FUAAI Outstanding Alumni Awardees for 2025 Named

Every year during the Kasadyaan season, Foundation University reflects upon its institutional heritage and celebrates the alumni who embody the core values through the example of their lives. The university takes great pride in honoring their legacy, and recognizes their profound commitment to a common purpose through the Outstanding Alumni Awards. This is one of the highest honors the university can bestow for professional and civic accomplishments, and is only conferred upon a select group of exemplary graduates annually.

For 2025, the university bestows this honor to two exceptional individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen profession. Ms. Sophia Lynn B. Lumantod, graduate of the FU High School, Class of 1975, and a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Economics program in 1979, is awarded for her professional contributions in the telecommunications sector; and Atty. Ester A. Futalan, Ed.D, a graduate of Foundation University’s Doctor of Education program, Class of 2013, for the depth of her service towards the advancement of the country’s education system.

Ms. Lumantod’s professional ascendancy at the National Telecommunications Commission, the government body responsible for the regulation of telecommunication networks, is widely recognized by the industry, and is marked by a series of meritorious promotions that propelled her cause towards national development. Ms. Lumantod served in numerous leadership positions including Chief Administrative Officer, Human Resource Manager, Officer-in-Charge of the Management Division, and Chief Administrative Officer of NTC’s regional office in Region 7.

Her longstanding involvement with NATELCOM, and other key committees of NTC, highlights a deep preoccupation with public service and the slow but deliberate work of nation-building. The FM radio franchise that is currently operated by the university and is instrumental to campus communications is a generous gift from Ms. Lumantod, whose philanthropy has inspired and strengthened the university’s media outreach in Dumaguete.

Atty. Futalan is a distinguished educator who finished her doctoral degree in Education in 2013. With decades of experience in education, and a visionary leadership in her tenure with the Department of Education, evidenced in her position as Schools Division Superintendent and now OIC Director II of the Bureau of Learning Delivery at the DepEd Central Office, Atty. Futalan continues to leverage her expertise in order to forge a better future for Filipino learners. Atty. Futalan has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment towards educational equity and innovation, and inspired the Foundationite community for generations. Having served nearly every major leadership post in basic education, Atty. Futalan continues to distinguish her career, earning some of the highest honors in the profession, including the prestigious Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) designation and multiple national awards the most recent being GAWAD SULO for Eminent Alumni and PNU Alumni Trailblazer ng Agosto 2020.

Together with presenting the outstanding awards, the university also enjoins alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and strengthen their cause towards excellence for generations to come. The Generations of Greyhounds recognises families who have enrolled in the institution, and made Foundation University a family tradition across multiple generations. This tradition celebrates the enduring dedication to the cause of the institution and the profound belief in the quality of the service which Foundation University provides. This year, the Foundation University Alumni Association Inc. proudly recognizes the multi-generational commitment and the lasting contributions of the Catarata Family:

1st Generation:

Andrea Tecio Catarata - High School, BSE ED, MA, Ed.D

Natalia Tecio Tatoy - High School

Maura M. Tecio - High School & BS Agriculture

Felisa Tecio Ubag - Education

Gorgonio M. Tecio - CP-Education

Menarda Tecio Apenas - BS Commerce

Florencia Tecio Mapili - High School & BSE ED

2nd Generation:

Arthur T. Catarata - Elementary & High School

Annabelle T. Catarata - Elementary, High School & Secretarial

3rd Generation:

Pauline Marie P. Catarata - Kindergarten, Elementary, & High School

Arthur Mico P. Catarata - Kindergarten & Elementary

Aprylle Marie P. Catarata - Kindergarten