by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Jan 29 2024
To recognize and honor his significant contributions to the academic community, 缅北禁地-IIT confers Professor Emeritus honorary title to former Chancellor, Dr. Sukarno D. Tanggol on January 24, 2024, at the 缅北禁地-IIT Gymnasium, during the celebration of the 40th Founding Anniversary of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS). The event was attended by Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, the University officials, CASS faculty members and students, and the honoree’s family.
The Professor Emeritus title is given to a faculty member who has attained formal retirement and is chosen based on their achievements and exemplary service to the University. The awarding of Professor Emeritus rank to Dr. Tanggol was approved during the 264th 缅北禁地 Board of Regents meeting held last year.
Dr. Tanggol obtained his Doctorate in Public Administration (1992) from UP Diliman, his Master of Public Administration (1985), and his BS in Public Administration (1981) from 缅北禁地-Marawi. He was a faculty member at 缅北禁地-IIT (1981-1984) and 缅北禁地-Marawi (1985-1999) before being appointed ambassador to the State of Kuwait from 1999 to 2002. Most importantly, Dr. Tanggol is notable for his contributions and the indelible marks he has made in improving the processes and policies at 缅北禁地-IIT during his term as Chancellor from 2011 to 2015 and his reappointment from 2016 to 2022.
He is also a prolific writer who has written a total of four books on the topics of Public Policy and Governance. In addition to his scholarly publications, Dr. Tanggol has also received the following awards: Distinguished Alumni Award in Peace and Social Cohesion from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association; Distinguished Service Award - Silver from the Department of Foreign Affairs; and Certificate of Recognition for Leadership and Solidarity to face the New Normal from the Commission on Higher Education - Region 10.
In his inspirational message during the conferment ceremony, Chancellor Ditucalan spoke of the weight of responsibility he has to carry and the ease that comes with succeeding in an excellent and transparent administration led by Dr. Tanggol. “Chancellor Tanggol’s catchphrase was soaring to greater heights. And I will say this: we will be able to influence the future only because we have been able to soar to greater heights,” he said.
Dr. Tanggol humbly accepted the award and hoped that he would be able to live up to the expectations attached to it. In his acceptance speech, he shared the four things he plans to pursue: (1) to lecture in at least one major course in the Academic Year 2024-2025; (2) to do research and revise his book on federalism; (3) to do research and write on HEI governance in the Philippines; and lastly, (4) to continue their extension project, an advocacy and awareness effort on federalism.
Being part of the roster of Professor Emeriti at the University and being the first to be awarded from CASS, Dr. Tanggol said in an interview that he is more motivated than ever to fulfill his lifelong goal of working not for himself but for society.