Ateneo to confer honorary degree on Rappler's Maria Ressa; recognize Lualhati Bautista, others in Traditional University Awards
The Ateneo de Manila University will confer an honorary degree on Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa during its annual Traditional University Awards, which recognize those who exemplify Atenean values.
In a Sept. 27 memo posted on its website, Ateneo said Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, "is a trailblazer and a truth-teller, zeroing in on the importance of freedom of expression and ethical journalism."
The university also noted how Ressa faced threats, criminal charges, and arrest warrants, yet she "remains undaunted and continues fighting for truth, justice, and freedom."
For its 2022 Traditional University Awards, Ateneo will also honor three individuals and an organization.
Acclaimed author Lualhati Bautista is set to receive the Tanglaw ng Lahi, given to individuals "who have dedicated their life’s work to the pursuit of Filipinism and the Filipino identity through any of the channels of culture."
"Delving into political literature can be contentious but Bautista’s grounded, realistic, and engaging stories have earned her the status as one of the Philippines’ most respected authors," Ateneo said, taking note of her novels ’Gapo (1980), Dekada ’70 (1983), and Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?, as well as her Palanca-winning short stories Tatlong Kwento ng Buhay ni Juan Candelabra (1982) and Buwan, Buwan, Hulugan mo Ako ng Sundang (1983), and screenplays Bulaklak ng City Jail and Kadenang Bulaklak.
Eva Galvey of the Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation will receive the Ozanam Award, named after French saint Frederick Ozanam, who founded the St. Vincent de Paul Society for the relief of the poor.
Parangal Lingkod Sambayanan, which recognizes outstanding public service, will be given to former Department of Health secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan and Bacolod-based nonprofit Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation.
Awarding ceremonies will be held on Nov. 22 at Ateneo's Hyundai Hall, Areté.
Last year, Ateneo honored six individuals, including retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio.