Silliman University : Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees 2025
Warlito S. Caturay Jr., PhD, LPT
Every year, Silliman University honors
outstanding alumni who embody the core values of Via, Veritas, Vita through their exceptional contributions in their fields
and communities.
On August 28, 2025, eight remarkable
Sillimanians from diverse backgrounds will be conferred the University’s
highest distinction. Let’s take a closer look at the lives and legacies of this
year’s Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees.
Dr. Rolando
O. Borrinaga
Outstanding
Sillimanian in the field of Cultural History
Dr. Rolando O. Borrinaga, a native of
Naval, Biliran, traces his academic beginnings to Silliman University (SU),
where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Agribusiness,
along with a Certificate in Philippine Studies in 1980. He later pursued a
Master of Management in Public Management from the University of the
Philippines Tacloban College and completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Social
Science Research at Leyte Normal University.
As an undergraduate student, he was
inspired by Silliman’s vibrant literary culture and the presence of esteemed
writers, which nurtured his passion for writing. This led him to become a
fellow of the SU National Writers Workshop. His early recognition as a fiction
and poetry awardee during his college years hinted at a path that would
eventually lead him away from agribusiness and into the field of historical and
cultural research.
A pioneering historian of Eastern
Visayas, Dr. Borrinaga is recognized nationally for his contributions to
cultural history. His research on the Balangiga Conflict of 1901 played a
critical role in shaping the decades-long campaign that culminated in the
historic return of the Bells of Balangiga in 2018. As an academic and prolific
writer, he has authored and edited numerous books, journal issues, and
community heritage profiles that have helped preserve the cultural identity of
the Leyte-Samar region. His groundbreaking work on ancient Visayan scripts,
particularly his decipherment of Baybayin inscriptions, and his decades-long
stewardship as Issue Editor of The Journal of History, have solidified his standing as a leading cultural
historian. These enduring contributions make him richly deserving of the
Outstanding Sillimanian Award in the field of Cultural History.
Despite his scholarly stature, Dr.
Borrinaga lives a life marked by simplicity, humility, and deep moral
conviction. He has consistently grounded his work and relationships in
Christian values of truth, justice, and compassion. He is known among peers and
community members as a quiet but effective mediator and mentor, someone who
listens more than he speaks and uplifts others without seeking the spotlight.
At home, he is a devoted husband and father who prioritizes family through
shared sacrifices and enduring love. In both personal and professional spheres,
he remains true to the ideals of service and integrity instilled in him during
his Silliman years.
Dr. Rose Mila A. Cipres-Jaucian
Outstanding Sillimanian in the field of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
A native of Looc, Dumaguete City, Dr. Rose
Mila Cipres-Jaucian graduated from Silliman University High School in 1961 and
went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine in 1965. Inspired by
mentors like Prof. Dioscoro Rabor, she pursued further studies at the
University of the Philippines College of Medicine, graduating with the Class of
1970.
Dr. Cipres-Jaucian’s career in
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine spans over four decades, with a remarkable record
of saving and improving the lives of countless newborns. After completing her
pediatric residency in Wilmington, Delaware, and her neonatology fellowship in
Phoenix, Arizona, she dedicated herself to caring for critically ill infants in
Level III and IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units across the United States. Her
expertise, combined with unwavering compassion, has earned her the respect of
colleagues and the gratitude of families, many calling her “Doctor Mom” for her
relentless dedication. Her legacy includes not just clinical excellence but
also mentoring young neonatologists, conducting medical missions in Negros
Oriental, and contributing to initiatives that improve neonatal care standards
worldwide.
A woman of deep faith, Dr. Cipres-Jaucian
credits her life’s work to divine guidance, often feeling God’s hand in moments
of critical decision-making. Together with her husband, Joseph Jaucian, she
raised four accomplished daughters while maintaining strong ties to her
Filipino roots and Christian values. Active in her parish and generous in
community service, she continues to live out the Silliman spirit of faith,
service, and excellence.
Dr.
Anabelle A. Cunanan-Locsin
Outstanding
Sillimanian in the field of Nursing Professional Development
Dr. Anabelle Alviola
Cunanan-Locsin hails from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. A true-blooded
Sillimanian, her academic journey at Silliman University began in elementary
school (Batch 1962) and continued through high school (Batch 1966), college (Bachelor
of Science in Nursing, 1971), and graduate school, where she earned both her
Master of Arts in Nursing major in Educational Administration (1977) and Doctor
of Education major in Educational Administration (1986). It was at Silliman
where she first cultivated a deep sense of purpose and professional commitment.
Her formative years at the university laid the foundation for what would become
a lifelong pursuit of excellence in nursing, education, and leadership.
Dr. Cunanan-Locsin has made
far-reaching contributions to nursing professional development. In the
U.S., she has assisted numerous Skilled Nursing Facilities in developing
comprehensive educational programs and ensuring compliance with clinical
competency standards. She has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Health
and various state healthcare associations to implement required training
programs that certify staff as Infection Preventionists. As an educator, she
helped healthcare institutions comply with Federal, State, and OSHA
requirements by designing facility education plans, annual training calendars,
and onboarding programs for new employees.
