ALEJANDRO MELCHOR BE’29
Alejandro Melchor stands as a towering figure in the history of both the Philippines and the University of the Philippines. A man of exceptional intellect and dedication, Melchor served as the Secretary of National Defense in 1935, a vital member of President Manuel Quezon’s cabinet in exile during World War II, and a military advisor to the Philippines from 1939 to 1945. His military career was marked by his rank as a colonel in the Philippine Army, but his contributions extended far beyond the battlefield. As an educator and administrator, Melchor left a lasting legacy at the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
An engineering alumnus with a degree in civil engineering, Melchor graduated with the highest honors in 1924. His brilliance in mathematics led him to become the head of the Mathematics Department at PMA. His academic journey took him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, where he earned a master’s degree in civil engineering in 1941. During World War II, Melchor’s engineering expertise was crucial; he designed the pontoon bridges that became instrumental to the Allied forces’ success in the war.
Melchor’s commitment to public service was equally significant during peacetime. From 1926 to 1940, he served as a faculty member and secretary at the UP College of Engineering and as a member of the UP Board of Regents. His exemplary service was recognized when the UP College of Engineering building was named Melchor Hall in his honor during the 1963 homecoming of UP Alumni Engineers. This monumental structure is a testament to his lifetime achievements and unwavering dedication to both UP and the nation.
In 1964, during another homecoming, the cornerstone of the UP Alumni Engineers building was laid, and Melchor’s portrait was unveiled at the Engineering Alumni Center—a tribute to his enduring influence.
Throughout his life, Melchor received numerous accolades, including the Legion of Merit from the U.S. government in 1945, the Distinguished Service Star in 1948, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from UP in 1949. In 1969, he was honored with the Beta Epsilon Service Award, cementing his legacy as a beacon of excellence and service.
Alejandro Melchor’s journey from his humble beginnings in Ibajay, Aklan, to becoming a national hero is a testament to the power of intellect, integrity, and indomitable spirit. His contributions continue to inspire future generations, both within Beta Epsilon and beyond.
