AN auspicious academic campus along Claro M. Recto Avenue near the Malacañang Palace in Manila, the University of the East (UE) has witnessed many consequential events at the Mendiola Bridge that resulted in political, environmental, economic and social reforms in the country. The Bridge is the historic divide that separates the students and social activists from government enforcers protecting the Presidential Palace during rallies.
Secured with barbed wires and empty container vans that serve as barriers to prevent the rallyists from getting across the bridge, countless lives have already been lost on this bridge in the pursuit of change. But UE is not only witness to these important moments in our history, it is also a bastion of learned students that are trained and ready to be warriors for a good purpose. My life as a crusader against smuggling and advocate for industry and consumers causes is partly influenced by my experience as full-scholar Speaker of the Parliament of UE’s student government, and my being voted president of the university’s Batch 65 Graduating Class by the representatives of all colleges, including the College of Law and College of Medicine, during my senior year.
I was never wrong in choosing a university for my tertiary education that has already produced many CPA and Dental medicine board examination topnotchers. Not only was I forged with a heart and mind of a true UE Red warrior, but my values as a crusader were also shaped by the ideals of a UE alumnus. That’s why four other family members, my brother, son, daughter-in-law and niece, they all finished their medical degrees at the UERMMC. And most importantly, my advocacy milestones were recognized by UE’s top leadership. I was accorded the distinction of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa).
Established in September 1946 in a rented room on Dasmariñas St., Manila, UE started with 110 students enrolled in Certified Public Accountant (CPA) review classes. And while the country was still reeling from the vestiges of the Second World War, four of its 110 students took the top spots in the 1947 CPA Board Examinations.
From them on, there was no turning back for UE. It was once labeled as the “largest university in Asia” when its enrollment in the past reached over 65,000 students. With its two other campuses, one in Caloocan and its medical school, the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center along Aurora Blvd,. Dona Imelda, Quezon City, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted UE autonomous status and recognized two of its programs as Center of Excellence and Center of Development.
UE will always have a special place in my heart, not only because I learned a lot and shared many memorable experiences with my peers at the university, but most importantly, because it is where I met my wife, the former Evelyn Dacanay Dumaguin, who was also a member of UE’s elite group of bright and success-driven students comprising the university’s Student Parliament.
On September 25 this year, the home of the Red Warriors will commemorate its 75th Founding anniversary. I urge all UE graduates to join the weeklong virtual celebration of our alma mater’s 75 years of service to the nation, the Filipino people and our families. For details, contact Josie at mobile number 0939-285-3399.
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.