Sillimanians in Caraga gather for post-Founders Day fellowship
A group photo with Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, and Surigao City Alumni Chapter members. Also present were Mayor Philip A. Pichay, President of the Silliman Alumni Chapter of Surigao City, and Atty. Rene Burdeos, SUAA Butuan City Chapter President.
Alumni Update September 7 – 13, 2026
The Silliman University Alumni Association, Inc. (SUAAI) Butuan City Chapter hosted a Post-Founders Day Fellowship on September 5, 2026, at VJ’s Ihaw-Ihaw and Sports Bar in Butuan City. The gathering united Sillimanians across the Caraga Region, bringing together members from the host chapter alongside representatives from the Surigao City and Cabadbaran City chapters.
Ruben N. Bokingo, Director of Silliman University’s Alumni and External Affairs, served as the guest speaker.
In his address, Bokingo highlighted the enduring Silliman Spirit and reflected on the university’s historic 125th anniversary, calling on alumni to uphold the institution’s motto: Via, Veritas, Vita (The Way, The Truth, The Life).
Bringing the Silliman spirit to the Caraga Region! SU Alumni and External Affairs Director Ruben N. Bokingo shares an inspiring message with fellow Sillimanians at the SUAAI Butuan City Chapter Post-Founders Day Fellowship.
“There is something deeply comforting about being here with all of you today. We are miles away from Dumaguete, and yet, looking around, I feel like we are all instantly transported back home… Distance has never been able to dim the Silliman Spirit,” Bokingo said during his address.
“This year, our alma mater marks a historic milestone—125 years. It is a breathtaking legacy of faith, service, and excellence. And as we gather under this year’s theme, Remembering with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Hope, I can’t help but reflect on what that truly means for us here in Butuan.”
“When we talk about Remembering with Gratitude, we aren’t just reading history books… We brought those sacred moments here to Agusan del Norte. We used the Via, Veritas, Vita taught to us to build our careers, raise our families, and serve our communities. For that unbreakable foundation, our hearts are overflowing with thanks.”
SU Alumni and External Affairs Director Mr. Ruben N. Bokingo (center) receives a plaque of appreciation from SUAAI Butuan City Chapter Junior President Mr. Benjamin C. Cabusas, Jr. (left). Looking on is Cabadbaran City Alumni Chapter Representative Mr. Moses Joshua B. Atega (right).
“As an alumni chapter, we are not just keepers of old memories; we are the living extensions of Silliman’s future. Our hope is rooted in Christ, and our mission is to channel that hope right here in your community… We may be far from the campus by the sea, but the sea remains in our hearts,” he added.
The fellowship concluded with an announcement from Surigao City Mayor and Surigao Silliman Alumni Chapter President Hon. Philip A. Pichay, who will host an early Christmas Fellowship in Surigao—including a side trip to Siargao Island—on December 5, 2026. Further details regarding the Surigao event will be announced soon.
