Posthumous Conferment of the Degree Doctor of Science Honoris Causa upon Mr. Ricardo S. Po, Sr.

On March 19, 2022 (Saturday), the University of Santo Tomas will honor one of its esteemed alumni, the late Mr. Ricardo S. Po, Sr. (MBA Class 2006), with the posthumous conferment of the degree Doctor of Science, honoris causa, in a Solemn Investiture at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the Bl. Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building.

A man of science

Mr. Ricardo S. Po, Sr. (1931-2021) is the Founder of Century Pacific Food, Incorporated, one of the country’s biggest food manufacturing companies specializing in private-label tuna products. He first studied in the University’s old College of Liberal Arts, the forerunner of the present-day College of Science, but due to financial difficulties had to stop his pursuit of the degree in Industrial Chemistry. Not one to be deterred, he embarked on a career in publishing and advertising, as well as stock brokerage.

It was in 1978 when he combined his academic preparation in chemistry as well as his exposure to the world of business and founded the present-day Century Pacific Food, Inc., where he became known as a hands-on entrepreneur who valued innovation and diversification, as translated to the wide array of products CPFI has been known for.

In 2006, by virtue of the Commission on Higher Education’s equivalency program, he earned the Master of Business Administration degree from UST, which likewise honored him the year later with The Outstanding Thomasian ALumni (TOTAL) Award.

Mr. Po left behind a legacy of excellence and innovation as he joined our Creator in 2021. He is survived by his family and the entire CPFI team in championing “affordable nutrition” for every Filipino household.

The ceremony will be attended by top University officials, led by the Very Rev. fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., O.P., Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Trustees, and the Very Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, Rector. The Po family will represented by Mrs. Angelita T. Po, the wife of the honoree, and their sons, Ricardo Gabriel, Christopher, Teodoro Alexander, and Leonardo Arthur, accompanied by their spouses.

The nomination for Mr. Po emanated from the UST College of Science and was endorsed by the UST Graduate School. It passed through the scrunity of the University’s governing bodies, including the Academic Senate, Council of Regents, and the Board of Trustees.

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