The highlight of the event was a deeply inspiring keynote address by Dr. Ernest Saquibal, Jr., a distinguished alumnus from the University of San Agustin’s graduate school program in education. An Associate Professor at Central Philippine University with over three decades of teaching experience, Dr. Saquibal is an accomplished Fulbright Fellow, a highly respected researcher, and an international consultant who has collaborated with major global institutions including the World Bank (WB), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), OXFAM, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) who is a passionate advocate for educators’ welfare and education.
Dr. Saquibal delivered a profoundly honest speech on his journey as a graduate student, candidly sharing how he survived his graduate school days—particularly the daunting challenges of writing his doctoral dissertation. He described the rigorous journey as a test of endurance, a test of his faith in God and in himself and an exercise in humility.
The talk concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, leaving the packed Learning Resource Center filled with a renewed sense of pride, motivation, and connection. The event underscored the University’s 122-year legacy of nurturing leaders who not only achieve global recognition but also remain deeply committed to grassroots service and advocacy.
The Alumni Talk is part of CLASE’s activities for USA’s 122nd Founding Anniversary and Grand Alumni Homecoming. More information about CLASE, and its education and other programs, may be found at the usa.edu.ph website or by visiting the CLASE office, at Rada Hall, University of San Agustin. CLASE is led by its Dean Nenelyn de la Fuente. /mrb
#SDG4QualityEducation #QualityEducation #LifelongLearning #EducatorsForChange #EducationAdvocacy #SDG17Partnerships
