EMPOWERED BY BENEDICTINE values, San Beda University (SBU) celebrated its historic 125th year founding anniversary through “SBU@125,” with the theme “Nurturing Faith, Renewing Lives, and Caring for Creation” last June 17.
The opening of the grand parade was led by Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan OSB, with the participation of the students, University administrators, faculty, and non-teaching personnel (NTPs), as well as students from the Rizal campus. In this portion of the event, a symbolic release of 125 doves and the ringing of 125 bells were commenced.
The celebration continued with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Most Rev. Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, along with the Benedictine Monks, who reflected on the University’s 125-year journey through the Benedictine principle of ora et labora.
In his homily, he emphasized wisdom as a gift of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured through prayer, humility, and service, urging Bedans to become a “light of the world” by bringing hope, healing, and compassion to society while carrying forward the values instilled by the institution.
Among the prominent guests who joined the Bedan community for the liturgy were First Lady Louise Liza Araneta-Marcos, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Ilagan Atienza–Valdepeñas, and Chairman of the SBU Board of Trustees Manny V. Pangilinan.
In an exclusive interview with The Bedan, Domagoso emphasized educational institutions bear a massive responsibility to steer the country’s future, recognizing that it is a responsibility upheld by San Beda for 125 years.
He noted that schools are essential in honing the next generation and guiding the next leaders for the country.
“It’s very important and significant. It’s honing the next generation and guiding the next leaders..” he said.
The mayor stressed that democratic access to learning is vital, which according to him, such institutions must ensure that “education should be made available to everyone.”
This vision of nurturing the next generation resonated directly with the University’s student leaders, who emphasized that the true test of Bedan leadership begins within the campus itself.
Beige Benedict Campbell, the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (CAS-SC) President, said that the celebration served as a call for Bedans to return to active service.
“We need to serve not just for our community but also the country and each brothers and sisters who needs our help,” he stated.
To formalize their future institutional directives, university administrators, faculty, and student representatives enacted the official SBU Jubilee Commitment Statement.
The document outlined the community’s pledge to live as “pilgrims of remembrance, renewal, and hope,” while formally committing to expand institutional service within the Church, Philippine society, and the international community.
Following the formal declarations was the Blessing of the University Marker at the Jubilee Garden, which coincided with the commercial rollout of the official SBU@125 commemorative merchandise.
The late afternoon event concluded with a scheduled fireworks display at the SBU Football Field, followed immediately by a coordinated community feast across designated university areas.
The day-long anniversary operations culminated with a concert held at the MVP Gymnasium. Directed by Rowell Santiago, the exclusive campus event featured a heavy lineup of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists, consisting of rock musician Rico Blanco, solo performer Jed Madela, indie singer-songwriter Clara Benin, and retro-pop group The Bloomfields.
The event also featured collaborative performances from TV5 and Vibe PH contract talents, including Aya Fernandez, Joao Constancia, Gab Pascual, Carmela Lorzano, Dylan Menor, Ana Ramsey, and Ryle Santiago.
According to the final provisions of the signed Jubilee Commitment Statement, the University has bound its academic and community outreach programs to actively manifest these specific mandates through localized environmental stewardship, social justice initiatives, and expanded civic service across the country.
This event also marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of the 125th year that would be spearheaded by the different offices of the University.
(with Bianca Ashley Bitanga and Eunice Karen Buccat)