National Artist for Music Raymundo Cipriano “Ryan” Cayabyab was named 2021 Most Distinguished Alumnus by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) at a dinner ceremony on May 19 at the UP Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman.
“Malaki ang responsibilidad ng isang alumnus ng UP. Hindi po natatapos ang paglilingkod nating mga isko at iska sa bayan. Ang alam ko, titigil lamang ang paglikha ko ng musika kapag ako’y patay na ( A UP alumnus holds a big responsibility. Our service to the 'isko' and 'iska' of our nation is not yet over. I know that I will only stop making music once I die),” Cayabyab said.
This annual event honors UP alumni who have primarily distinguished themselves. The recognitions are based on the concept that “when the prestige of the alumni increases, the prestige of the institution is thereby increased.”
Cayabyab thought of the award as “very special" as it was given by the university where he lived since birth and studied from elementary to college.
Thirty-three other alumni, one organization, and five families were awarded for their lifetime contributions to their fields, and service and loyalty.
Some of the awardees were nurse-educator Phoebe Cabotaje-Andes, Justice Francis Jardeleza, Architect Antonio Turalba, and an agriculturist-academician, Dr. Reynaldo Villareal.
The event's host, UP President Danilo Concepcion, sent a video message to the awardees.
“This recognition from the UP Alumni Association is distinct. Your Alma Mater and your fellow alumni honor you for bringing pride and glory to UP and embodying the Tatak UP to the fullest,” he said.
The UPAA awards are usually done jointly with the organization’s annual general alumni homecoming. This year’s jubilarians were Batches ’96, ’81, ’71, and ’61. (Luisa Cabato)