Ensuring the continuous availability of resources for student engineers and faculty researchers is essential to building a resilient, innovative Philippines. To advance this mission, several Deeds of Donation were executed to provide crucial financial assistance to deserving students at the UP Diliman College of Engineering (UPDCOE) throughout Academic Year 2026-27.
Social Investing in Nurturing Engineering Talents
The DATEM Foundation, the CSR arm of DATEM Philippines, Inc., signed the deed of donation to sponsor several scholars. Founded in 1983 by five partners, DATEM is one of the leading companies in the construction industry, and has branched out into related businesses like the production of building-materials and bulk-water supply.
The T and the E in the company name refer to Lilit TUMBOCON and Levy ESPIRITU, both members of BS Civil Engineering Class of 1979. Levy is now Chairman/CEO, and Lilit is one of the Managing Directors. DATEM set up the DATEM-ACES Professorial Chair in the early 2000s.
Present during the signing were DATEM Foundation Chairman Levy and his son, DFI President Laurence (BSCE ‘17) and UPERDFI President Nicky Villasenor. Dean Tonette was represented by ADSA Dr. Djoan Kate Tungpalan.
Thanks to the UPCOE team for hosting the event at the MH Faculty Lounge! Tales of the past, and hopes for the future, were shared in the intimate setting!
Advancing Faculty Excellence and AI Research
The year-long celebration of the 35th year anniversary of the UP Department of Computer Science was kicked off on Saturday September 5 at the MH Engineering Theater. UP Diliman Chancellor Carlo Vistan officiated the ceremony, joined by Dean Tonette Tanchuling, UPD Vice Chancellor for R&D Carl Odulio and UPDCS top brass led by Chairman Justin Villar.
Being a collaborating partner, UPERDFI took on a key part, facilitating the establishment of the Prof. Evangel Quiwa Professorial Chair in Modern Software Engineering! Two of the magna cum laude grads of Class 1986, Johnson Apacible and his wife Diana Ang, sponsored the chair in honor of Professor Emeritus Gel Quiwa, who was an original faculty member of the Dept of Engineering Sciences that was the home of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) Program when it was started in 1982-83. Johnson and Diana were members of the inaugural Freshman Class of 35 BSCS majors. The DCS was carved out in 1991-92, with Prof. Quiwa as the founding Chairman.
BSCS@45 is being organized for 2027, to celebrate the Program’s 45th year!
ESCA, Inc – Dr. Ernesto S. De Castro Professorial Chair
After several years of discussing, ESCA Engineers signed up to establish the Dr. Ernesto S. de Castro Professorial Chair in Structural Engineering and Construction Management. ESCA’s President Atty. Jean de Castro signed the Deed of Donation.
Doc Ernie is a member of the Illustrious Class of 1967 of the UP BS Civil Engineering, did his MS also in UP, then garnered his PhD at the Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, USA. He was an esteemed pillar of Philippine civil engineering practice and also served in a Cabinet-level Position during the term of Pres. Corazon C. Aquino. He set up ESCA in 1982, with the company now handling international projects and making full use of BIM. Doc Ernie is a UPERDFI member.
These joint student and faculty initiatives highlight the transformative impact of social investing. By aligning corporate partners, individual donors, and academic talent, UPERDFI ensures that UP engineers receive the mentorship, resources, and recognition needed to engineer better lives for the country.
Interested in supporting engineering talent or establishing a professorial chair to advance groundbreaking research? Contact UPERDFI today to learn how you or your organization can donate toward a professorial chair or support student study grants.
