UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub formally opens
The inauguration of the UP Ayala Land TechnoHub was held last Friday, November 21, 2008, with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in attendance together with representatives from the University of the Philippines, the Quezon City local government, Ayala Land and other special guests.
The day started with the blessing of the country’s first Science and Technology Park and ALI’s first office development in Quezon City by UP Chaplain Fr. Raymond Arre. Among those present during the blessing were executives from Ayala Land Inc. headed by ALI Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, ALI CEO & President Jaime Ayala, Ayala Land Businesscapes Group Head Marivic Añonuevo and MDC & APMC President Raul Irlanda. The UP delegation was led by the Chairman of the Board of Regents Emmanuel Angeles, Board of Regents Member Justice Abraham Sarmiento and UP President Dr. Emerlinda Roman.
After the doxology performed by the UP Singing Ambassadors, the national anthem was played to signal the arrival of PGMA. The formal program then started with welcome remarks delivered by ALI President Jim Ayala then followed by a message from UP President, Dr. Emer Roman. PGMA, as keynote speaker and guest of honor, delivered a 10-minute speech highlighting the contribution of the UP-AyalaLand TechnoHub to the government’s overall development plan for the IT and IT-ES industry.
Immediately after the President’s speech, PGMA led the virtual ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremonies signaling the formal opening of the TechnoHub and then proceeded to take a short tour of the surrounding facilities accompanied by Mr. Zobel de Ayala, Mr. Ayala and Mayor Sonny Belmonte. PGMA was shown the Tech Portal’s exhibit areas, conference rooms and other amenities. She was also greeted by UP students from the College of Computer Science and Engineering who were showcasing their most recent inventions at the Tech Portal.
To cap off the inauguration, guests were entertained by the UP Pep Squad and the UP Street Dance Club who performed exciting routines and midair stunts together with the Airdancers who displayed acrobatic prowess while suspended from trusses and drapings high above the ground. All these were viewed while enjoying cocktails served by Margarita Fores’ Cibo di M.