The late Bishop Antonio Y. Fortich is an alumnus of UNO-R. UNO-R was the first university to confer the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Humanitarian Service (Honoris Causa) in 1969. This August 11, 2013, the Diocese of Bacolod jubilantly celebrates thecentennial of the Birthday of Bishop Fortich. He is remembered for his episcopal motto “INSTA” where he untiringly championed the cause of the poor and bridged the gap between the rich and the needy.