As Foundation University ushers in her 76th year, we look back and pay homage with gratitude to the 2024 Outstanding Alumni in the “Panaghiusa,” the annual gathering among alumni from all batches, as part of the traditional celebration of the Kasadyaan Festival each December.
Six distinguished alumni were honored, namely: Atty. Janice Jade Tan-Canonigo in the field of economy and social development; Dr. Annabelle Catarata in the field of uniformed personnel; Dr. Cesar Estrope in the field of education; Jo-Dann Nodado Darong in the field of economy and social development; Dr. Dinno Depositario in the field of government; and Atty. Marcelino Maxino in the field of law and jurisprudence.
Atty. Tan-Canonigo’s academic journey began at Foundation University where she completed kindergarten, grade school and high school, graduating valedictorian at every level. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, graduating cum laude, from Silliman University. She furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctor from Ateneo de Manila University and a Master in Public Administration from the National University of Singapore. Her remarkable career began at Joaquin Cunanan & Co. (Price Waterhouse Coopers — Manila) as an auditor. She then joined the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) where she has served in various capacities for more than two decades. Her roles included working in the Supervision and Examination Sector, the Legal Counseling Group, and the Office of the Monetary Board. In June 2021, Atty. Tan-Canonigo transitioned to the BSP Regional Operations where she served as area director and head of BSP Dumaguete. In April 2024, she assumed her current role as area director and head of BSP Bacolod, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to the finance sector.
Finishing her elementary and secondary education at Foundation University, Dr. Catarata holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of Manila, a Master of Science in Criminology from Republican College, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with specialization in Criminology from De La Salle University. She became a registered criminologist in May 2003. Her career with the Philippine National Police spans decades, including being Investigation Officer and Administrative and Resource Management Officer within the Police Security and Protection Group. She has also served as a close-in security officer and performed critical duties in traffic investigation and intelligence work. She has completed the Investigation Officers Course, the Public Safety Officers Basic and Candidate Courses, and the VIP Security and Protection Course, among others.
Dr. Estrope holds a Doctor of Education degree and has served in various capacities, including being a teacher, director, and dean. He is particularly recognized for his work in transforming educational curricula and embracing modern teaching methodologies within educational institutions. He has played a significant role in curriculum development and teacher education in several higher education institutions. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Estrope is a passionate civic leader, being an active member of the Order of the Knights of Rizal and the Fraternal Order of Aguilas. His unwavering dedication to education and research innovation, and his commitment to inspiring others through mentorship and service make him a true pillar of excellence.
As Director III of the Bureau of Competitive Development under the Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines, Darong oversees national programs such as the “Malikhaing Pinot Program,” the Competitive Cities and Municipalities Index Program, and the Philippine Quality Award Program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics, graduating with university honors from Foundation University, and a Master of Arts in Economics from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where he earned a near-perfect GPA. He is currently pursuing two Ph.D. degrees, one in Development Studies at De La Salle University-Manila and another in Innovation and Strategy under a fellowship program from Norwegian universities, including BI Norwegian Business School and the University of Bergen. Among his numerous accolades to knowledge, strategic management, and organizational development are the Early Career Research Scientist for Asia and the Pacific Award from the Australian Center of International Agricultural Research and the 2016 Outstanding Professor in Real Estate Education Award by the Gawad Sulong Bayan Foundation, Inc.
Depositario, in last year’s awards ceremony, served as the City Government Assistant Department Head I for the Local Government Unit of Dumaguete City, a role he held since 2017. His professional journey includes diverse leadership positions such as vice-president for student life and external affairs at Foundation University, executive assistant VI at the Court of Appeals in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City, and vice-president for external affairs at Metro Dumaguete College. He has served as lecturer and instructor in prominent institutions in Manila and Dumaguete. He has been actively involved in community and civic engagements, as well as in sports and education in his advisory and consultancy roles.
Growing up during the turbulent times of World War II in Tampocon, Ayungon, Negros Oriental, Atty. Maxino, despite the challenges of the era, has demonstrated an unyielding desire to pursue education. From using bamboo sticks as pencils and banana leaves as paper during his early schooling, to traversing steep mountain slopes weekly to attend classes in Tampocon, Atty. Maxino’s perseverance set the foundation for his exceptional achievements. A consistent top school finisher since elementary, Atty. Maxino’s academic journey earned for him multiple degrees from Foundation University, including Associate in Arts (Pre-Law) with highest honors, Bachelor of Science in Jurisprudence, and Bachelor of Arts, both magna cum laude, and a Bachelor of Laws, cum laude. He furthered his legal education as a Dewitt Fellowship Scholar, obtaining a Master of Laws from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Philippine Bar, the State Bar of California, and the Federal Bar of the United States.
Also on the same occasion, the Generation of Greyhounds was launched, which recognized families who have made Foundation University a part of their lives across multiple generations. The first two families who were honored were the Gaudan and the Melon families.
Otilia Gaudan, the matriarch, graduated Master of Arts in Education, major in Administration and Supervision in 1995 at Foundation University. Her six children finished at Foundation University in various levels, including two of her grandchildren. Gaudan also taught English for several years at the College of Arts and Sciences of Foundation University.
Rolando and Eva Contemplacion-Melon are both graduates of Foundation University. The matriarch is a Foundationite through and through from high school up to her Doctor of Education degree. She also served in various capacities in the university, including being vice-president for academic affairs. Moreover, her two children obtained their degrees at Foundation University as well as a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter.
Giving out all the awards were Victor Vicente Sinco, university president; Dr. Charlotte Carino, university chancellor; President Emeritus Dr. Mira Sino; Cyril Macula, alumni affairs director; Engr. Marlon Tanilon, alumni relations officer; and, Jerome dela Cruz, Foundation University Alumni Association Inc. president. | NWI
