The jersey of former Altas star Bong Hawkins will be formally retired and raised at the Home of the Altas Gym II on Friday, February 20, at 2 p.m., as part of the University Week celebration and the 50th foundation anniversary of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA–Las Piñas City.
Hawkins will be joined in the ceremony by university president Dr. Anthony Tamayo, vice president for sports Anton Tamayo, and school director Dr. Arnaldo De Guzman, as his iconic No. 6 jersey is immortalized in recognition of his contributions to the Perpetual Altas basketball program.
Hawkins is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished products of the Las Piñas-based squad, carving out a decorated career in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was named among the league’s 50 Greatest Players and earned numerous accolades, including PBA Finals MVP honors in the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup, eight PBA championships, three All-Star selections, Most Improved Player in 1994, All-Defensive Team honors, and multiple Mythical Team selections.
Nicknamed “The Hawk”, Hawkins suited up for Perpetual from 1984 to 1989 under coach Roberto Littaua. Alongside Most Valuable Player Eric Clement Quiday, Hawkins helped steer the Altas to their first NCAA Finals appearance in Season 65 in 1989, where they finished runners-up to the defending champion San Sebastian Golden Stags.
Earlier this month, Hawkins was also honored as Distinguished Alumni in Sports during the university’s Grand Alumni Homecoming held at the Manila Hotel on February 7, alongside Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Thompson previously became the first Perpetual varsity player to have his jersey retired, when his No. 6 was raised on February 16, 2023, during the university’s 48th foundation anniversary celebrations.
