The University of Santo Tomas conferred the Doctor of Commerce degree, honoris causa, upon College of Commerce and Business Administration alumna Ms. Alice G. Eduardo (Class 1986) in a solemn investiture on September 30, 2025.
Eduardo received the honorary degree for her transformational leadership, corporate triumphs, and life and work that stand as a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of education and faith, embodying the ideals of leadership in commerce dedicated to the service of God, country, and humanity.
Eduardo is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Santa Elena Construction and Development Corporation, one of the country’s leading construction firms that built bridges, roads, buildings, and other infrastructure projects that contributed to nation-building.
The woman of steel and ‘silk’
For UST Rector Very Rev. fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, while Eduardo lived up to her “Woman of Steel” moniker, beneath her formidable exterior lies a heart of compassion, soft and gentle as silk for her grace and kindness.
“The rare balance of strength and sensitivity made Alice Eduardo both a powerful leader and an empathetic person,” he said.
The Rector likewise lauded Eduardo for shattering glass ceilings in an industry long dominated by men. At the same time, she has imbued uncompromised values, which were reflected in her stellar achievements, corporate social responsibility practice, and philanthropic efforts that gave back to people.
Moreover, fr. Ang underscored that faith was her source of strength amidst life’s challenges. “For her, success is not just a personal achievement, but it is a responsibility to serve others and uplift those in need,” the Rector said.
During the last UAAP Season 88 Grand Opening on September 19, Eduardo was among the Thomasian Luminaries who carried the UAAP flag. For the Rector, she was “considered one of the icons of hope not only for the universities but also for the nation.”
“This honor that the University will confer upon you today is not just earned. It is a reflection of the light you have shared and the legacy you continue to build for a hopeful future,” fr. Ang said.
A doctor, but healing in another way
In her acceptance speech, Eduardo recalled that among her parents’ dreams was for her to don the white coat and be a medical doctor. But life had other plans, which led her to take BS-Commerce and “heal” people from a different vantage point.
“While I may not be able to cure physical ailments, I believe that through business, leadership, and service, I have been able to contribute in another way by creating opportunities, building livelihoods, and helping communities thrive,” Eduardo said.
For the construction magnate, Commerce goes beyond numbers, for it is about forging ties with the community. “Commerce is not merely about numbers on a balanced sheet or transactions across a table. It is about people. It is about building trust, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities where none existed before. It is about lifting others as we rise, assuring that progress is not for the few but shared by the many,” she said.
“At its heart, Commerce has the power to transform lives, to bridge divides, and to serve as a force for the good,” Eduardo added.
Eduardo joins the illustrious list of UST honorary degree recipients, which include Philippine presidents, judiciary luminaries, clergy, as well as foreign royals, leaders, and academics.
Watch the conferment ceremonies here: https://www.facebook.com/UST1611official/videos/1270527291487551.