“I humbly stand before you now as a steward of God in this institution and I am ready to serve,” so said business leader and philanthropist Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr. on Friday as he was installed as the 8th president of the Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P).
Before a big crowd at the university chapel, Alvaro underscored the need to keep core values in the midst of global industrial revolution and socio-political changes.
“The world before us is fast changing. Scholars say we are now in the 4th industrial revolution, there is technological innovations and socio-political shifts every single day,” Alvaro said in his speech.
He said that the Wesleyan community must be able to respond to these changes.
“The world does not need us to keep up. It demands us to evolve together,” he added.
In order to do this, the educator cum lay leader emphasized core values that include competence, compassion, unity, spirituality, and accountability which he said are anchored on service, character and scholarship. These are written on the WU-P logo.
From his commitments in business, community outreaches and even politics, Alvaro is back to his eccelesiatical duties at WU-P where he was once a student-pastor. WU-P is a university run by the United Methodist Church. It enjoys an autonomy status by CHED.
“I humbly stand before you now as a steward of God in this institution and I am ready to serve,” was a portion of his speech that was applauded.
In attendance are Senator Risa Hontiveros, leaders of the College of Bishops, LGU executives, representatives of other universities and colleges, WU-P Board of Trustees, faculty members, his friends and family.
Towards answering demand for simultaneous evolution, Alvaro exhorted the Wesleyan community to “sing one tune.”
“We hope we can have a world with one tune,” he said.
He has given meaning to S-I-N-G — sustainable, inspiring, nurturing and God-driven.
In his speech, Alvaro also revealed that he has been wanting to serve WU-P from five years ago. He has been feeling the need to serve and minister since then.
“In 2018, I offered myself to presidency. I have owed this institution so much. I have a duty to give back, to suffer and be sent. Instead of the presidency, I was relegated to serve as Board of Trustees for six months. It was frustrating. I watched from the sidelines,” he said.
