CHSAF Recognizes 13 Outstanding Alumni at 2026 Alumni Homecoming
Thirteen graduates received the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards during the College of the Holy Spirit Manila (CHSM) Annual Grand Alumni Homecoming held on February 1, 2026. The honorees were recognized for Distinguished Professional Achievement, Social Impact, Service and Philanthropy, and Personal Integrity and Character—reflecting professional excellence, meaningful service, and ethical leadership grounded in CHSM’s core value, Truth in Love.
The homecoming program opened at 2 p.m. with a prayer and welcome remarks, followed by a message from CHSAF President Ging Ong. “As we celebrate our shared history and the community we continue to build, it is fitting that we recognize alumni whose lives and contributions reflect our values and inspire future generations,” Ong said.
The awards were presented during the Grand Alumni Homecoming, themed “That’s the Spirit,” held at the School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City. The event brought together alumni, SSpS Sisters, and invited guests.
This year’s homecoming was organized by the High School and College Classes of 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, and 1981, together with the host class, the High School Gold Jubilarians of 1976. The annual gathering continues to affirm CHSM’s commitment to service, integrity, and compassionate leadership.
The following are the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards, together with their respective award categories and citations.
Ma. Thelma L. Arceo (HS-74)
Sustainable Energy Engineering
Honored for transforming energy engineering and public service, Arceo conducted over 2,000 energy audits across 35 years in New York City, improving housing for low-income families through government-funded weatherization programs that reduced energy costs, met carbon reduction goals, and created safer, healthier homes while preventing displacement. She continues her commitment to service through CHSNAF and the Mother Josepha Prayer Weavers.
Maria Dulce V. Aristorenas (HS-74)
Advertising, Theater, and Broadcast Arts
Distinguished for excellence across theater, media, education, and advertising, Aristorenas performed with Repertory Philippines and New Voice Company in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore, hosted CNN Manila programs including Good Morning Manila and In-Person, and held senior creative roles at Lintas, McCann Erickson, and Ace Saatchi & Saatchi. She has also dedicated herself to education, teaching advertising and communication at Ateneo, De La Salle, St. Joseph’s College, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines—where she was named Outstanding Professor—and continues to inspire as a published writer, speaker, artist, and advocate.
Olivia Paglinawan Bernabe (HS-73)
Human Resource Capital
Transformed lives across Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe through her “Optimal Life” programs, guiding individuals toward personal and professional growth after winning First Place in a nationwide public speaking contest and becoming a television newscaster and host. Paglinawan-Bernabe built a successful business career managing multiple franchises and co-founding Syzygy PH to connect people with resources and opportunities, while remaining grounded in faith as an active member of Ligaya ng Panginoon, dedicated parish servant, and supporter of education for underprivileged children.
Dr. Evangeline Bascara Dela Fuente (Elem-77)
Mental Healthcare
Recognized for her lifelong dedication to psychiatry, medical education, and mental health advocacy in the Philippines, Dr. Bascara de la Fuente is a board-certified psychiatrist whose work has strengthened mental health programs and improved the training of future professionals. As Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the University of the Philippines Manila, she led the creation of the country’s first Master of Clinical Science in Psychiatry, developed curricula, and promoted interprofessional collaboration. She has authored over 20 research studies, contributed to nationwide CHED initiatives, and served on institutional and national bodies advancing ethical standards, social protection, and public accountability. Through mentorship, she has inspired generations of students, residents, and colleagues, fostering a culture of compassion, integrity, and reflective practice.
Dr. Carina Zita Mabanta-De Los Reyes (HS-76)
Pediatric Dentistry
Transformed pediatric dentistry in the Philippines after completing her U.S. training by co-founding the Philippine Pediatric Dental Society, Inc., expanding it from a small study group into a respected national organization with nearly 130 members. She taught at the University of the Philippines and helped establish a hospital-based training program at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, while championing a PRC-accredited two-year specialty program at the Pediatric Dentistry Center Philippines, raising standards for future specialists. As Diplomate and longtime Director of the Philippine Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Mabanta-De Los Reyes shaped training, credentialing, and specialty recognition while improving oral health for nearly 40 million Filipino children through research and public health initiatives, including the Unang Ngipin Patibayin program, leaving a lasting legacy of vision, dedication, and commitment to child health.
Amelita King-Dejardin (HS-71)
Human and Labor Rights
Cited for advancing fairness, dignity, and protection of domestic workers, King-Dejardin served with the International Labor Organization (2010–2015) as Chief Technical Adviser for a global initiative that established international standards for over 60 million domestic workers. Her work helped place this historically unprotected workforce on national and international policy agendas, reshaping labor laws and practices in multiple countries, including the passage of the Philippines’ Batas Kasambahay and the nation’s ratification of the ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. Her efforts also strengthened protections in India and supported a national plan for decent work in Tanzania, empowering governments, employers, and workers, and setting a global example for fair and inclusive labor policies.
