Validating someone’s contribution to the nation or society is an affirmation of the success of every graduate and the academic institution that has helped them become competent professionals as well as citizens of character. Recently, the University of Makati has recognized 50 notable graduates through the RAHA (Remarkable Alumni Herons Awards) just this April 21, 2022 as part of the yearlong event for the University of Makati 50th Founding Anniversary. The RAHA aims to honor alumni who exemplify excellence in their respective fields or chosen professions.

The University of Makati would be the only one or one of the few universities in the Philippines financing its own RAHA or the Outstanding Alumni Awards. This year, the City Government of Makati through the University of Makati shelved out PhP843,500.00, the highest appropriated fund by the City of Makati for alumni events. Acknowledging these awardees has been initiated by the university through the Center of Alumni Affairs (CAA) in order to bring forth to the community and the university the challenges and the triumphs of our graduates equipped with grit and enthusiasm as they face adversities of their chosen fields or professions.

The awardees, quests, alumni, and UMak officials and staff were treated with a sumptuous lunch while souvenir programs were provided as well as plaques of recognition, bouquets of flowers, loot bags with mementos and leis were also given to recipients of the ceremony. The Center also installed Sintra boards on exhibition panels for the portraits of awardees, and decorated flowers on the stage and the Exhibit Gallery. The Gallery 50 Herons was opened by the Management Committee officials, CAA Director, and the alumni president with the cutting of ribbons and then viewing on photo display by the awardees and relatives, UMak staff and guests.