From classrooms and government offices to corporate boardrooms, laboratories and communities, 24 graduates of Mindoro State University (MinSU) and its predecessor institutions were recognized for careers and service that have carried their alma mater’s legacy beyond the campus.
The alumni were recognized during the inaugural MinSU Outstanding Alumni Awards held on August 25, 2026, at the University Auditorium as part of the celebration of the 75th founding anniversary of the MinSU Victoria (Main) Campus.
The awards, the University’s highest recognition for its graduates, honor alumni who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement, leadership, public service and meaningful contributions to their communities and the University.
The inaugural roster included generations of graduates of the Mindoro Agricultural School (MINAS), Mindoro College of Agriculture and Technology (MCAT), Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT), and MinSU, including graduates of its integrated institutions under the Polytechnic College of Calapan and Bongabong College of Fisheries and their predecessors.
According to Mr. Jonbert M. Caoli, Director for Alumni Relations, the awards were created to recognize alumni whose accomplishments demonstrate the lasting impact of a MinSU education.
“The Outstanding Alumni Awards is our way of honoring the graduates who have carried the name and values of the University beyond our campuses. Their accomplishments are part of the continuing story of MinSU,” Caoli said.
Beyond professional success, the awards recognize the diverse ways MinSU alumni have contributed to education, public service, corporate leadership, agriculture and research, environmental science, innovation, entrepreneurship and community development.
The 2026 awards featured four major categories: Distinguished Alumni, Alumni Achievement, Outstanding Young Alumni, and Alumni Service.
The Distinguished Alumni – Educational Leadership awardees were conferred to Levy B. Arago Jr., MCAT BSAEd, 1979; Nimrod F. Bantigue, MCAT BSAEd, 1993; Angelito A. Bacudo, MCAT BSAEd, 1978; Jesse T. Zamora, MCAT BSA, 1981; and Wilfredo Cabral, CSAT, 1986.
For Corporate Leadership, the award went to Rodrigo C. Silvestre, MINAS HS, 1976; Ma. Shellita Salazar-Valenton, MinSCAT HS, 1996 , Emmanuel G. Salazar, MCAT HS, 1995, while Marissa B. Roldan, MCAT BSAEd, 1979, was recognized for Agriculture and Research.
Meanwhile, the Alumni Achievement category recognized graduates for significant accomplishments and contributions in their respective professions.
In Public Service, the awardees were Gil G. Ramirez, CSAT, 1978; Jesse M. Pine, MCAT BSA, 1987; Ma. Leizl L. Magbojos, MinSCAT MAEd, 2019; Roniel M. Macatol, MinSU MBA, 2022; and Anthony J. Ramos, MinSCAT BSA, 2001.
Ma. Shenny S. Peralta, MCAT HS, 1994, was recognized for Corporate Leadership.
For Educational Leadership, the awardees were Teresita S. Bacudo, MCAT BSAEd, 1978; Carlito M. Matibag, MCAT BSAEd, 1980; James T. Zamora, MCAT BSAgEcon, 1983; and Danilo R. Roxas, MCAT BSAEd, 1979.
Katherine P. Sanchez-Escalona, MCAT HS, 1991, received the award for Environmental Science, while Jezreel M. Llanera, MBC BSEd, 2008, was recognized for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The University also recognized a younger generation of graduates through the Outstanding Young Alumni category.
Chris Sean Paul C. Nagutom, MinSCAT BSA, 2019, and Allen Craseler D. Balaibo, MCC ABPsy, 2017, were honored for Public Service, while Mila Joy J. Martinez-Saballo, MBC BSHTM, 2017, received the award for Educational Leadership.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo C. Silvestre, MINAS HS, 1976, received an additional recognition under Alumni Service his continuing contribution to the University and the alumni community through a scholarship program for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students.
For MinSU, the awards represent more than the recognition of individual accomplishments. They reflect the University’s continuing influence across generations of graduates who have gone on to teach, lead, serve, innovate and contribute to the development of their communities.
The inaugural ceremony also established a new institutional tradition. Caoli said the Outstanding Alumni Awards will be held every five years, providing a regular avenue for the University to honor graduates who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
The first awards also came at a significant point in MinSU’s history as the University commemorates the 75th founding anniversary of its Victoria campus.
“As MinSU celebrates 75 years, it is important that we also remember the people who became part of that journey. Our alumni are living proof of the impact of the institution across generations,” Caoli said.
He added that the awards also seek to strengthen the connection between alumni and their alma mater by encouraging graduates to look back on where their journeys began and, in their own ways, give back to the institution and communities that helped shape them.
“Looking back reminds us of where we came from, while giving back allows us to become part of the journey of those who come after us. We hope that our alumni will continue to remain connected with MinSU and help create opportunities for the next generation,” Caoli said.
Through the Outstanding Alumni Awards, MinSU not only to celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates but also to inspire succeeding generations of students and alumni to pursue excellence, exercise leadership, and remain committed to service wherever their careers may take them. (jdtdc)
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