Dr. Jocelyn Yambao Franco (HS-66)
Pediatric Healthcare
Shaped child safety policies across the Philippines and Southeast Asia through leadership roles in pediatric organizations and as President of Safe Kids Worldwide Philippines, addressing preventable injuries from road traffic accidents, drowning, falls, burns, and poisoning. Dr. Yambao-Franco created the Young Road Safety Advocate Program, a peer-to-peer initiative implemented in 89 public elementary schools that reached over two million students, and established National Safe Kids Week through presidential proclamation, making communities safer for children nationwide.
Ida Genevieve Beltran Lucila (HS-81)
Arts and Cultural Development
Celebrated for enriching Filipino arts and culture in Canada, Beltran-Lucila, a former principal dancer with Ballet Philippines, founded the Philippine Arts Council and the Edmonton Philippine International Centre. She also wrote and directed Paglalayag: The Philippines to Canada Journey, a documentary honoring Filipino families. Her work has earned recognition as Artist of the Year under the RISE Awards, a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, and a City of Edmonton Citation, reflecting her lasting impact on cultural pride and community connection.
Dr. Maria Juliet Enriquez Macarayo (HS-78)
Dermatologic Healthcare
Awarded for excellence in dermatology, medical education, and community service, Dr. Enriquez-Macarayo has advanced patient care and improved access to treatment for underserved communities in Pampanga and beyond. She completed her medical training at the University of Santo Tomas and her dermatology residency at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident, and co-edited key reference books on melasma, vitiligo, and clinical dermatology with attention to darker skin types. Committed to service, she participates in medical missions and was named Most Outstanding Alumna of the Department of Dermatology at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in 2024, reflecting her lasting impact on patient care, education, and the field of dermatology.
Michaela Fenix Makabenta (HS-66)
Food Journalism
Cited for shaping Filipino food writing and cultural heritage, Fenix-Makabenta authored and edited over ten books, including Country Cooking: Philippine Regional Cuisine, which won the 2014 National Book Award. She wrote the Country Cooking column for 15 years in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, documenting regional culinary traditions, and bringing Filipino cuisine to a global audience through lectures, advocacy, and coverage of international food events. Through her personal, engaging style and dedicated advocacy, she has elevated Filipino cuisine, helping people appreciate its depth, richness, and cultural significance.
Maria Socorro F. Oca (HS-76)
Maritime Social Development
Dedicated her life to improving the welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families, establishing a hospital through the Marine Officers and Seaman’s Union hospital, and developing a 500-home community in Cavite with educational, health and recreational facilities. She also supported scholarship programs for children of seafarers and trained future maritime leaders through the Gold Foundation, exemplifying service, integrity, and dedication.
Ma. Mediatrix Belo Villar (HS-67/BSC-71)
Financial and Project Management
Honored for professional excellence and community service, Belo-Villar rose from immigrant to senior finance executive at AT&T and TCI Capital in San Francisco, leading major financial initiatives and managing budgets totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and earning eight Presidential Awards and five Exceptional Achievement Awards at AT&T. She also founded parish ministries, supported cancer advocacy, and volunteered as a Eucharistic minister and art teacher in senior care homes.
Agnes Quimbo Villarruz (HS-66)
Good Governance and Leadership in Public Service
Strengthened communities and developed leaders over three decades through her work at the Gerry Roxas Foundation, serving more than 20 years as Executive Director and later Managing Director of its Training and Convention Center. Quimbo-Villarruz directed the USAID-funded Barangay Justice for Peace Project for over 11 years, training more than 12,000 Barangay Justice Advocates across Panay, Mindanao, and the ARMM. She also launched a nationwide Consortium of Centers for Local Governance and, as a volunteer, trained over 5,000 women leaders in Roxas City, leaving a lasting legacy of commitment and service.
CHSAF 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awardees pose for souvenir photo with CHSAF Trustees.
From left: Dr. Lonabel Ancheta Encarnacion, Trustee and Chairperson, CHSAF Awards Committee 2026, Dr. Juliet Enriquez Macarayo, Dr. Jocelyn Yambao-Franco, Ida Genevieve Beltran Lucila, Amelita King Dejardin, Dr. Carina Zita Mabanta De Los Reyes, Maria Socorro Oca, Michaela Fenix Makabenta, Guillermina M. Ong, CHSAF President, Dr. Evangeline Bascara de la Fuente, Olivia Pagkalinawan Bernabe, Ma. Mediatrix Belo Villar, Agnes Quimbo Villarruz, Evangeline Y. Qua, CHSAF 2nd Vice President. Not in photo is Ma. Thelma L. Arceo.