Written by John Aric Cy Cua                    |                   23 June 2023

(UPDATE) FORMER Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan were named the Most Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA).

“The UPAA Awardees are outstanding individuals recognized for their leadership, achievements, service, and contributions to create positive change in the country and in the world,” the alumni association said.

Robredo was a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Economics in UP Diliman in 1986, while Balisacan had a Master of Science degree in agricultural economics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 1982. The chief of the National Economic and Development Authority was also a professor and dean of the School of Economics in UP Diliman.

“UP, my very own alma mater, just released this press statement that I will be the recipient of this year’s Most Outstanding Alumna Award,” Robredo confirmed in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.

“Humbled by these great honors, and sharing these with everyone who shared in all my struggles and made the burdens lighter,” she wrote.

Robredo and Balisacan will receive their awards during a ceremony at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman on August 19 at 6 p.m.