As a way of paying tribute to the faithful service of former members of the Chancellor’s Advisory Council (CAC) who served under her administration and whose terms had ended, a testimonial was held on Aug. 19, 2016 at the UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas.
The 11 honorees were (based on date of end of term) Prof. Erlyn Sana, Dean, National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (Feb 2009-January 2015); Dr. Michael Tee, Director, Information, Publication and Public Affairs Office (IPPAO, Nov-2014-Feb 2015); Prof. Teresita C. Mendoza, Dean, College of Allied Medical Professions (May 2012-April 2015); Dr. Jose C. Gonzales, Director, Philippine General Hospital (Dec 2010-Dec 2015); Prof. Alex C. Gonzaga, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (Jan 2013-Dec 2015); Prof. Imelda G. Peña, Dean, College of Pharmacy (July 2010-June 2016); Dr. Vicente O. Medina III, Dean, College of Dentistry (January 2010- July 2016); Dr. Ericson L. Berberabe, Director, IPPAO (February 2015-July 2016); and Mrs. Tessie B. Merca, Chief, Budget Office (Jan 1997-July 2016).
In her message to the former CAC officials, UPM Chancellor Carmencita Padilla said the collective tribute aimed to honor the faithful service of her colleagues and thank them for devoting their time with UP Manila in their respective posts.
“It was an honor and privilege to have worked with you towards fulfilling our shared vision for UP Manila to be the national leader in the health sciences. Your contributions toward helping us meet this goal have been significant and productive,” she told the honorees.
A few months midway into her term, Chancellor Padilla stated that most of the goals set at the start have been achieved, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development; rehabilitation of the School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte and strengthening of the SHS campuses in Aurora and South Cotabato; faculty, staff, and student empowerment; and enhancing academic and research programs.
“The hard work and commitment you have shown in helping us build and nurture the university to what it is today are much appreciated. There is so much work ahead but your assistance lightened the task and pushes us to work harder,” she stated.
Responding on behalf of the honorees, former CP Dean Imelda Peña described their administration stints as learning, terrifying, exhausting, gratifying, and valuable. “We have tried our best to deliver what was expected in whatever way possible, through thick and thin, even in the midst of scarcity of resources. We had utilized our management-enhanced skills in sourcing out funds as well as home-grown talents in implementing programs and activities.”
She added that they also had terrifying experiences, ranging from student suicide incident, to threats of fire, earthquake, tsunami, and tornado. She recalled that spending sleepless nights to meet deadlines, attend to several meetings while discussing with different personalities with numerous concerns and varied interests were exhausting moments. But she conceded that the experience was, overall, gratifying and valuable. She thanked the administration for the trust and support and the entire UPM community and other partners who had helped in accomplishing their plans and programs. More than the tangible achievements and outcomes, she claimed that the experience had taught them to value relationships.
Rendering astounding musical numbers were PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi who played an old song, “You Don’t Know Me” in the saxophone and Office of Alumni Affairs Director Dr. Melfred Hernandez who sang “Kailangan Kita.” Earlier, Prof. Arnold Hallare delivered the doxology, a stirring rendition of the inspirational song, “Lead Me Lord.”
Cynthia M. Villamor | Published in UP Manila Newsletter July – August 2016
