DMCI Homes reaffirms support for UP College of Engineering

UP Diliman College of Engineering (file photo)

Quadruple A developer DMCI Homes has renewed its commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability in the construction industry through its continued support for the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering (UP COE) Professorial Chair Awards for Academic Year 2026-2027. 

Implemented through the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI), the professorial chair program recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated excellence and distinction in their respective fields while supporting research and academic initiatives that contribute to the advancement of engineering education. 

A ceremonial partnership renewal program was held last Aug. 4 at The Hub, National Engineering Center, Juinio Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. 

The event was attended by Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, Dean of the UP Diliman College of Engineering; Nicanor Villaseñor III, President of UPERDFI; Engr. Alfonso Aliga Jr., Executive Director of UPERDFI; Dr. Jose Regin F. Regidor, Director of the UP Institute of Civil Engineering (UP ICE); and Dr. Sandy Mae A. Gaspay, Associate Dean for Alumni and Institutional Linkages of the UP COE. 

Also present were recipients of the DMCI Homes Professorial Chairs, Dr. Fernando J. Germar and Dr. Eric Augustus J. Tingatinga, both professors at UP ICE. 

During the ceremony, university officials highlighted the impact of the partnership on faculty development, research, and student outcomes. 

"We have had a very long, productive, and fruitful relationship," Dr. Regidor said. "The support provided to our faculty ultimately reflects on our students because they are the products of this collaboration. We cannot produce excellent students without excellent faculty, and we cannot have excellent faculty without the support of industry partners, particularly DMCI Homes." 

Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, Dean of the UP Diliman College of Engineering, speaks during the partnership renewal ceremony between DMCI Homes and the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI) at UP Diliman

Dr. Tanchuling said the professorial chairs serve as a valuable mechanism for promoting excellence in engineering education and research. 

"The professorial chairs supported by DMCI Homes are a testament to your commitment to fostering excellence in engineering education," she said. "These help sustain the research efforts of our professors. We hope to work even more closely with our industry partners so that our research outputs can create a meaningful impact on the country, the industry, and our partners themselves." 

Meanwhile, Engr. Aliga underscored the value of industry investments in engineering education. 

"The Consunji companies are well invested in UP Engineering, and we are doing our best to ensure that those investments generate meaningful returns in the form of better projects, stronger faculty development, and impactful research," he said. 

Recipients of the professorial chairs also shared how the program has contributed to their academic and research work. 

Dr. Germar said the recognition enabled him to further pursue research in his specialization.  

"I am grateful to DMCI Homes for the professorial chair, which I have enjoyed over the past several years," he said. "Because of this support, I was able to conduct studies in my field of research, particularly structural earthquake engineering and structural retrofitting." 

For Dr. Tingatinga, the award serves as a source of motivation to continue exceeding expectations as an educator and researcher. "The award keeps me motivated to do more than what is expected of faculty members," he said. 

From left to right: Dr. Fernando J. Germar, Professor, UP Institute of Civil Engineering (UP ICE); Dr. Jose Regin F. Regidor, Director, UP Institute of Civil Engineering; Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, Dean, UP Diliman College of Engineering; Butch Mendizabal Jr., Corporate Communications Manager, DMCI Homes; Nicanor Villaseñor III, President, UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI); Dr. Sandy Mae A. Gaspay, Associate Dean for Alumni and Institutional Linkages, UP College of Engineering; Engr. Alfonso Aliga Jr., Executive Director, UPERDFI; and Dr. Eric Augustus J. Tingatinga, Professor, UP Institute of Civil Engineering. 

For DMCI Homes, supporting the UP College of Engineering forms part of its commitment to nation-building through education and the development of future industry leaders. 

Butch Mendizabal, Corporate Communications Manager of DMCI Homes, said investing in academic institutions helps create opportunities for future professionals to contribute to the country's progress. 

"UP is helping build future leaders through quality education, and these future professionals will contribute to nation-building," Mr. Mendizabal said. "That is why DMCI Homes has remained committed to supporting quality education and institutions that help develop the country's future workforce." 

DMCI Homes' support for the UP COE is part of Kaakbay sa Edukasyon, one of the company's flagship corporate social responsibility programs that aims to strengthen educational institutions and promote academic excellence. 

Beyond the professorial chairs, DMCI Homes has contributed significantly to the development of UP ICE facilities and learning environments. Among its notable donations are a 2,000-kN Universal Testing Machine for the Construction Materials and Structures Laboratory (CoMSLab), a lecture room, a computational laboratory, a canteen, and the 260-seat David M. Consunji Theater. 

The partnership traces its roots to the late Engr. David M. Consunji, founder of DMCI Holdings, Inc. and co-founder of UPERDFI in 1972. Through the foundation, Engr. Consunji sought to help cultivate the country's brightest engineering minds with the goal of "fostering the best minds in the academe to engineer a better Philippines." 

 

DMCI Homes is the country’s first Quadruple A real estate developer, with projects in Mega Manila, Baguio City, Tuba in Benguet, San Juan in Batangas, Boracay, Cebu City, and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s over 70 years of expertise in the construction and development industry.  

To learn more about DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, call (632) 5324-8888. You can also visit leasing.dmcihomes.com to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.