“We are simply working as one team, and everything is falling into place.”

These are the words of Dr. Virginia Cardenas, president of the UPLB Class of 1974, as she thanked everyone who supported and helped to make their Gift of Sight Legacy Project possible. 

The Gift of Sight Legacy Project promises to bring essential eye care to those who need it most, even in the most remote communities. 

The Class of 1974, along with UPLB officials, UHS personnel, donors, and alumni, unveiled the eye clinic and its equipment on January 29, 2025, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the University Health Service (UHS). 

Cardenas acknowledged the project’s donors. “Your generous support has helped establish this state-of-the-art cataract surgery facility. Because of you, the University Health Service (UHS) can now provide life-changing care, restoring vision and enhancing the quality of life for so many individuals,” she said. 

She also added that the donations have allowed UPLB to acquire the latest technology, helping ensure that the UHS medical team will be able to deliver the highest standard of care.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the program transferred to the Nelia T. Gonzalez Hall, where the much-awaited raffle draw took place.

A vision for the future

The Class of 1974, who are the Golden Jubilarians of 2024, spearheaded the Gift of Sight Legacy Project in partnership with the UPLB Alumni Association (UPLBAA) and UPLB. 

To bring this initiative to life, they organized various fundraising activities, including a golf tournament, the Loyalty Ball, and a raffle draw, rallying support from generous donors.

“We chose this project because we saw how much of an impact it could make,” shared Cardenas. She recalled the journey her class took in selecting a project that would stand the test of time and benefit countless individuals. 

They were inspired by the legacy projects of previous Golden Jubilarian classes, such as the Emergency Room Extension Facility (UHS-EREF) of Class 1971 and the UHS Heart Station of Class 1972. 

These projects are both powerful reminders of how alumni pay forward what UPLB has given them.

Alumni  support

During the event, UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. expressed his deep gratitude for the alumni’s unwavering support.

“Ang pinakaimportanteng sandigan natin ay suporta ng ating alumni,” he emphasized, highlighting how alumni partnerships are a cornerstone of UPLB’s growth. 

Chancellor Camacho also announced the upcoming launch of the Alumni Fellows program during the UPLB Foundation Day celebration on March 6, 2025. The program is an initiative designed to expand the university’s partnership with alumni.

UPLBAA President Mauro W. Barradas, who also gave a speech, emphasized how equipping UHS with advanced medical technology will extend healthcare not only to the UPLB community but also to nearby areas. 

He also acknowledged the unwavering dedication of OAR Director Eileen Lorena M. Mamino, whose leadership has strengthened UPLBAA’s initiatives. He encouraged fellow alumni to continue supporting the university’s endeavors.

Dr. Jessie Imelda Foronda-Walde, UHS director, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed toward making the Gift of Sight project a reality.

She extended her deep appreciation to Class 1974 for believing in and championing the Gift of Sight proposal. 

According to her, the initiative has paved the way for even more opportunities at UHS. Walde said that the UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has invested ₱16 million in medical equipment for UPLB UHS and will now be sending its residents-in-training there.

“The strategy is simple—invest in the equipment, and the doctors will come,” Walde explained. She also acknowledged the alumni donors who took a leap of faith by funding the equipment, even before specialists were available. 

“With their generosity, UHS now has cardiologists and ophthalmologists ready to serve the community,” Walde added.

Isang Libo Mo, Liwanag sa Kanya Raffle Draw

Adding to the day’s excitement, the much-awaited “Isang Libo Mo, Liwanag sa Kanya Raffle Draw” with a Toyota Yaris hybrid car as the grand prize took center stage, filling the room with anticipation, joy, and hope. 

As one of the key fundraising efforts for the Gift of Sight Legacy Project, the raffle received overwhelming support from individuals and organizations alike, with 2,388 tickets sold. 

Winston Solomon, Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Romel Daya, Elgin San Gabriel, and Mayor Arth Jun Marasigan were the winners of the PhP1,000 consolation prize.

Meanwhile, the minor prize winners are Susan Ong, JBL Bluetooth speaker; Ann Cayetano, electric kettle; Mayor John Hain, rice cooker; Robert Rañola Jr., gas stove; and Eva Labadan, pillowcase set.

The major prize winners, on the other hand, are the following: 1st prize-Ramon Docto, Samsung Smartphone A06; 2nd prize-Noel Sabino, 65” Samsung smart TV; 3rd prize-Rosalie Orma, Acer Laptop i3; 4th prize-Jay-Jay Sudio, Apple iPad; and finally the grand prize, a Toyota Yaris Hybrid car, won by Johndelle Mamino.

Winners may claim their prize from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM until February 14, 2025, from Ervin Abadines of UPLB OAR.