Get to Know the 11 Alumni Honored at the 1st BukSU Alumni Luminary Awards

Eleven alumni of Bukidnon State University (BukSU) were honored with the BukSU Luminary Alumni Awards during a ceremony held on December 7, 2024, as one of the highlights of the university’s centennial celebration.

The awards recognized exceptional individuals in three categories: the Global Impact Awards, Visionary Leader Awards, and Icon of Excellence Awards. These categories celebrate alumni with remarkable achievements and influence in their respective fields and communities.

Honorees were selected based on the year they completed their tertiary education at BukSU, with awardees classified into four milestone groups. The Diamond group represented graduates from 1924 to 1962, while the Ruby group included those who completed their studies from 1963 to 1982. The Pearl group covered graduates from 1983 to 2003, and the Emerald group recognized alumni who earned their degrees between 2004 and 2023.

In addition, two alumni were presented with the Presidential Awards for Alumni.

“Your accomplishments inspire us. Whether you have led groundbreaking initiatives in science and technology, transformed communities through your work in education and governance, or championed sustainability and social justice, you have shown the transformative power of a BukSU education,” said University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol.

Here is the list of winners:

THE GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD (The Global BukSUan)

Recipients of this prestigious accolade have shown a proven track record of accomplishments that have transcended borders, whether through groundbreaking research, impactful advocacy, or transformative initiatives that have positively influenced the global community.

DIAMOND	DR. NORNIE B. MICAYABAS (BSE Major in Science, 1980) She served as a full professor and former Program Chair for the PhD in Education program at BukSU. Her career includes 37 years as a secondary school teacher and 30 years as a graduate school faculty member. She was a Fulbright Visiting Professor at SUNY ESF in the USA, an ASEAN Cultural Exchange Fellow in Japan, a Metrobank Outstanding Teacher, and a PASMEP-TE Fellow in Australia.
RUBY	JADE KAMELLA D. JOVEN (BS Mathematics, 2001) She has 19 years of teaching experience across the Philippines and the USA. She is the Math Department Head and an Instructional Leadership Team member at Western High School in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
PEARL	DELMAR UCAB (BS Electronics Technology, 2010) He works at Almarai Company in Saudi Arabia, where he led the successful implementation of machine safety guard modifications, resulting in annual savings of 1 million SAR. He is recognized as a Kaizen Champion, along with multiple Employee of the Month awards.

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD (BukSUan Leader)

This award is given to alumni who serve as inspirational figures whose achievements embody the values of excellence, innovation, and positive impact within their communities and beyond, contributing to the advancement of their alma mater’s reputation.

DIAMOND	DR. VICTOR M. BARROSO (Bachelor of Elementary Education, 1960) He is the former president of Bukidnon State University from 1999 to 2015. He also served as president of the Mindanao Association of State Colleges and Universities Foundation (MASCUF).
RUBY	REBONFAMIL RAÑADA BAGUIO (Bachelor of Elementary Education, 1992) He is the Regional Director of the Department of Education in the Davao Region. He also served as a teacher and principal in Lantapan District.
PEARL	MARK WINDEL RESTAURO-DOÑO (Bachelor of Elementary Education, 2006) He is a School Principal II in the Department of Education-Division of Bukidnon. He has implemented school projects like Project BASA-PAGASA, Project CLEAR, Project AIWAR, and Project SAFE.

ICON OF EXCELLENCE AWARD (Luminary Graduates)

This is one of the most prestigious honors given to alumni who have achieved exceptional success and made significant contributions in their professional field, based on the degree earned in the university.

DIAMOND	DR. NEONITTA D. DANAO (Bachelor of Elementary Education, 1958) She is the former BukSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Education.
RUBY	ATTY. RUFINO C. CANTAROS, JR.  (BS in Accountancy, 1998) He is a Director II, Chief of Staff to the Commissioner, and Concurrent Head Revenue Executive Assistant of the Large Taxpayer Service of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He ranked No. 1 in the Revenue Officer Written Competency Examination in 2010.
PEARL	ROMULO F. NIEVA, JR. (BS in Nursing, 2011)   He is an Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Manila-College of Public Health. He also served as a consultant and collaborators with organizations like the Zuellig Family Foundation, UNFPA, ADB, and the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR ALUMNI

The awards honor BukSU graduates who have achieved distinguished recognition at the national or international level, showcasing excellence, leadership, and contributions that bring pride and prestige to the university.

MR. JUNMERTH C. JORTA (College of Education)	Founder of the Keupiyanan Te Balugo, a Last Mile School in Sitio Balugo, San Fernando, Bukidnon. He is a recipient of the Metrobank Most Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers.
MS. CHRISTINE HALLASGO (College of Arts and Sciences)	She clinched the gold medal in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, and earned the title “Marathon Queen of Asia.”

(BukSU-Information Unit)