RECTOR Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., has launched a new tribute to Thomasians and non-Thomasians who have given assistance to the Thomasian community.
The first “Quadrice-ntennial Award for Service to the University of Santo Tomas” was given to lawyer Rafaelito Garayblas, executive secretary to the Office of the Mayor of Manila. Garayblas is also a professor of Legal Management at the Faculty of Arts and Letters.
“I’m humbly honored for the award coming from my alma mater,” Garayblas said.
Garayblas was one of those who helped start the rehabilitation of the España Boulevard to ease the perennial flooding in the campus, De la Rosa said.
“We surveyed our alumni, not necessarily teaching in the University, but anyone who helps in any way,” he added.
The award was given to Garayblas before Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina’s Discurso de Apertura last June 15 at the Santissimo Rosario Parish.
Garayblas, who finished AB Literature in 1963, took his master’s degree in the University of the Philippines. He has taught at St. Mary’s College, the UST College of Commerce and Business Administration, and the faculty of Civil Law.
The award aims to recognize the support extended even by non-Thomasians to the University.
“He is always there to help. I think that is what is missing in [our] alumni. We distinguish them; we recognize them for their achievements. Although sometimes when we need their help, very few really respond,” De la Rosa said. J. C. V. Garcia
