Cover The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has conferred the Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, on Alice Eduardo—builder, philanthropist and industry trailblazer.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has conferred the Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, on Alice Eduardo—builder, philanthropist and industry trailblazer.
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“Woman of Steel” Alice Eduardo was awarded UST’s Doctor of Commerce degree for her transformational leadership, nation-building work and philanthropy
The hallowed halls of Manila’s venerable University of Santo Tomas (UST), a bastion of academic rigour, tradition and history, played host on 30 September to an investiture of singular significance, a ceremony befitting a true titan of industry. Alice Eduardo—president and chief executive officer of Santa Elena Construction and Development Corporation—was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa.
Eduardo’s odyssey began years ago, as a commerce student roaming UST’s very halls, armed with little more than ambition and an unshakable sense of purpose. She would go on to build not only bridges and roads, but also pathways of opportunity, structures of stone and steel entwined with the invisible scaffolding of dreams. Under her leadership, Santa Elena has become one of the Philippines’ pre-eminent infrastructure firms, stretching its reach from power plants to ports, to roadways and iconic urban developments.
Above Eduardo, Laude and Solidum family and friends
Eduardo, Laude and Solidum family and friends
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Yet beneath this formidable exterior lies what UST Rector Very Rev Fr Richard G Ang, OP, PhD, describes as “a heart as soft and gentle as silk”. In his address, he lauded Eduardo for embodying a rare balance of strength forged in the fire of corporate leadership, tempered by an abiding kindness and empathy. “She has shattered glass ceilings in an industry long dominated by men”, he said, “while holding fast to uncompromised values that shine through in her achievements and philanthropic works.”
Faith, Eduardo has often shared, is her enduring source of strength. “For her, success is not just a personal achievement; it is a responsibility to serve others and uplift those in need,” Fr Ang added. This philosophy underpins her extensive charitable work, from supporting paediatric care at the Philippine General Hospital to building homes for families who once had none. Santa Elena has also extended help to organisations like Habitat for Humanity, Tuloy Foundation, Go Negosyo, Caritas Manila and the Philippine Red Cross.
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Eduardo with Mons Romulo, Small Laude, Pops Fernandez, Anton San Diego, Karen Davila, Garlic Garcia, Melba Eduardo-Solidum, Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Alberto and Lovely Romulo
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In her acceptance speech, Eduardo recalled how her parents once dreamed she might don a white coat and become a doctor. “While I may not be able to cure physical ailments”, she reflected, “I believe that through business, leadership, and service, I have been able to contribute in another way—by creating opportunities, building livelihoods and helping communities thrive.”
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For Eduardo, commerce has never been a mere matter of ledgers and transactions. “It is about people,” she said. “About building trust, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities where none existed before. It is about lifting others as we rise, ensuring that progress is not for the few but shared by the many.” With this latest accolade, Eduardo joins an illustrious circle of UST honorary degree recipients—presidents, visionaries and leaders who have shaped history. And yet, true to form, her response was disarmingly humble. “I accept this award not as an end,” she declared, “but as a renewed commitment to contribute, mentor, and build for the future.”
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Photography: Medal Elepano
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
