“We express our deep gratitude to Metro Stonerich Corporation, to Engineer Bong Nuño… may we see the fruits of this partnership through the Civil Engineering students and their future careers and professions as engineers serving God and country,”- Fr Karel S San Juan, SJ, President, Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Metro Stonerich Corporation (MSC) seal an essential connection through a landmark MOA Signing and Turnover Ceremony held on September 22, 2022, at FWS Multi-Purpose Hall. The partnership will bolster the mission of molding young, promising learners into future builders and creators – artisans who will take Zamboanga City and even places beyond to newer heights in construction and engineering.
Fr President Karel S San Juan SJ detailed in his speech the historical value of this event. Firstly, it strengthens the University’s commitment to its newest program – BSCE and its 66 strong pioneer batch. Secondly, it establishes a solid industry-academe partnership with one of the country’s top construction companies – the MSC, which spearheaded several projects all over the country, including the FWS Building– the premiere venue for the 2021 Bar Examinations and the home of AdZU’s Senior High School Unit. Thirdly, it tells the journey of how this partnership started and how it has evolved to what it is today. Since his first meeting with Fr Karel San Juan, SJ in 2005, MSC chair and CEO Engr Ibrahim “Bong” Nuño has contributed greatly to the development of his beloved alma mater. Engr Nuño, his friends, and family were constant partners of Ateneo in many ways, especially through crises like the fire and the pandemic. They have always found ways to contribute to the growth and development of the Ateneo and the city as a whole, with this MOA signing being the latest fruit of this partnership. They are a great inspiration to us, as this is a partnership that is essentially a friendship centered on our mission of serving God and country, pro Deo et patria.
Three million pesos worth of instructional equipment – tools that will significantly augment classroom instruction and training, were turned over to the University. Among these were total station theodolites, auto-level apparatuses, tripods, and reading rods. Committed to further enriching AdZU’s BSCE program, the MOA includes on-the-job training, internships, industry immersion, board exam assistance and reviews, and scholarships. Currently, five pioneer BSCE students are enjoying the benefits of the company’s support – truly a return on investment as MSC promised further professional training and job placements for these promising students after graduation.
Through this partnership with Metro Stonerich Corporation, AdZU’s commitment to excellence and quality of instruction and learning for civil engineering becomes more concrete and its vision of being one of the best engineering programs in the region now becomes an exciting and achievable reality.
University administrators attended the occasion, including the Vice President for Higher Education Fr Rene C Tacastacas, SJ, Vice President for Administration Fr Richard Ella, BSCE Program Coordinator Engr Samuel Calisang, Center for Information Technology Services Director Engr Eugene Kanindot, and the Chair of the AdZU Department of Engineering Louie Gallardo.
Representing MSC were Councilor Lilibeth M Nuño, Finance Officer, who stood in for Engr Bong Nuño, Assistant Vice President for Mindanao Engr Marjorie S Prado, Project Engineer Nizar Ismael, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Ahmed Manuel, and Project Manager Engr Jeric Sales.
The MOA signing and turnover ceremony is another AdZU highlight – a historical mark that continues to show the University’s dedication to creating men and women for others, Ignatian workers who are adequately skilled and fully prepared to become builders of excellence and ingenuity. All these are for God’s greater glory and the country as a whole.
Be an Ignatian Engineer and join in building a better Zamboanga City. For inquiries, call the AdZU College Admissions and Aid Office at 0927 770 5888 / 0908 261 3133.
Check out more photos here.
