The UP Open University (UPOU) Family Day was held on 3 March 2023 as part of its 28th Anniversary celebration. The event took place at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The event aims to give recognition to members of the UPOU workforce for their extensive years of service, hard work, and contribution to the university, and to foster camaraderie among UPOU faculty and staff members.
The Family Day was spearheaded by the UPOU Human Resource Development Office. Mr. Michael P. Lagaya, Chief Administrative Officer of the Human Resources Development Office (HRDO), and Ms. Amalia Gecalao-Perez, Chief of the Budget Office, hosted the event.
The highlight of Family Day is the recognition of employees who have served the university for 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, and 25 years. Along with service awardees, the UPOU also recognized the 2022-2023 Retirees, Ms. Roselyn Gacosta from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Mr. Felix Bautista from the Office of the Chancellor, who served UP for 30 and 39 years, respectively. They were recognized and thanked for their contribution to the growth and development of the university.
Before the program ended with a photo opportunity with the whole UPOU family, Dr. Jean Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Chair of the 28th UPOU Anniversary Committee, thanked everyone for the successful event and everyone’s contribution to the achievement of the university. The photo opportunity was held at the UPOU Centennial Plaza, after which was followed by sumptuous snacks enjoyed by all the employees under the trees. The Gawad Chancellor Awardees also shared their achievement with the family by sponsoring the sorbetes and fishballs everyone enjoyed.
This was the first time that the entire university gathered again for Family Day. During the pandemic years, Family Days were conducted via Zoom in compliance with the COVID-19 restrictions.
Written by Dianne Cosinas
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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