The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) has been given a surprise recognition by the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) as one of its Bantay ng Bayan Awardees during the launching of its 30th year anniversary celebrations on October 26, 2013 at La Salle – Greenhills (High School unit) in San Juan City. AdZU, the only education institution awardee, was cited for being excellent in organizing its students, faculty, staff and other citizens in Zamboanga City for election related activities and for having been NAMFREL’s partner since its first election engagement in the 1980’s. NAMFREL initially worked with the Social Awareness and Community Services Involvement (SACSI) office and eventually with the Center for Leadership and Governance. In the recent elections, the NAMFREL chapter based in ADZU was cited as among the best performing chapters for its excellent organization and engagement of volunteers in the field. Throughout the years with NAMFREL’s recommendation, a number of its employees (past and present) have been sent on Election Monitoring tasks here and abroad. Among those sent were former SACSI Directors Ms. Ma. Victoria Montaño, Ms. Gemma Marie Carnacete, Mr. Frances Cantillo, SACSI Program Officer Mr. Alfred Ari Regino and Psychology faculty member Mr. Jayson Sabdilon (also presently serving as Coordinator for ARMM and ZAMPEN). The award was formally presented to the ADZU through its president, Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ on November 5 at the President’s Conference Room. Also present during the presentation of the award were Mr. Perre Ian dela Cruz (SLA faculty and presently, NAMFREL chair for Zamboanga City) and the members of the Presidential Management Team.
