17/06/2026
LOOK: UP Diliman College of Engineering marks 116th founding anniversary with Araw ng Parangal 2026 and turnover of the 'Quantum Bus'
The University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering marked its 116th founding anniversary through Araw ng Parangal 2026, a celebration of service, excellence, and community held in honor of the people and partners who continue to shape the College’s work for the nation.
An early highlight of the opening program was the turnover of a refurbished Quantum bus, donated through the support of the EMC² Fraternity. The bus, once nearly beyond use, had been restored and given a second life for the service of the College.
The program opened with remarks delivered by Prof. Adeline A. Pacia, Vice Chancellor for Administration of UP Diliman, on behalf of Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. In her message, Prof. Pacia recognized the College’s long record of leadership, describing its 116-year history as one made strong through “kaalaman, kaunlaran, at paglilingkod.” She emphasized the sustained work of generations of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners who have built the College’s standing in engineering education, research, and public service.
Prof. Pacia noted that the story of the bus reflects the spirit of engineering itself: seeing value where others may see only disposal, applying skill and care, and transforming what is worn down into something useful again. The bus, she said, stands as a fitting symbol of the College’s commitment to problem-solving, renewal, and service.
In her message, Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, Dean of the UP Diliman College of Engineering, situated the anniversary within the College’s founding purpose. She recalled that the College began with Civil Engineering, established to respond to the infrastructure needs of the country. “Itinatag ang ating Kolehiyo, unang-una ang Civil Engineering, upang tugunan ang mga pangangailangang imprastraktura ng ating bansa,” Dean Tanchuling said.
She then invited the College community to reflect on its present direction: “Magnilay tayo: nasaan na nga ba tayo ngayon?” Her answer was both affirming and challenging: “Malayo na, pero malayo pa.”
Dean Tanchuling stressed that the College’s achievements are shared by the entire community. “Bawat isa sa atin ay may mahalagang papel: ang ating mga g**o, administrador, alumni, staff, reps, custodial, at security staff,” she said. She also thanked the EMC² Fraternity for its contribution, noting that the restored bus will support the mobility and operations of the College.
Speaking on behalf of the EMC² Fraternity, Engr. Erickson Salanguit, President of the EMC² Fraternity Alumni Association and UP Alumni Engineers Board of Trustee, recounted the condition of the bus before restoration. He shared that it had been severely deteriorated, with a broken windshield and almost nonexistent brakes. Rather than allow it to be discarded, engineers saw its potential and worked to bring it back to working condition. Engr. Salanguit expressed pride that the extensive refurbishment had given the vehicle a new life, making it ready once again to serve the College of Engineering.
Following the bus turnover, the program proceeded with the recognition of staff, representatives, custodial and security personnel, loyalty awardees, special awardees, faculty awardees, partners, posthumous awardees, and retirees.
Through Araw ng Parangal 2026, the UP Diliman College of Engineering reaffirmed its 116-year commitment to engineering excellence in the service of the Filipino people, honoring not only institutional milestones, but also the people whose daily work sustains the College’s mission.
