The Ateneo de Naga University community held a blessing on its newest campus structure — the Fr Godofredo Alingal, SJ Hall — on 27 May 2017. The five-storey building has 24 classrooms, computer and science laboratories, library, conference rooms, mock hotel rooms, and a convention hall. The building will serve as the main hub for the school’s new College of Law as well as the Graduate School.

Fr Godofredo Alingal, SJ was a Jesuit priest who was once assigned in Ateneo de Naga where he taught Religion and English. In 1968, he became the first Filipino Jesuit Principal. During the Martial Law years, Fr Alingal was known for his consistent and unwavering support towards the farmers in Bukidnon. During these years of the martial law regime, he assisted the farmers by initiating a union and cooperative, organized a local chapter of the Federation of Free Farmers, and boldly used various media to help the people communicate their experiences of oppression and injustice. Due to his advocacy, he got the attention and ire of malicious parties from different sides. In 1981, masked gunmen assassinated Fr Alingal in front of his parish convento. Until now, his case remains unsolved.*

The blessing of the new building was attended by members of the university community, leaders in local and national levels, and friends/partners of the university. ADNU HS Class of ’67 lead the way via the unveiling of the building marker as well as the awarding of the essay writing contest for both Senior High School and College. Alfredo Alingal-Sy, Fr Alingal’s nephew, was present to give thanks to the community for keeping alive the memory and advocacy of his uncle. The event was also a way to give thanks and honor all the people who, for months, have worked hard to make the building a reality. The second part of the event featured an Inaugural lecture, “Building a Just & Humane Society: Constitutional Amendments,” by Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr.

Sources: Jesuit and ADNU Archives; www.bantayog.org