THE UNIVERSITY of the East has conferred the honorific title of President Emeritus on Dr. Ester Albano Garcia, who served as the university’s president for 17 years.

Garcia, former chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education from 1999 to 2003, is the first female and only the second official in UE’s history to receive the President Emeritus title. The first honoree was the university’s founding president, Dr. Francisco T. Dalupan Sr., who was named President Emeritus upon his retirement in 1972.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Garcia said, “I want to express my gratitude to the trustees and officials of UE for this singular honor of being named President Emeritus. I served this university from January 6, 2006, to December 31, 2022, and I hope to continue serving as a trustee for a few more years, sharing my expertise in academic management which I have gained through my years in CHED, the University of the Philippines, and other universities.”

UE Vice Chairman David Chua, accompanied by other high-ranking officials, led the awarding of the President Emeritus stole, medallion, and certificate to Dr. Garcia.

Also in attendance were former Ombudsman and Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, former Ateneo de Manila University President Bienvenido Nebres, S.J., and former UP Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo.

Dr. Garcia reflected on her career, saying, “Reviewing what I had done with my life, I would like to think that I have served this country well in the different positions I’ve held, both in the public and private sectors. It is my privilege to have led pioneering achievements, especially in science and engineering.”

Dr. Garcia was instrumental in organizing the former Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Engineering Technology Research and Development, now the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, under the Department of Science and Technology. She also helped elevate the UP Division of Natural Science and Mathematics to the UP College of Science.

During her tenure as UE president, Dr. Garcia led the university to achieve CHED-certified autonomous status for its Manila and Caloocan campuses and to be recognized as a Center of Excellence in IT Education through its College of Computer Studies and Systems.

Incumbent UE President Zosimo Battad commended Dr. Garcia’s leadership, which resulted in significant improvements in the university’s core functions: instruction, research, and extension.

In deepest gratitude for her exemplary service, visionary leadership, and tireless commitment to the university, the UE Board of Trustees conferred upon Dr. Ester Albano Garcia the title of President Emeritus of the University of the East, with all the privileges and honors accompanying this distinction.

Dr. Garcia also served as President of the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc. from September 2018 to December 2023, and remains a member of the Boards of Trustees of both UE and UERM since January 2006.

Founded on September 25, 1946, UE is now in its 78th year as a leading private academic institution, having produced numerous graduates who have excelled in both the public and private sectors, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.