The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) announced on Tuesday that 67 alumni, chapters, and families will be honored at its 2026 Awards Ceremony, regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions bestowed upon graduates of the university.

"While professional excellence is worthy of recognition, what truly distinguishes our honorees is the way they have led with integrity, served with purpose, and created meaningful and lasting impact," said UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton in a statement.

The honorees comprise 49 individual awardees, 13 Multigenerational Alumni Family Awardees, two outstanding alumni chapters, and three recipients of the Presidential Service Award.

Most Distinguished Alumnus

Jorge L. Araneta, who earned a BS in Business Administration in 1958, heads the roster as the 2026 UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus, recognized for his lifelong dedication to nation-building, philanthropy, and community development. Araneta chairs the Araneta Group, the conglomerate behind Quezon City's landmark Araneta City commercial complex, and has long been associated with initiatives in education, culture, and sports development. The Most Distinguished Alumnus Award is conferred on an individual who stands out among the year's Distinguished Alumni Awardees for exceptional achievements or impact across multiple professional fields.

"By consistently championing social progress, cultural preservation, and grassroots humanitarian aid, Araneta embodies the highest ideals of excellence and civic duty, making him an exemplary reflection of this lifetime achievement honor," the UPAA said.

Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards

Eight recipients will receive the UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards: Dr. Lorna Ramos-Abad (BS'75; MD'80, MSEpi'01), Dr. Virgilio Bautista (BSBA'67), Dr. Rex B. Demafelis (MS'90; PhD'16), FCJ. Teresita Leonardo-de Castro (ABPolSci'68; LLB'72; JD'22), Ms. Lenore Raquel Santos Lim (BFA'67), Ms. Carmen F. Martinez-Pascual (BFA'71), Dr. Marita V. Tolentino-Reyes (AA'59; BS'61; MD'64), and Hon. Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. (BSGeo'84). Solidum currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, while Leonardo-de Castro is a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court — reflecting the range of public-sector leadership represented among this year's honorees.

Awardees in this category have "consistently rendered illustrious and meritorious service and achieved distinction in their areas of endeavor, which altogether clearly made them a credit to their profession and to the University."

Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards

The UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards named 38 recipients, including Peter C. Suchianco, Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal, Felix William Buquid Fuentebella, and Sharon S. Garin, among others.

The UPAA Distinguished Service Award for an Alumna will be presented to Rosalina S. Calderon and Lilia Ronquillo-Bautista, while the Distinguished Service Award for an Alumnus will go to Rodrigo B. Libunao Jr.

This year's UPAA Presidential Awardees are Constancia E. Angeles, Nilo Thaddeus P. Rodriguez, and Luis Enano Yee Jr.

Two alumni chapters will also be recognized under the UPAA Distinguished Service Award for Alumni Chapters.

Multigenerational Alumni Family Awards

Families with multi-generational ties to the university will be honored through the UPAA Multigenerational Alumni Family Award. The Añonuevo, Caluag-Santos, Jose, Padua, Samson-Reyes, Soliven, Tomas, Yap, and Yasol families will receive third-generation recognition. The Navarrete-Flores, Puyat, Reyes, and Samson-de Padua families are named Four-Generation Awardees.

The Ofilada, Palarca, and Reyes-Lapus-Sandoval families will also be honored for their "enduring loyalty and deep-rooted connection" to the university, spanning more than four consecutive generations.

The UPAA Awards, held annually since 1939, remain one of the longest-running traditions honoring University of the Philippines graduates. The university, founded in 1908 as the country's national university, counts among its alumni numerous heads of state, scientists, artists, and public servants — a legacy that the awards program seeks to continue spotlighting.

"These awards celebrate alumni who have shown honor, excellence, and service, and who continue to make a positive impact through their leadership, contributions to society, and achievements in their fields — both in the Philippines and abroad," the UPAA said.

— Almira Louise S. Martinez