48th University Service Awards special features: Rey Delos Reyes

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Since 1978, Ateneo de Manila University has been honoring its employees with the University Service Awards, recognizing their dedication and commitment to the University’s mission.

Now in its 48th year, the University Service Awards continue to celebrate employees from all units whose service contributes to the growth and strength of the Ateneo community.

We’re excited to introduce some of this year’s awardees, who will share their stories, favorite places on campus, and reasons for staying at Ateneo. 

This is Rey, a twentieth-year service awardee from the Digital Information and Technology Services.

Why Ateneo?

I stayed because the University treated technology as something that should serve people, not the other way around. For over two decades, I’ve seen how systems can either enable access or create barriers—improving processes or hindering progress. I’ve supported the University through real changes: aging infrastructure, new platforms, a cloud journey, and shifting expectations. What kept me here was the community—specifically, the trust within it. IT wasn’t just asked to fix problems, but to help prepare the University for what is to come. Being part of that long-term view made the work meaningful enough to stay.

What keeps you going?

What keeps me going is to keep things working when they need to. When systems withstand massive transactions during peak periods, transitions, or unexpected issues, it’s a quiet win for me. Much of the work is preventive—not reactive—so problems don’t happen in the first place. That effort is mostly invisible, and that’s okay. It means others can focus on teaching, learning, and leadership. Serving in the background gives me a strong sense of purpose.

Favorite memory at work
Looking back over 20 years, my favorite moments usually come after something difficult. Major upgrades, migrations, or long nights solving problems stand out—not because they were dramatic, but because of how they ended. When everyone logs in the next day and things simply work, that’s success. Those moments remind me why preparation and patience matter. The best memories are the ones where the University moved forward smoothly because the hard work stayed behind the scenes.

Favorite spot on campus
I actually have two favorite spots on campus: the server room and the forest near JGSOM (the John Gokongwei School of Management). Despite the stark contrast between man-made technology and God’s creation, they have something in common—at least for me. Both places invite focus and calm thinking.

Most important lesson you’ve learned

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that real impact comes from consistency. Technology changes quickly, but good structure and design, along with well-thought-out decisions, last. As an institution, we value Contemplatives in Action, where leadership isn’t focused on being first—it’s about being ready to serve wherever the need is greatest, as a person for others. If future teams can move forward without having to undo the past, then I guess I’ve done my job well.