Addu UCEAC’s 1st Bergoglio Awards
THE Ateneo de Davao University through the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC), organized the first Bergoglio Awards which recognized the outstanding contribution of different institutions to the promotion of the common good through social justice especially for the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, and the excluded.
Named after Jorge Mario Bergoglio commonly referred to as Pope Francis, the awards honors the Pope, who has been characterized by humility and outspoken support of the world’s poor and marginalized people. He has also been involved actively in areas of political diplomacy, inter-religious dialogue and environmental advocacy.
Speaking at the Finster Auditorium last March 20, UCEAC Chairperson Atty. Romeo Cabarde, Jr. said he would like to take the Bergoglio Awards as a platform to pay tribute to one person who inspired us all to be men and women for others.
“Our work is not about us, it is not about the council, it is never about the University. It has always been about the people in the margins,” Cabarde added.
UCEAC awarded four institutions for the Excellence in Peacebuilding, Environmental Stewardship, Gender Equality and Human Rights, and Good Governance.
The Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) received the Award of Excellence in Peacebuilding.
IID is a Philippinesbased advocacy institution promoting human security, democratization, and people-to-people solidarity. They also conduct policy advocacy and campaign programs on Burma, Mindanao, Southern Thailand, West Papua (Indonesia), and East Timor.
IID Executive Director Augusto Miclat expressed the award not only affirms their mission, but it also inspires them to continue with their work with much dedication and passion.
The Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) received the Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award. IDIS is an environmental nongovernment organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Davao’s watersheds.
IDIS committed to respond to the different environmental challenges particularly in ensuring the protection and sustainable management of watersheds.