Mindanao Alumni Chapter
"The Godfather of UPMin"
Submitted by: Zony Reyes thru Anggie Angliongto
[photos from UPBSI-International website]
"The Godfather of UPMin" Anggie Angliongto and the UPMin Brods - Davao, July 14, 2010.
Anggie Angliongto, UPLB 57, receives Gawad Ulirang Agila - Davao, December 1, 2012.
The dream to have a University of the Philippines in Mindanao was long time
coming. Perseverance took two decades, and the quest was for UP Alumni
Association of Davao (UPAAD) to reach this unreachable star. The late Dr.Agnes
Togon wrote: "The UP Alumni in Mindanao consider Mr. Sebastian “Anggie”
Angliongto as the godfather of UPMin. With reason". She narrated
8 pages blow-by-blow account of the challenges that beset the skolars ng bayan
who were residing in Davao City.
Then President of UPAAD, Sebastian “Anggie” Angliongto spearheaded one the most
difficult tasks in his lifetime. How he led others to persuade the Congress,
Senate, UP Board of Regents, and Malacanang itself, to have a unit of
the University of the Philippines in Mindanao was amazing! Years of perseverance
and commitment par excellence.
On February 20,1995, Republic Act 7889, the bill creating UP Mindanao (UP Min) was enacted into law. President Fidel V.Ramos, together with the UP Board of Regents reenacted signing in March 22,1995 here in Davao City, with many alumni jubilantly witnessing this milestone.
Even so, there was no stopping to the passion for service that was the nature of
Anggie.
UP Mindanao Foundation, Inc (UPMFI) was henceforth organized and SEC registered
on November 1995. A trust fund was initiated and work with UPMindanao started
immediately.
Mr. John Gaisano was the first Chairman and Mr. Angliongto was Vice-Chairman.
Two years after, Mr. Angliongto left his position in UPAAD and took the
helm as Chairman of UPMFI with Mr.Gaisano as Vice Chairman. Both have served
actively since 1995.
As the years passed, UPMFI had more UP alumni as members and every three
years some new blood were sworn into office to become officers and
trustees. Mr. Angliongto was always reelected and maintained his Chairmanship
for more than twenty years. He said every meeting was an encouraging experience
as he witnessed more grantees (especially from poorer sector of Mindanao
provinces) received financial support. What makes Mr. Anglionto even happier is
the fact that these faculty and students performed well academically and did
not forget to look back to the foundation with gratitude.
Anggie left his position in UPAAD and took the helm as Chairman of UPMFI.
He was always reelected and maintained his Chairmanship for more than twenty
years.
He was not a man with just sentiments for UPMindanao. He took time to represent
UPMFI in many important campus events that allowed him to mingle with the minds
of the Administrators and staff and the students alike. He enlarged his
perspectives and became more compassionate for their cause. He brought his
reflections back to the board room of UPMFI. His empathy and high emotional
intelligence initiated activities of support; a very quintessential way of
helping UP Mindanao!
Anggie has witnessed history passing before him. He saw UPMin campus rise from
the ground, worked with all the past four Chancellors and shook hands with all
graduating grantees. He was happiest when UPMFI was given credit for their
successes. He was energized to continue the work together with the BOT, pro
bono.
At 83, Anggie needs no introduction. His name is a resounding voice of service,
his commitment unquestionable. He said his productivity in volunteering time and
effort with UPMFI is the legacy he is most proud of.
He is truly a staunch supporter of UPMFI. We salute him and give him our highest
accolade.
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