The Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) marked a momentous milestone on 23 November 2024, as it celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its BS Statistics program. The grand one-day event brought together alumni, faculty, students, staff, and friends to honor the legacy of a program that has consistently shaped leaders and trailblazers in the field of statistics and beyond.
The celebration commenced with an opening remarks from Assoc. Prof. Nancy A. Tandang, PhD, INSTAT director. She emphasized the program’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings as the Department of Statistics and Statistical Laboratory to its transformation into the Institute of Statistics. Dr. Tandang reflected on the program’s legacy of excellence and its commitment to addressing national and global challenges through data-driven solutions. She also highlighted the significance of the event’s theme, “A Journey Through Five Decades of Statistical Excellence,” encouraging attendees to cherish the memories and contributions that have shaped INSTAT.
Following her speech, a warm-up exercise energized the crowd, leading to a spirited fun run. Participants enjoyed a simple breakfast before exploring a nostalgic exhibit with old manuscripts, teaching and learning materials, calculators, photos, certificates, and other memorabilia. Assoc. Prof. Tandang expressed hope that the exhibit would reconnect alumni with their past experiences and inspire the younger generation to continue building on the program’s legacy. “To the younger generation, may these mementos inspire you to appreciate the legacy you are now part of and encourage you to contribute your own chapter to this ongoing story,” she added.
The celebration continued with a boodle fight as lunch, which symbolized unity within the INSTAT family. The afternoon session featured an awarding ceremony, recognizing 50 alumni as the 50 Significant Figures of INSTAT, whose achievements in fields such as biostatistics, public health, computer science, information technology, market research, finance, and many more underscored the diverse paths BS Statistics graduates have pursued. The following individuals received the recognition along with a plaque.
| Lolita O. Averion | Former Administrative Officer IV, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Sancho E. Nerpio | Administrative Aide III, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Joseph M. Addawe | Information Management Officer, United Nations Officer for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) |
| Maria Lourdes E. Amarillo | Professor, Department of Clinical Epidemiology College of Medicine University of the Philippines Manila |
| Sarah Jane S. Fabito | Executive Director Women in Tech Batangas |
| Glen Melvin P. Gironella | Science Research Specialist, Food and Nutrition Research Institute Department of Science and Technology |
| Alice G. Laborte | Senior Scientist and Research Coordinator for the Philippines International Rice Research Institute |
| Tita V. Lorzano- Tabije | Statistical/Demographic Specialist, Philippine Statistics Authority and Australian Bureau of Statistics |
| Karl T. Miranda | Researcher, Government of Ontario Canada |
| Ergie S. Ong | Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies |
| Franklin A. Soriano | Principal Data Scientist & Assistant Director, Australian Bureau of Statistics |
| Joseph Albert Niño M. Bulan | Statistical Analyst, Asian Development Bank |
| Mechelle M. Viernes | Chief Statistical Specialist, Philippine Statistics Authority |
| Marjorie B. Villaver | Officer-in-Charge, Vital Statistics Division Civil Registration Service Philippine Statistics Authority |
| Jessamyn O. Encarnacion | Inter-Regional Advisor on Gender Statistics, UN WOMEN |
| Nancy E. Añez-Tandang | Associate Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Joyce DL. Grajo | Associate Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Raoul A. Bernal | Biotech Consultant |
| James Roldan S. Reyes | Associate Dean, UPLB College of Arts and Sciences |
| Roselle V. Visperas-Collado | Assistant Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Mae P. Cababasay | Principal Biostatistician, MorphoSys |
| Lina A. Catahan | Former Assistant Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Elizabeth Martha S. Paterno | Manager/Econometrician, Ontario Public Service |
| Jovelyn C. Du-Quiton | Biostatistician, Stryker Corporation |
| Consorcia E. Reaño | Professor, UPLB CAFS ICropS |
| Ivy M. Fernandez | AI COE Department Head, Security Bank Corporation |
| Isidoro P. David | Statistician and Manager of the Statistics and Data Systems Division, Asian Development Bank; Former Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Ann Inez N. Gironella | Professor Emerita, Idaho State University USA and Adjunct Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Margarita F. Guerrero | Former Director, UNESCAP Statistics Division & UN Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific |
| Rechel G. Guino-Arcilla | Professor, De La Salle University |
| Alaine DC. Amon-Gulles | Lead Specialist, Breeding Analytics and Biometrics |
| Aizobelle P. Huelgas-Fernan | Head of Analytics, IPG Global Capability Center in the Philippines |
| Maria Elvessa D. Aragon-Logan | Research Statistician |
| Maria Cristina E. Jawili | Former Consumer Insights Manager, Scent BU, International Flavors & Fragrances Phils. Inc. |
| Felino P. Lansigan | Professor Emeritus, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Rocky T. Marcelino | Senior Manager for Monitoring and Evaluation Conservation International |
| Roy M. Matining | Biostatistician |
| Rose Imee Zhella G. Amar-Morantte | Senior Associate Scientist, International Rice Research Institute |
| Marilyn T. Sanchez | Former Administrative Staff, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Arturo Jr. Y. Pacificador | Former Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Edsel A. Peña | Professor & Chair, Department of Statistics University of South Carolina |
| Raymund G. Perez | Advanced Analytics Head, Security Bank Corporation |
| Romeo S. Recide | Former Deputy National Statistician, Philippine Statistics Authority |
| Helen Geraldine E. Rosario | Ambassador for India, Usher Syndrome Coalition |
| Elsa A. Salcedo-Lapiz | Principal Analyst, Priority Projects Victorian Department of Health Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Dalisay E. Samarita-Maligalig | Former Associate Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
| Jaime M. Samaniego | Associate Professor, UPLB CAS ICS |
| Rachel S. Mojado | Information Technology Officer & Assistant, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, University of the Philippines Los Baños |
| Maria Matilde C. Sanchez-Kam | Division Director, Division of Analytics and Informatics, Office of Biostatistics, US Food and Drug Administration |
| Lilia T. Tan-Habacon | Public Servant; Former Executive Director, Philippine Science High School System; Former Professor, UPLB CAS INSTAT |
The day concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Zita VJ. Albacea, PhD, head of the organizing committee, who emphasized the importance of sustaining the program’s legacy for future generations. A farewell cocktail and socialization session provided a relaxed atmosphere for alumni to reconnect, network, and reminisce about their time at INSTAT as students, staff, and faculty.
The 50th Anniversary of the BS Statistics program was a resounding success, reflecting not only its rich history but also a bright future, as the INSTAT community reaffirmed its commitment to producing statistical leaders who continue to make meaningful contributions to society.
You may watch the highlights of the celebration here.
~ John Kevin H. Abalos
