Ateneo de Davao Honors Outstanding Undergraduates at GAWAD 2026
Ateneo de Davao University recognized 555 President’s Listers and 1,053 Dean’s Listers at GAWAD, Gabi ng Parangal 2026, held on 28 October 2026 at the 4th Floor of Martin Hall.
The ceremony celebrated the academic excellence and milestones of the University’s undergraduate students across its five schools. Highest QPI awardees and the Most Outstanding Students for the first to third year levels, selected by the University’s Honors and Awards Committee, were also recognized.
Presenters and program
University President Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, presented the awards together with Dr. Renante Pilapil, Vice President for Higher Education; Dr. Nelly Limbadan, RPsy, RPm, CSCLP, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Margie Clavano, CPA, Dean of the School of Business and Governance; Dr. Renyl Barroca, ME, Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture; Dr. Melanie Jeane Galvez, LPT, Dean of the School of Education; Dr. Liza Floresca, RN, MAN, Dean of the School of Nursing; and Atty. Edgar Pascua II, Registrar for Higher Education. Dr. Jennifer Joy Chiongson served as the master of ceremonies.
Beyond recognition
Dr. Pilapil opened the program by encouraging the awardees to look beyond the recognition they received. He described their honors not only as marks of accomplishment but also as reminders of what they are capable of doing for others, and urged them to let their achievements move them toward greater responsibility, service to their communities, and the building of a more just, compassionate, and humane society.
The awardees
Among the awardees, the School of Arts and Sciences had 245 President’s Listers and 436 Dean’s Listers. The School of Business and Governance followed with 209 and 348, the School of Education with 32 and 34, the School of Engineering and Architecture with 35 and 92, and the School of Nursing with 34 and 143.
The Highest QPI awardees were Ms. Bea Nicole Yap of BS Business Management for the first year, with a QPI of 3.95; Ms. Kessia Dawn Agacayan of AB Psychology for the second year, with a perfect 4.0; Ms. Hyacinth Louise Duldulao of BS Marketing and Mr. Jeremy James Madelo for the third year, both with a perfect 4.0; and Ms. Mary Elaine Litob for the fourth year, with a QPI of 3.89.
Fourteen students were named Most Outstanding Students: four from the first year, five from the second, and five from the third. The award is conferred on individuals chosen from among department nominees for exemplary academic performance, spiritual maturity, and active social involvement.
Topping each level were Ms. Ellysse Colleen Ciano of BS Civil Engineering – Structural Engineering, the Most Outstanding 1st Year Student; Ms. Sheena May Gonzales of AB Psychology, the Most Outstanding 2nd Year Student; and Ms. Hyacinth Louise Duldulao of BS Marketing, the Most Outstanding 3rd Year Student.
Gratitude, humility, and mission
In his address, Fr. San Juan said the occasion was, at its heart, a celebration of excellence. He invited the students to reflect on three ideals as they build on that excellence: gratitude, humility, and mission.
The University congratulates all awardees for their dedication and commitment to forming themselves as persons for and with others, and for pursuing academic excellence in service of the greater good.
