UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco, together with UP President Emerlinda R. Roman, UP Regent Nelia T. Gonzalez, UPLB Alumni Association (UPLBAA) Chairman of the Board Elpidio L. Rosario, and UPLBAA President Simeon A. Cuyson, led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Ani sculpture. Ani is a modern and robust interpretation of the last 100 years of the University by visual artist Sandra Torrijos.

Chancellor Velasco expressed gratitude to the UPLBAA and to UP Regent Gonzalez, the chair of the committee on Ani and UPLB Hall of Fame projects, for conceiving the project. "Ani makes us look back on the sacrifices of past generations in building a University we can all be proud of and to a colourful history that we all share," the Chancellor said. He also added that with the sculpture, "we get a glimpse of a better and brighter future for the University and for ourselves".

Mr. Cuyson, in his opening remarks, recognized the efforts and contributions of the UPLBAA officials, alumni and friends. He also talked about the upcoming developments for the UPLB Alumni Plaza such as the construction of the wedding garden and the establishment of the UPLB Hall of Fame.

Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, president and publisher of Manila Bulletin, represented the guest of honor, Dr. Emilio T. Yap, chairman of Manila Bulletin. Atty. Pobre said that the plaza and sculpture is a fitting tribute to UPLB's achievements. He lauded the University's performance in various professional licensure examinations and praised its outstanding alumni in different fields of expertise. He also encouraged the University to continue its role as an agent of evolutionary and positive change.

On the other hand, UP President Roman, who was also a special guest, believes that projects like the UPLB Alumni Plaza are more than a collection of physical structures, they are symbols of the unwavering support of the alumni. She said that she was very grateful for the alumni's loyalty and support in the best and worst of times.

The UPLB Chorale Ensemble, Harmonya: The String Ensemble of UPLB, and UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe performed special numbers during the event.