Centro Escolar University sustained its yearly tradition of a grand appreciation day to its well-deserved teaching and non-teaching employees who embody excellence and quality in the performance of their duties and responsibilities through the 19th Quality Awards Day staged virtually on Nov. 20, 2021.
The awarding ceremony highlighted the announcement of winners for the different individual and group awards. Mr. Eugene Marc Cera III from the Department of Pharmacy, CEU Makati was hailed the Teacher of The Year.
“With humility, I proudly accept this recognition of Science and Virtue. Being a teacher gave me the opportunity to touch lives not just as an individual but this time, as a symbol”, said Mr. Cera III in his very meaningful acceptance speech.
Recipients of the Non-Teaching Employee of the Year award are Ms. Mary Angela Combine, Coordinator of the Admission and Scholarship in CEU Manila and Mr. Benjo De Guzman, Student Records Assistant from the Office of the University Registrar, Manila, for the Supervisory and Non-Supervisory categories respectively.
Ms. Claire Palma from the School of Pharmacy won the Research Award with her study titled “Chemical composition and cytotoxicity of Philippine calamansi essential oil”. The remaining awards such as the CEU STARS were given to the duo Ms. Frances Sophia Bandiola and Mr. PJ Sheed Olea, both students from the School of Accountancy and Management; the Best IQA Sub-Team was awarded toTeam B composed of Mr. Erljohn Gomez and Mrs. Joylyn Mejilla of the School of Nursing; and the Best Quality Circle award was nailed by the CEU Malolos ICT Squad with Engr. Taiki Ito, Dr. Josan Tamayo, Mr. Angelo Reyes, and Mr. John Rex-Lester Ramos as members.
The awarding ceremony culminated with CEU President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina awarding the prestigious Sampaguita Award to Dr. Erna Yabut, CEU Vice President for Research and Evaluation. As described by the President, this award is rarely given and is “bestowed for especially meritorious service to the University—a service that reflects the University philosophy, ciencia y virtud.”
“Ang parangal na ito ay iginagawad sa busilak na paglilingkod at gawa, dalisay na layunin, mahusay na gawa, at wagas na paglilingkod," said Dr. Padolina.
With so much gratitude and humility, Dr. Erna Yabut expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the management for the trust given to her and to the members of the CEU community who were with her in fulfilling all her roles.
“In all these years, with all the different hats that I wore and still wearing at this time, I always say to myself that the work that I am doing is my prayer and the way I do it is also my prayer. As long as I love what I am doing and there is a purpose, a reason why I am doing it, hindi po ako mapapagod at ipagpapatuloy ko po itong serbisyo na ginagawa para sa ating Pamantasan”, said the Sampaguita Awardee, Dr. Erna Yabut.
The event was also graced by Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, Undersecretary for the Competitiveness and Innovation Group, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who served as the guest speaker.
Even with the given online setup, this annual occasion was staged successfully through the concerted efforts of the members of the awards and working committees led by the overall chair, Mr. Jericho Orlina, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs. The Award Search committee chairpersons include Dr. Rommel Jotic for the Best Quality Circle, Dr. Eliza Ayo for the Best IQA Sub-Team, Dr. Maria Corazon Andoy for CEU STARS, Dr. Avelina Raqueño for Research Award, Dr. Juana Rosa Martinez for Non-Teaching Employees of the Year, and Dr. Cecilia Santiago for Teacher of the Year.
For the very first time, the finalists were not just flashed on the screen using their photos but were also present on the live virtual awarding, capturing their smiles and excitement which was even heightened by the dynamic hosts, Dr. Ma. Eleanor Espinas, head of the Marketing Communications Department and Mr. Eduard Riparip, Faculty from the School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music, and Social Work.
For more information about CEU, please visit the official website of the University at www.ceu.edu.ph. You may also follow CEU on Facebook at @theCEUofficial, @CEUMalolosofficial, @CEUMakati05 and on Twitter at @CEUmanila, @CEU_makati05, and @CEUMalolos.