Pagkilala sa mga Kawani sa Taon ng Sentenaryo

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, a recognition program—Pagkilala sa mga Kawani sa Taon ng Sentenaryo—was held on 1 October 2018 at the Benitez Theater for both active and retired administrative staff of the University of the Philippines College of Education (UP CoE), Integrated School (UPIS), and National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED).

The program started with heartwarming remarks from Dean Marie Therese Bustos of the CoE. She narrated the valuable contribution of the administrative staff of the College since the day it was created in 1918. One by one, Dean Bustos introduced the retired CoE staff in attendance. Some of them already had difficulty walking, but one could see in their faces the joy of being part of the wonderful program. The active administrative staff was also acknowledged. The dean also said that even though the college experienced challenges in the past, the administrative staff performed their duties and responsibilities with utmost dedication.

In her turn, Principal Lorina Calingasan of UPIS remarked on the unwavering support of the retired and current administrative staff of UPIS. The retired staff was asked to stand in front to be recognized. You could sense the pleasure they felt as the importance of their services was cited. Lastly, Director Aida Yap of NISMED formally introduced the active staff and as well as the retired administrative staff.

There were heartfelt messages from the retired administrative staff of the three units, followed by words of gratitude from the present staff. Mrs. Purita Tenorio spoke on behalf of the retired UPIS staff while Mrs. Florinda Menguito took the opportunity to narrate her experiences for almost four decades at the CoE. Eligio Obille Jr. was called upon to represent the NISMED retirees. Then came short messages on behalf of the present staff, Ma. Socorro Cruz for CoE, Melvina Domino for UPIS, and Angelie Domingo for NISMED.

The recognition program was punctuated by a number of presentations: a marvelous native cum K-Pop dance number by the staff of UPIS; a sentimental “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” sung by NISMED’s Addie Saliva; and a very entertaining dance number from the male staff of CoE.

After Dean Bustos gave the closing remarks, everybody was asked to go to the front to pose for a group picture. The recognition ceremonies ended with a sumptuous lunch served to the delight of all the attendees.

by Angie Domingo