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<\/p>\nIn today\u2019s day and age, there are already multiple pathways to success, but education still proves to be one of the best foundations to achieve personal and career goals. Educational institutions bear the responsibility to impart the right knowledge, skills, and attitude to their students to mold them into future-ready graduates and professionals who are competent and responsible members of society. <\/p>\n
For almost a decade, STI College has been acknowledging its exceptional alumni who have made noteworthy contributions in their respective industries and communities, bringing honor to the institution through their achievements. The STI Distinguished Alumni Awards serves as a representation of the many STI graduates who are also making a difference. On May 5, 2023, a total of 23 alumni from various STI campuses nationwide were recognized at the Solaire Resort in Pasay City.<\/p>\n
During the event, the awardees shared their inspiring stories of how STI College helped shape their journey from aspiring students to successful professionals in various fields of expertise and service in and out of the country. <\/p>\n
\u201cSTI helped build the foundation of who I am today,\u201d said Michael Favila from STI College Sta. Mesa. \u201cThe modules and the lessons that they provided were very detailed and practical. Our professors also pushed us beyond our boundaries because they know we are capable of more.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of Favila\u2019s greatest achievements is being able to build and launch two digital banks from scratch\u2014Maya Bank in the Philippines where he is currently the Head of Engineering, and Mox Bank by Standard Chartered in Hong Kong. <\/p>\n
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\u201cI\u2019m glad that my contributions to the community were recognized by STI through this award. I feel excited and very honored. I\u2019ll always be a proud STIer,\u201d the BS Computer Science graduate said.<\/p>\n
Favila\u2019s advice to young tech practitioners? Follow your passion as much as you can and find the industry where you\u2019d like to kickstart your career. \u201cOnce that\u2019s done, the next thing you have to do is just go all in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just like him, Divine Tingzon from STI College Fairview is an awardee who is currently making waves in the tech landscape, specifically in Singapore where she is working as a software engineer focused on financial services. During her undergraduate years as a BS Information Technology student, Tingzon worked as a student assistant, an experience that greatly helped in enhancing her interpersonal and communication skills, which are both essential in any industry.<\/p>\n
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After being nominated for the award for the second time, Tingzon considers this as the perfect time for her to receive it after not making the final cut last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m happy to know that my efforts and hard work in my chosen industry is being appreciated by the STI community whom I consider as second family. I\u2019ve been through so much personal loss in the past two years after losing my parents. I’m a bit sad that they won’t be seeing this tonight, but I hope I’m doing them proud,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Yusop Dimaporo from STI College Cotabato is another awardee who told an inspiring story. As an internally displaced person from Pikit, Cotabato, being a full-time student was more difficult than usual but that did not stop him from pursuing his dreams. Fortunately, he has a strong support system in his family and loved ones that helped him go above and beyond his circumstances.<\/p>\n
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As an STI student, Dimaporo was a regular participant of Tagisan ng Talino, an academic competition among STI students nationwide, where he joined fruit carving, cake decorating, and cooking contests among others. \u201cI was able to experience many firsts in my life because of STI. We\u2019re not just learning within the four corners of the classroom. It\u2019s always actual exposure to different industries,\u201d the BS Hospitality Management graduate said.<\/p>\n
His innate sense of determination combined with the technical skills and right mindset that he learned from STI led to six thriving business ventures that Dimaporo now owns, including the first ever smart cafe in the Philippines located in Cotabato City.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very thankful that my businesses were able to help many people during the pandemic. Most of my employees are out-of-school youth, single parents, and ex-combatants, and my goal now is to continue supporting their livelihood, especially the children affected by the conflict in our area,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Aisa Hipolito, STI Education Services Group Vice President for Academics, expressed her utmost pride for the alumni awardees.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number of distinguished alumni that we have each year continues to grow. What started with just 5 awardees now has 23, and it\u2019s so humbling to know that STI College has formed a part of their journeys. Our vision really is to be able to develop and nurture students who can contribute to society in a responsible manner. We want to see our graduates give back because that\u2019s how the ripple effect works\u2014one person at a time, one good thing at a time to make an impact,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The STI Distinguished Alumni Awards is organized by the STI Alumni Association. <\/p>\n