Her expertise has also been pivotal in
supporting healthcare facilities in achieving Joint Commission
accreditation, ensuring staff are clinically competent and prepared to deliver
high-quality care. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered presentations at
regional, state, national, and international conferences, helping influence
healthcare systems and elevate standards of care. Her passion for education
also extends into the community, where she has created patient education
programs aimed at improving health literacy and empowering individuals.
Beyond her professional
accomplishments, Dr. Cunanan-Locsin is known for her grounded Christian faith
and unwavering personal integrity. She views nursing not merely as a
profession, but as a ministry, which is infused with compassion, service, and a
commitment to healing.
Dr.
Janamitra Devan
Outstanding
Sillimanian in the field of International Development Economics
Dr. Janamitra “Dev” Devan, a native of
Singapore, began his transformative academic journey at Silliman University
during the school year 1977–1978. Having struggled through the rigid education
system in Singapore, it was at Silliman where Dev first encountered a learning
environment that valued open dialogue, critical thinking, and deep human
connection. Encouraged by inspiring teachers such as National Artist Edith
Tiempo and other Silliman greats, he excelled for the first time academically,
earning near-straight A’s and rediscovering his love for learning. That single
year at Silliman ignited his academic rise, which later took him to Indiana
University, where he graduated with honors in Quantitative Business Analysis,
and went on to earn an MBA and a PhD in Business Economics and International
Business.
Dr. Devan has built a distinguished
global career in international development economics, making significant
contributions to poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and economic transformation.
As Vice President of the World Bank Group, he led key reforms and innovations
during the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis and launched globally
impactful tools such as the Ease of Doing Business and Women, Business, and the Law reports. He played a pivotal role in global
economic policymaking through leadership in G20 initiatives, multilateral
forums, and think tanks, and most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer of
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious $1 trillion smart city project. His lifelong
work in both public and private sectors reflects a commitment to economic
development that empowers nations and uplifts lives, truly embodying the ideals
of the Outstanding Sillimanian Award in International Development Economics.
Rooted in a rich spiritual background,
Dr. Devan was raised by devout Hindu parents and educated in a Methodist
school, where he first encountered the Christian faith. His spiritual journey
has been one of openness and depth; one that values compassion, wisdom, and
integrity above all. His marriage to Filipina Sabrina Co deepened his
connection with her Catholic faith and to the Philippines. Together, they
imparted the strength of a values-based upbringing for their three children. Today,
he continues to engage in interfaith reflection and philanthropy, notably
establishing the President Devan Nair and Dhanam Nair Scholarship Fund at
Silliman University in honor of his parents and the life-changing education he
received. Dr. Devan’s life exemplifies a deep sense of gratitude, global
service, and unwavering faith in the transformative power of values-driven
leadership.
Dr. Joel A.
Gamo
Outstanding
Sillimanian in the field of Medical Education
Dr. Joel A. Gamo was born in
Dumaguete City and began his educational journey at Silliman University. He
completed his Kindergarten in 1967, graduated valedictorian from the Elementary
Department in 1973, and again as valedictorian from the High School Department
in 1977. At Silliman, he thrived not only academically but also in music,
sports, and service, joining the Rondalla, Boy Scouts, and school athletic
teams. He pursued his pre-medical studies at the University of the
Philippines–Diliman, earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, cum
laude. He then completed his Doctor of Medicine at the University
of the Philippines College of Medicine in 1985.
Dr. Gamo’s professional journey
reflects an extraordinary dedication to both medical education and community
service. After completing his residency in Rehabilitation Medicine at the
Philippine General Hospital, he became the founding dean of the College of
Physical Therapy at Davao Doctors College, where he designed the curriculum,
developed course syllabi, and recruited faculty. At the same time, he served as
a practicing physiatrist in four major hospitals in Davao City. His leadership
extended beyond the academic sphere: he chaired the first-ever Philippine
Medical Association Annual Convention held outside Metro Manila in 1998,
bringing together over a thousand physicians from across the country. His
career later took him to the United States, where he rose to the rank of Full
Professor at West Coast University, teaching courses in Anatomy, Physiology,
Pathophysiology, and Epidemiology. Additionally, he has held an Assistant
Professorship at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, one of the world’s
leading institutions, where he is the only Filipino faculty member teaching
cadaver dissection. A passionate educator and innovator, he integrates
technology like augmented reality in teaching anatomy and has produced over a
hundred educational videos. He is also a published author and a sought-after
speaker on health education.
A man of deep faith and compassion, Dr.
Gamo’s Christian formation began at Silliman and continued throughout his life.
He has been actively involved in church and civic projects, always anchoring
his work in a sense of purpose and service. After the heartbreaking loss of his
youngest son Miguel to depression, he and his wife Ethel established the Miguel
Gamo Mental Health Advocacy Foundation, which offers mental health education,
support programs like Blue Therapy and Urban Gardening, and suicide prevention
initiatives.
