THE CATHOLIC Educational Association of the Philippines has given Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ, former president of the Ateneo de Manila University, the 2023 Pro Deo et Patria Award.

The Pro Deo Patria is the highest award given to deserving individual/s who manifest an exemplary attitude of love for God and country and faithfulness to Catholic teachings as part of service to God.

The awardee must be seen as a model of Christ the Teacher.

“A professor from the Department of Mathematics, a National Scientist, and former Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, Fr. Ben, as he known to the Ateneo community, has devoted his life’s work to education and nation-building in the country—both within the university setting and outside, through various outreach programs,” the university said.

“His contributions extend beyond the classroom: upon his return from Stanford University in the 1970s, he formed the UP Diliman–Ateneo de Manila–De La Salle PhD consortium in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, which produced more highly trained scientists, mathematicians, and engineers than any other in the country,” it added.

Last July, Nebres was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus by Ateneo de Manila for his distinguished academic record and service to the university.

The live conferment of the Pro Deo et Patria Award will take place during the 2023 CEAP National Convention this month in Cebu City.