Photo by Pia B. Guballa

In investiture rites graced by over a thousand attendees, Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ officially assumed the position of president of the Ateneo de Manila University. He is the school’s 30th president.

The event was held yesterday at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, with a live broadcast to the Blue Eagle Gym and various units of the Ateneo Professional Schools through Internet live streaming.

The ceremony’s guest of honor was Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, who delivered a speech at the end of the program.

Aquino said he was confident that Ateneans would be more involved in nation-building under Villarin’s guidance.

As part of the investiture rites, Villarin received the university charter from former Ateneo President Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ. Villarin also received the university presidential medallion and the university mace.

In his inaugural address, Villarin said that the Ateneo community had long invested him even before the formal rites.

“During my first hundred days of tenure, you have been investing me with your love and trust,” he said.

A specially commissioned song number, entitled “Bagong Simula,” was performed during the occasion.

Editor’s Note: A full report on the event will be published in the September issue of The GUIDON.