In an evening that could reshape Filipino engineering for decades to come, the UP Alumni Engineers gathered at the historic Executive House in UP Diliman on July 11, 2025, to launch something unprecedented: the UPAE Sundial Awards. This wasn’t just another recognition ceremony—it was a rallying cry for Filipino engineers to step up, innovate, and drive solutions that could propel the Philippines into the global technology arena.
UP Alumni Engineers Launch Sundial Awards to Honor Engineering Excellence and Spark Innovation
The event brought together university leaders, distinguished alumni, faculty, and supporters of the UP College of Engineering to unveil this ambitious initiative. Moreover, the gathering represented a pivotal moment where academic excellence meets urgent national development needs, creating a platform that seeks to recognize, empower, and reward Filipino engineering innovations.
The Sundial Legacy: More Than Just a Timepiece
Why the sundial? Unlike conventional award names, this choice carries profound symbolism rooted in the UP College of Engineering’s heritage. The iconic sundial in Melchor Hall has stood for generations as more than a mere landmark—it represents precision, scientific rigor, and time-tested excellence.
“Just as the sundial captures the sun’s path to measure time, the new Sundial Award aims to capture and spotlight the brilliance of UP Engineers whose ideas light the way for the nation,” organizers explained during the retrospective presentation.
This year’s theme, “Level Up, Double Up – Engineers Driven for Progress,” reflects an urgent call to action. Furthermore, it challenges alumni to elevate their ideas, double their efforts, and create engineering solutions that genuinely move the nation forward.
Presidential Challenge: A 26-Year Technology Race
University of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo “Jijil” A. Jimenez delivered a keynote that was both inspiring and sobering. He spoke candidly about geopolitical realities, technology gaps, and the critical window of opportunity facing the Philippines.
“We need to build an ecosystem where our engineers, our inventors, and our scientists can translate knowledge into real solutions for society. If we don’t become a technology-producing nation in the next 26 years, we may miss the chance to fully harness our demographic sweet spot.”
President Jimenez highlighted global trends in microelectronics, AI, and semiconductor design, pointing to Taiwan, Japan, and Korea as examples of strategic technology leadership. On the flip side, he emphasized that the Philippines possesses unique advantages: a young, trainable, and technically capable population positioned to become a global innovation hub.
In a bold declaration that underscored his commitment, President Jimenez stated: “I stake my presidency on the College of Engineering,” citing its potential to become a powerhouse of transformative research and national development.
Building Research Ecosystems
The President’s vision extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. He challenged the UP community to become “fully research, fully innovative, and fully impact-driven,” where laboratories connect directly to local communities and real-world problems. This approach reflects global best practices in university-industry collaboration and technology transfer.
Academic Innovation: Dean Tanchuling’s Strategic Roadmap
UPD College of Engineering Dean Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling outlined concrete initiatives that align perfectly with the Sundial Awards’ objectives. Her presentation revealed ambitious expansion plans for graduate engineering programs, including new Master’s programs in AI, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Engineering.
These programs, developed in collaboration with UP Mindanao and other UP units, represent a strategic approach to building regional innovation capacity. Additionally, Dean Tanchuling highlighted the College’s Fighting Fund—an alumni-driven initiative providing rapid financial support for student competitions, emergencies, and conference participation.
“We want to create a vibrant national network of engineering educators and alumni — beyond NCR — to support the development of regional innovation hubs,” she explained, emphasizing the collaborative spirit essential for national progress.
Competition Mechanics: From Ideas to Impact
UPAE President Engr. Manfred Guangko positioned the Sundial Awards as more than recognition—it’s a catalyst for actionable innovation. The competition targets seven critical areas where engineering solutions can create immediate impact:
- Renewable energy and climate resilience
- Infrastructure and smart cities development
- Water, sanitation, and waste management systems
- Health and well-being technologies
- Educational technology solutions
- Sustainable manufacturing and materials
- Inclusive and resilient communication systems
Timeline and Prize Structure
The competition follows a structured timeline designed to maximize participation and quality. Proposals opened July 12, 2025, with submissions due October 6, 2025. Finalists will participate in a “Battle of Ideas” during the annual homecoming in November 2025.
Winners receive up to ₱150,000 in cash prizes plus the prestigious Sundial Trophy. However, the real value lies in the mentorship, resources, and network access provided throughout the competition process.
According to Engr. Roberto “Choi” Nazareno, UPAE Vice President for External Affairs, judging criteria emphasize practical impact (50%), feasibility and sustainability (30%), and presentation quality (20%). This weighting reflects the awards’ focus on implementable solutions rather than purely theoretical innovations.
Industry Support: The Consunji Commitment
The event featured a powerful endorsement from Engr. Isidro A. Consunji, UP’s Most Distinguished Alumnus and major benefactor. His presence symbolized the deep industry commitment essential for bridging academic innovation with real-world implementation.
“We’re always happy to help when asked,” Consunji declared, drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees. This statement reflects a broader pattern of successful UP alumni investing in the next generation of engineering leaders.
For those interested in similar engineering innovation initiatives, you might explore our coverage of engineering competitions across the Philippines to understand the broader landscape of technical innovation support.
The Movement Beyond Competition
Engr. Victor Emmanuel B. Ahorro, UPAE Vice President for Internal Affairs, framed the Sundial Awards within a larger movement of engineering purpose and national pride. His closing remarks emphasized urgency and possibility in equal measure.
“The Sundial embodies the spirit of challenge, of urgency, and of brilliance. It reminds us that time is ticking — and that the future is ours to engineer.”
This perspective transforms individual competition into collective action, positioning Filipino engineers as agents of national transformation rather than passive observers of global technological change.
The evening concluded with networking sessions where conversations about future collaborations and innovations continued well into the night. These informal exchanges often prove as valuable as formal presentations, fostering the relationships that drive long-term innovation ecosystems.
The UPAE Sundial Awards represent more than recognition—they embody a strategic bet on Filipino engineering talent’s capacity to solve complex national challenges. As President Jimenez emphasized, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture where demographic advantages and technical capabilities converge. Whether this potential translates into sustainable progress depends largely on initiatives like these that bridge academic excellence with practical implementation. The sundial continues marking time, but now it also illuminates pathways toward a more innovative and technologically independent Philippines.