Carla P. Gomez
Outstanding Sillimanian in the field of Community Journalism
Carla P. Gomez hails from Bacolod City,
Negros Occidental. A proud Sillimanian, she graduated from Silliman University
High School in 1978 and completed her Bachelor of Mass Communication degree in
1982. During her years in Silliman, she was immersed in a values-based education
that shaped her lifelong commitment to ethical journalism and public service.
She later pursued graduate studies in journalism at the University of Arizona
in the United States, further sharpening her skills and widening her global
perspective.
A journalist whose career in community
journalism spans more than four decades, Gomez has made remarkable
contributions to Philippine media. She served the Visayan Daily Star for over
thirty years, rising from reporter to editor, and played a key role in sustaining
the newspaper during financially difficult times. As editor of Digicast Negros,
she continues to write stories that give voice to the marginalized—from orphans
and the elderly to victims of injustice and poverty. Her investigative and
human-interest stories have appeared in major national dailies and
international news agencies. She has co-authored and contributed to significant
publications, including Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo: Heart of the East, Tempo of the West and Negosyo: Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs. For her dedication to truth-telling and
nation-building, she is recognized as a deserving recipient of the 2025
Outstanding Sillimanian Award in Community Journalism.
Gomez’s life is a reflection of her
Christian values: honesty, compassion, and service. Deeply rooted in faith, she
has remained steadfast in advocating for the voiceless, particularly children,
women, and the poor. Her work is not just a profession but a ministry grounded
in the conviction that journalism must uplift lives and bring about justice.
Described by mentors and peers alike as ethical, courageous, and
mission-driven, she embodies the Silliman motto: Via, Veritas, Vita—the Way,
the Truth, and the Life.
Dr. Eva
Rose Washburn-Repollo
Outstanding
Sillimanian in the field of Education, Culture, and the Arts
Dr. Eva Rose B. Washburn-Repollo was
born and raised in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. She completed her secondary
education at Silliman University High School in 1980 and earned her Bachelor of
Arts in Speech and Theater Arts in 1984 and Master of Arts in English in 1987
from Silliman University. She later pursued advanced degrees abroad, obtaining
a Master of Science in Reading from Southern Connecticut State University and a
Ph.D. in Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy from the University of Hawai‘i at
Mānoa.
Dr. Washburn-Repollo is an acclaimed
educator, cultural advocate, and artist whose work bridges education, culture,
and the arts. As a professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu, she has
mentored countless students and produced award-winning documentaries,
publications, bilingual children’s books, and cultural programs that promote
Filipino and Pacific heritage. Her efforts include founding the Cebuano
Language and Culture Program in the United States, producing multicultural
media projects, and spearheading literacy and cultural education initiatives
for underserved communities. These exceptional achievements make her richly
deserving of the Outstanding Sillimanian Award in the field of Education, Culture,
and the Arts.
Grounded in her Christian faith and a
strong commitment to community, Dr. Washburn-Repollo lives a life of service
and compassion. She is known for her generosity and integrity, qualities
expressed through her leadership roles in community organizations, her
volunteer work with survivors of domestic violence, and her dedication to free
literacy programs for children in Negros Oriental. A devoted wife and active
member of her church and community in Hawai‘i, she continues to embody the Silliman
spirit in her personal and professional life.
Atty. Riza Faith C. Ybañez
Outstanding Sillimanian in the field of Global Business Ethics
Atty. Riza Faith Catacutan Ybañez hails
from Dumaguete City, where she spent her formative years and completed her
education at Silliman University—from Early Childhood (1974), Elementary
(1980), High School (1984) to college. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in
English from Silliman in 1993, and later pursued her Juris Doctor at the
University of the Philippines College of Law, graduating with honors in 1999.
Deeply influenced by her Silliman upbringing and her mother, Prof. Norma
Ybañez—a pioneer in gender studies—she developed a strong foundation in
advocacy and public service.
A trailblazer in the field of global business
ethics, Atty. Ybañez has earned distinction through her pioneering work in
corporate integrity and regulatory compliance, particularly in the healthcare
and pharmaceutical industry. Currently Country Head for Ethics, Risk, and
Compliance at Novartis India, she has led regional and global teams in
upholding ethical standards in business operations across Asia, Africa, and the
United States. Her leadership in drafting and implementing ethical codes of
conduct, including contributing to the DOH Administrative Order on
pharmaceutical marketing, has been internationally recognized, notably through
the 2015 APEC Business Ethics Lighthouse Award. Her work exemplifies the
responsible practice of law and business anchored in public welfare.
Throughout her journey, Atty. Ybañez
has remained steadfast in her Christian faith, a commitment nurtured by years
of involvement in the Silliman Church. As a youth, she served as
editor-in-chief of the Parish News and joined church camps and ministries,
experiences that shaped her spiritual resilience and ethical compass. She
continues to support SU’s Center for Gender Studies and Development and the
Silliman Church Heritage Project, living out her belief that faith in action is
key to personal and social transformation. Her life is a testimony to the
Silliman spirit: faithful, ethical, and purpose-driven.
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