Prof. Valentin C. Dones III was honored as the Outstanding Professional of the Year 2024 in Physical Therapy by the Professional Regulation Commission. The award ceremony took place on August 2, 2024, recognizing his significant contributions to the field.
Dones expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of being motivated by a passion to serve others. He dedicated this achievement to God and his family. He highlighted the value of prayer and viewing every action as a form of worship. He encouraged his fellow Thomasians to approach their duties with love, extend gratitude to their supporters, forgive those who have wronged them, and consider every task as an opportunity to honor and thank God.
Throughout his career, Dones has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing physical therapy. He has held various leadership roles, including Professor at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Supervisor of the Center for Health Research and Movement Science, and CEO of PainFree Management and Consulting, Inc. and PainFree Foundation. His commitment to his profession and excellence in service have earned him several honors, such as the 2023 DOST-PCHRD NCR Best Mentor in Health Research Award (Junior/Early Career Researchers Category), recognition for his contributions to the COVID-19 Living Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Philippines, the 2024 Australia Awards Fellowship, and multiple UST publication awards, including the Gold Series Publication Award (2020-2022) and several Silver Series Publication Awards (2016-2020).
On the same occasion, Architecture alumnus, Ar. Edison Ching M. Padilla was also awarded as the Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Architecture. Ar. Padilla is currently the National President of the Philippines Association of Building Officials. In 2018, he was honored with the ASEAN Architect title by the PRC-International Affairs Division 鈥� ASEAN Architects Registry and the Royal Institution of Architects – Singapore conferred him the title of Fellow.
A notable contribution by Ar. Padilla was his development of the country鈥檚 first automated building and construction permits application system 鈥� the 3S Plus Electronic Terminal. This groundbreaking system revolutionized the permit application process, showcasing his commitment to efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.
The 3S Plus Electronic Terminal system did not only streamline procedures but also earned him notable accolades, including the UAP Plaque of Appreciation in 2014. His innovation set a benchmark for future developments and was instrumental in shaping the online governance and the creation of One Stop Shop for Construction Permits (OSCP) at the Office of the Building Official (OBO)in Valenzuela City.
These recognitions awarded to two outstanding Thomasians truly reflect the values of competence, commitment, and compassion.
