Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As Mapua University marks its 100th founding anniversary, we celebrate a century of excellence, innovation, and leadership. Over the past 100 years, Mapua has nurtured countless individuals who have gone on to achieve greatness. Among these, six exceptional alumni stand as shining examples of what dedication, perseverance, and visionary thinking can achieve: Dado Banatao, Leon Chua, William Torres, Manuel Villar, Antonio Abacan, Jr. and Glenn Banaguas. Btw, Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, is also a graduate of Mapua.
Dado Banatao: The Tech Visionary
Diosdado "Dado" Banatao is a Filipino entrepreneur and engineer who has made groundbreaking contributions to the technology sector. Known for developing the first 10-Mbit Ethernet CMOS with silicon coupler data-link control and transceiver chip, Banatao has also been credited with creating the first system logic chipset for IBM's PC-XT and PC-AT. His innovations have been integral to the development of personal computers and the tech industry as a whole. Banatao’s journey from a humble barrio in Cagayan to Silicon Valley is nothing short of inspirational. As a tech entrepreneur and innovator, he developed critical components that revolutionized the personal computing industry. His story is a testament to the power of determination, education, and the unyielding belief that one can change the world. Dado Banatao has received several IEEE awards, including the IEEE W.R.G. Baker Prize Paper Award and the IEEE Neural Networks Pioneer Award.
Leon Chua: The Father of Nonlinear Circuit Theory
Leon O. Chua is a renowned electrical engineer and computer scientist who is widely recognized as the father of nonlinear circuit theory and cellular neural networks. He is best known for his invention of Chua's circuit, one of the first circuits to exhibit chaotic behavior, and for postulating the existence of the memristor, a fundamental component in electronic circuits. Chua, a revered figure in electrical engineering, has left an indelible mark on the world through his pioneering work. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation exemplifies the heights that can be reached through curiosity and intellectual rigor, profoundly impacting the fields of electronics and communication engineering. Chua has received numerous IEEE awards, including the IEEE Neural Networks Pioneer Award and the IEEE Gustav Robert Kirchhoff Award. He was also awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in 2010 and has received 17 honorary doctorates from major universities in Europe and Japan.
William Torres: The Father of the Philippine Internet
William Torres is celebrated as the "Father of the Internet in the Philippines" for his pivotal role in bringing the Internet to the country. He initiated negotiations with the US National Science Foundation and led the formulation of the National Information Technology Plan, transforming the way Filipinos connect and communicate. His efforts have paved the way for the widespread use of the Internet in the Philippines, leaving a lasting impact on the country's communication landscape. Torres's vision and leadership remind us that one person's dedication can pave the way for an entire nation's progress. His achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the Fulbright-Hays Grantee in 1966, the Excellence in IT Award in 1990, and the Outstanding Mapuan Award in 1987 for his contributions to Computer Science.
Manuel Villar: The Visionary Leader
Manuel Villar, a prominent businessman and politician, has made significant contributions to the development of the Philippines. As the former President of the Senate and a successful entrepreneur, Villar has been instrumental in promoting infrastructure projects and advocating for economic growth. From humble beginnings in Tondo to becoming one of the most influential business and political figures in the Philippines, his journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. His leadership and vision have helped shape the country's political and economic landscape, encouraging us to dream big, work hard, and give back to our communities. Recognized by Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy in 2024 and 2020 for his significant contributions to philanthropy, particularly his donations to educational institutions and the Catholic Church, Villar holds the spot as the wealthiest Filipino according to Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List, published on April 4, with an estimated net worth of $8.6 billion. His story is a monumental example of using success to uplift others and foster national progress.
Antonio Abacan, Jr.: The Banking Luminary
Antonio Abacan Jr.'s career in banking has been marked by excellence and integrity. As a former President of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. and a member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' Monetary Board, Abacan played a pivotal role in shaping the financial sector. His journey highlights the impact of ethical leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Recognized as a The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureate, which is the Nobel Prize of the Philippines, for his outstanding contributions to the banking industry, Abacan has also been honored with the Outstanding Mapuan Award and the FEU Outstanding Alumnus Award. His dedication to fostering financial stability and growth has made him a respected figure in the banking community. Abacan's commitment to financial literacy and inclusion has strengthened the banking sector and positively impacted the lives of many Filipinos. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that ethical leadership and a commitment to excellence can drive meaningful change.
Glenn Banaguas: The Guru of Sustainability and Resiliency and The Father of Asian Science Diplomacy
Glenn Banaguas is a world-renowned science diplomat and multi-awarded scientist. Through his "Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service" program, he addresses climate change and disaster risks by leveraging science, technology, and innovation. This initiative provides essential tools to stakeholders at all levels, particularly the poorest and those in off-grid areas, empowering communities to build resilience and reduce their carbon footprint emissions. Banaguas also founded the “Asian Science Diplomacy” that trains scientists and engineers in communicating scientific knowledge for policymaking and decision-making. This approach brings peace to conflict-prone areas, demonstrating the transformative power of science diplomacy in creating a sustainable, equitable, and peaceful future for all. His exceptional work has earned him numerous esteemed awards, including the UN Sasakawa Laureate for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Asia Leaders Award for Sustainability Leadership, recognition as one of the Top 100 Asian Scientists, and The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureate. He has also been honored with prestigious fellowships from the US State Department’s US-ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship, The Royal Society of Arts, the Geneva Center for Security Policy, the Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellowship in Public Service, among other eminent international awards and recognitions.
As Mapua University celebrates its 100th founding anniversary, we are reminded of the remarkable alumni who embody the spirit of innovation, leadership, and dedication that has defined our institution for a century. Their contributions have not only advanced their respective fields but have also inspired future generations to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the world.
Their stories remind us that no dream is too big, and no challenge insurmountable. With hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact, we too can achieve greatness. As we look back on the past 100 years, we are filled with pride and hope for the future, knowing that Mapua University will continue to nurture the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Caption:
Upper Row (L-R): William Torres, Dado Banatao, and Leon Chua
Lower Row (L-R): Glenn Banaguas, Manuel Villar, and Antonio Abacan, Jr.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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