, emergencies, and conference participation.

“We want to create a vibrant national network of engineering educators and alumni — beyond NCR — to support the development of regional innovation hubs,” said Dean Tanchuling. She encouraged the alumni to continue building bridges between their professions and their alma mater, noting that “the success of UP is the success of the nation.”

Responding to the Call: UPAE’s Role and the Sundial Awards

In response to this call, UPAE President Engr. Manfred Guangko introduced the Sundial Awards as a platform for encouraging actionable, scalable engineering innovations from UP alumni. “This award is not just about recognition — it’s about inspiration and impact,” he explained. “Our goal is to galvanize the UP engineering community, to level up and double up in driving solutions to urgent national problems.”

With this initiative, UPAE positions itself as an active partner in nation-building, providing resources, mentorship, and a venue for engineers to develop and implement ideas in areas such as:

– Renewable energy and climate resilience

– Infrastructure and smart cities

– Water, sanitation, and waste management

– Health and well-being

– Education technology

– Sustainable manufacturing and materials

– Inclusive and resilient communication systems

The call for proposals begins July 12, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 6, 2025. The competition is open to individual or team entries where at least one member is a graduate of the UPD College of Engineering or the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology . Finalists will be invited to present their entries in a “Battle of Ideas” during the annual homecoming in November 2025, where winners will be awarded up to ₱150,000 in cash and the Sundial Trophy, a newly minted emblem of engineering distinction.

Engr. Roberto “Choi” Nazareno, UPAE Vice President for External Affairs, detailed the competition mechanics, emphasizing the criteria of impact (50%), feasibility and sustainability (30%), and quality of presentation (20%). Entries must include a written proposal and a five-minute video pitch. Judging panels will include representatives from UPAE, the UP College of Engineering, UPERDFI, and the sponsoring donors. Finalists will receive up to ₱150,000 and the distinguished Sundial Trophy during the upcoming 2025 UPAE Alumni Homecoming on November 2025 (final date to be announced).

The event also featured a heartfelt message from Engr. Isidro A. Consunji, UP’s Most Distinguished Alumnus and major benefactor of the UPAE, College, and UPERDFI. He expressed his full support for the award, echoing the belief that engineers must step forward as leaders of innovation and enablers of societal change. “We’re always happy to help when asked,” he said, a statement that drew appreciative applause from the audience.

In his closing remarks, Engr. Victor Emmanuel B. Ahorro, UPAE Vice President for Internal Affairs, called on the community to see the Sundial Award not merely as a competition but as a movement of engineering purpose and national pride.

“The Sundial embodies the spirit of challenge, of urgency, and of brilliance. It reminds us that time is ticking — and that the future is ours to engineer,” he said. “Let this award fuel a generation of UP Engineers committed to making an impact.”

The launch concluded with a toast, photo sessions, and a fellowship night where conversations about future collaborations and innovations continued.