 UP President Emerlinda R. Roman, UP Regents Gari M. Tiongco and Ponciano E. Rivera Jr., and UPAA Board Secretary Marita P. Carag bestowed the award on Chief Justice Puno during the awarding ceremonies of the day-long celebration.The 2008 UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus was the top award given by the UPAA "to recognize UP alumni for their outstanding achievements that bring about substantial benefits to society and distinct honor to the University.