Forty-four long-serving faculty members and non-academic staff were honored for their dedication and loyalty to TSU at the "Gawad Sinag Kandili" Service Awards 2024 held this afternoon (October 17) at the TSU Gymnasium.
The annual event hosted by the Office of Human Resources Development and Management recognized the workforce who contributed to the university's growth and legacy for the past ten to 40 years.
In his message, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco thanked the awardees for their service to TSU.
"One of the factors influencing our performance is you! Your commitment and dedication have been the cornerstone of our success," he said.
Pres. Velasco also shared a story of "a cup of hot chocolate," where he emphasized the importance of being contented and happy and making the best of everything that one has.
"Life is a hot chocolate. Your job, title, and positions are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have right now does not define nor change the quality of life you have not only in our home but also here in TSU. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate that God provided us," Pres. Velasco shared.
“Let us make the best of everything that we have here at TSU, mababa man o mataas ang ating posisyon. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, and speak kindly to everyone regardless of status," he added.
Pres. Velasco, together with Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, and Vice President for Administration Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale, presented the certificates of recognition of the awardees, along with tokens based on the number of years each individual served.
Moreover, the administration also acknowledged the retired faculty and personnel.
“Kilala tayo ngayon bilang TSU dahil sa husay at tatag natin which serves as the foundation of pagiging marilag. We owe this, of course, to our mentors and retired faculty members and non-teaching staff, and we are just continuing what they have started," VP Macaraeg said in her message.
Among the awardees with the longest tenure are Prof. Elizabeth A. Amurao from the College of Business and Accountancy and Assoc. Prof. Arnel A. Punla from the College of Industrial Technology, who served the university for 40 years.
Meanwhile, a posthumous award was also presented to Mr. Lino C. Taguines III from the Procurement Unit for his six-year service to the university.
Mr. Taguines passed away last February 2024. His award was received by his sister, Ms. Jasmine Fontanilla.
In separate performances, some personnel from the VPRIE and Office of Library Management and Services and OHRDM staff Ms. Judith Sevilla serenaded the awardees.
The awardees also prepared a special dance performance to entertain the guests. (jlmm-OPA)
Photos by Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
