It has been a long tradition for UP Open University (UPOU) to celebrate “Family Day” as part of the activities for its founding anniversary. On the afternoon of 26 February 2018, UPOU faculty, staff, students and some guests bonded together for a film showing, the recognition of service awardees, and the awarding of ‘UPOU Face of the Year’.
Before the Family Day program, the UPOU employees, students and some invited teachers were treated to a showing of an indie film titled “Broken Halleluyah” by Mr. Roland Sanchez which exposes the world of human trafficking. Part of the casting was UPOU Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies student, Eliza Pineda. The complexity of the movie’s characters pointed out to one unmistakable conclusion that women are not commodities to be sold and not slaves to be used and abused.
The recognition of UPOU loyal employees immediately followed. The five-year service awards were given to Asst. Prof. Joyce Mae Manalo, Ms. Jeniffer De Pasion-Guevarra, Asst. Prof. Aurora Lacaste, Asst. Prof. Finaflor Taylan, Asst. Prof. Ria Mae Borromeo, and Ms. Ma. Sarah Cabungcal. Ms. Ela Giselle Abao, Ms. Genoveva Mercado, Asst. Prof. Cezar Luna, Asst. Prof. Al-Francis Librero, and Asst. Prof. Juvy Lizette Gervacio were awarded for their 10 years of service. Those who were awarded for their 15-year service were Mr. Arturo Corpuz and Dr. Alexander G. Flor. Eleven people were awarded the 20-year service award, namely Ms. Gloria Boncodin, Ms. Janet Robledo, Ms. Encarnacion Jaen, Ms. Imelda Sibal, Ms. Yasele Irene Angela Yambao, Ms. Arleen Tampus, Ms. Rosemarie Aquino, Mr. Michael Lagaya, Ms. Imelda Salon-Olan, Mr. Danilo Banasihan, and Ms. Lilian Diamante.
The surprise awarding of winners for the first ever ‘UPOU Face of the Year‘ seemed to be one of the most exciting moments during the event. The UPOU Information Office initiated this contest in search of the best models who will help in promoting the UPOU’s visibility and social media presence, including the UPOU’s souvenir items. This year, UPOU employees voted for Ms. Jelaine Bagos of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies and Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao of the Faculty of Education as winners.
Everyone applauded all awardees and shared the joy of being recognized for the years of hard work and excellent service. The program ended as the UPOU employees have their family photo taken. Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Jean Saludadez congratulate and thank everyone in her closing message. (LPPetrasanta)
