2025 Traditional University Award Recipients Announced
ateneo de Manila University Announces 2025 Traditional University Awardees
Ateneo de Manila University has announced the recipients of its prestigious Traditional University Awards for 2025, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated remarkable contributions to their respective fields and embodied the university’s core values. The proclamation was made via a memorandum from the Office of the President on Friday, august 15, 2025. The awards will be conferred during a Special Academic Convocation on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Hyundai hall in Areté.
Honoring Excellence and Service
Table of Contents
- Honoring Excellence and Service
- Shahidul Alam: Honorary Degree for Photojournalism and Advocacy
- Alone Joseph Alone: Ozanam Award for Service to Street Children
- Jose Noel Olano (Posthumous): Lux in Domino Award for a Life of Service
- John Burtkenley Ong: Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi for Public Service
- Hans Leo Cacdac: Government Service award for Championing OFWs
- Soledad Reyes: Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi for Literary Scholarship
This year’s awardees represent a diverse range of accomplishments, from photojournalism and humanitarian work to government service and literary scholarship. each recipient has made a notable impact on their community and beyond, reflecting the Ateneo’s commitment to cura personalis and service to others.
Shahidul Alam: Honorary Degree for Photojournalism and Advocacy
Bangladeshi photojournalist and educator Shahidul alam will recieve an honorary degree for his outstanding contributions to the field. Alam is celebrated for his powerful photojournalism, which sheds light on critical issues such as democracy, human rights, social justice, and climate change in Bangladesh. His work extends beyond documentation; he is a dedicated educator who has inspired countless aspiring photographers. Alam also has strong ties to Ateneo through the Ateneo Asian Center for Journalism and the Ateneo Center for Asian Studies, further solidifying his connection to the university community. His decades of experience and commitment to ethical storytelling make him a true expert in his field.
Alone Joseph Alone: Ozanam Award for Service to Street Children
The Ozanam Award, recognizing “Christians who have given distinctive and continued service to their fellowmen in accordance with the principles of Justice and Charity,” will be conferred upon Alone Joseph Alone, a husband-and-wife team. Thay are being honored for their tireless work with He Cares Mission, a Christian nonprofit institution they founded in 1996. He Cares Mission is dedicated to providing essential needs and support to street children, offering them hope and a path towards a better future. Their dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society exemplifies the spirit of St. Frederick Ozanam,the namesake of the award.
Jose Noel Olano (Posthumous): Lux in Domino Award for a Life of Service
The Lux in Domino Award, which recognizes Ateneo de Manila alumni who embody “the noblest ideals of… [the] University,” will be posthumously awarded to Jose Noel Olano. A management Engineering graduate, Olano dedicated his life to service, embodying Ignatian values in all his endeavors. From teaching in Cebu with the Jesuit Volunteers Program to advocating for human rights with Amnesty International Philippines and supporting the indigenous Manobo-Pulangiyon people of Bukidnon, Olano’s commitment to justice and compassion left an indelible mark.His unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to the Ateneo community.
John Burtkenley Ong: Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi for Public Service
John Burtkenley Ong, a BS Physics alumnus currently working at Ateneo de Davao University, will receive the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi for his exceptional public service. Ong has skillfully applied his expertise in physics and hydrogeology to assist marginalized communities throughout the Philippines. His work includes helping the Mangyan people in Mindoro map their ancestral lands and conducting crucial research on floods and landslides. His commitment to using his scientific knowledge for the betterment of society demonstrates a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between science and social duty.
Hans Leo Cacdac: Government Service award for Championing OFWs
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac is the recipient of this year’s Government Service award. Cacdac is being recognized for his distinguished career spanning nearly two decades, during which he has consistently championed the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). His dedication to protecting and supporting OFWs, who contribute significantly to the Philippine economy, has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.His extensive experience and unwavering advocacy make him a leading expert in migrant worker issues.
Soledad Reyes: Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi for Literary Scholarship
Ateneo Professor Emeritus Soledad Reyes, a renowned figure in Filipino literature, will be awarded the Gawad Tanglaw ng lahi. Reyes is celebrated for her groundbreaking and influential work in Filipino literary criticism, cultural history, and scholarship.Her insightful analyses and profound understanding of Filipino literature have shaped generations of students and scholars. As a leading authority in her field, her contributions have significantly enriched the understanding and gratitude of Filipino culture and identity.