By Lyka D. Loro
| A TOKEN OF GRATITUDE. Faculty members of CAPSU-Mambusao pose with the tokens of appreciation they received from students during Pagkilala: Academic and Non-Academic Personnel Appreciation Day, honoring their dedication, guidance, and unwavering commitment to shaping students’ lives beyond the classroom. / Photo: Andrew D. Baylon |
Capiz State University–Mambusao Satellite College held Pagkilala: Academic and Non-Academic Personnel Appreciation Day, an event organized by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) and the Future Leaders of the Philippines (FLP) to honor and express gratitude to the faculty and staff whose dedication, guidance, and service continue to shape the university community on October 6.
The program formally began with the preliminaries, featuring the singing of the National Anthem, Prayer, Capiz Hymn, and Bagong Pilipinas Hymn. This was followed by the welcome remarks of Kyla Gaspar, who expressed gratitude to the personnel for responding to the students’ invitation and taking part in the celebration.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Gaspar highlighted the event’s deeper purpose of recognizing the faculty and staff whose contributions extend beyond their formal duties.
“Pagkilala goes beyond a simple celebration. It reminds us of the people behind every lesson learned, every activity accomplished, and every achievement and milestone of our institution. Our faculty members are not only teachers; they are mentors, role models, advisers, and, at times, our second parents who teach us lessons that go beyond the classroom,” Gaspar said.
She also highlighted the important role of non-academic personnel, whose work in offices, records, facilities, services, security, and other areas helps keep the college functioning smoothly. Gaspar reminded students that their contributions may sometimes happen behind the scenes, but they remain an essential part of the institution's success.
The faculty and staff were then introduced, representing the different departments and the non-academic personnel of the college.
The celebration continued with an intermission number from Himig Kalingawan Divas, setting a lively atmosphere for the activities that followed.
A fun portion of the program was the Teacher Look-Alike, where students portrayed their chosen teachers by imitating their ways of speaking. The activity brought laughter to the celebration while giving students a lighthearted way to recognize the personalities of their teachers.
Following the activity, SSC President Trexy Heredero delivered a message of appreciation on behalf of the students. She emphasized that the celebration was a way of recognizing the people who quietly work, serve, guide, and inspire students throughout their journey at CAPSU Mambusao Satellite College.
“We are deeply grateful to our faculty for the time, patience, and dedication they give to us as students. They teach us not only academic lessons but also values such as perseverance, discipline, responsibility, compassion, and courage. We also extend our appreciation to our non-academic personnel who work behind the scenes to keep our college organized and ensure that our needs as students are attended to,” Heredero expressed.
She reminded the student body that appreciation should not be limited to one day. According to her message, recognition should become part of the school culture, while respect and gratitude should be demonstrated through students’ everyday actions.
The celebration continued with intermission numbers from the BSOA, BSFT, BSCS, and BAEL departments, with each presentation followed by the giving of cakes to their respective faculty and staff as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and continued service.
The Future Leaders of the Philippines (FLP) officers then presented an intermission number, followed by the giving of cakes to the non-academic personnel in recognition of their valuable contributions to the college.
Adding a heartfelt musical tribute to the celebration, John Paul Deocareza, together with the Himig Kalingawan Boys and Himig Divas, serenaded the faculty.
One of the significant portions of the celebration was the presentation of Certificates of Service Award to personnel who have dedicated many years to the institution.
Recognized for 30 years of service as faculty were Dr. Julie V. Dalida, Dr. Lilibeth Leonor, Dr. Lecel O. Bobier, and Prof. Merlyn F. Filosopo.
Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo was recognized for 25 years of service as faculty, while Prof. Freden S. Delgado received recognition for 20 years of service as faculty.
Mr. Precioso S. Lizada was also recognized for 25 years of dedication and loyal service, including his unwavering commitment, integrity, and contribution to the institution.
The awards served as a recognition not only of the years they have spent in service but also of the dedication and lasting contributions they have given to the university community.
Following the service award, the SSC officers presented tokens of appreciation to the faculty and staff, giving recognition to everyone being honored during the celebration.
The SSC officers then presented another intermission number before the program proceeded to the raffle activity.
The atmosphere became more exciting as FLP President Mariedan Olorosisimo and SSC President Trexy Heredero led the raffle draw for the academic and non-academic personnel, adding a fun and memorable part to the appreciation celebration.
The celebration continued with the message of response from Dr. Lilibeth G. Leonor, President of the Faculty and Employees Association, who expressed her gratitude to the students for organizing the event.
Reflecting on the realities and sacrifices of the teaching profession, Dr. Leonor highlighted the dedication and multifaceted roles teachers take on in serving their students.
“The teaching profession comes with many sacrifices. Teachers often start their days early and go home late while balancing their responsibilities as educators and as members of their own families. Teaching goes beyond lessons, quizzes, and grades. At times, we become counselors, nurses, and even assist with tasks beyond our usual roles. These are part of the many responsibilities we willingly take on in serving our students,” Dr. Leonor said.
She also acknowledged the challenges faced by faculty members, including accreditation processes, PRC visits, monitoring, and other responsibilities that come alongside teaching.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Leonor described teaching as a noble profession, emphasizing that teachers may not be rich in money but are rich in the lives they have touched.
She also asked the non-academic personnel to be recognized, highlighting their dedication as the people who work alongside the faculty and contribute to the success of the institution.
She ended her message by reminding the students that while the youth are considered the hope of the nation, teachers are the ones who nurture that hope.
Closing the celebration, FLP President Mariedan Olorosisimo emphasized that the event was a way of honoring the people who serve as the heart of the campus.
In her message, she recognized the non-academic personnel, including those working in registration, libraries, maintenance, security, and administration, for helping keep the college safe, organized, and running smoothly.
She also thanked the faculty for going beyond the syllabus through mentoring, fostering critical thinking, and helping shape students’ futures, while expressing appreciation to Satellite College Director Dr. Ramy Lloyd L. Lotilla for his continued support of student initiatives.
Olorosisimo also thanked the SSC and FLP for working together to make the celebration possible and expressed appreciation to the students whose participation helped make the occasion meaningful.
She encouraged students to carry the spirit of gratitude into their everyday lives through simple acts of kindness, respect, and cooperation, reminding everyone that appreciation should not be confined to a single day.
Through Pagkilala, CAPSU-Mambusao Satellite College honored the people whose work extends beyond titles and responsibilities, faculty members who teach and inspire, and non-academic personnel who work behind the scenes to keep the institution moving forward. The celebration served as a meaningful reminder that every student's journey is supported by a community of people whose time, dedication, and service help make their success possible.