The UP Open University (UPOU) organized a tribute program entitled "#Pasasalamat: A Tribute to President Alfredo E. Pascual and Team." The event was done to express gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing UP President and his administration, held on 24 January 2017 at the UPOU Audiovisual Room, in Los Baños, Laguna.
Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor, being with the university prior to its establishment and witnessing it hurdle over UP processes and procedures amidst its unique stand of being non-conventional. She also mentioned in her opening message that through President Pascual's administration "UPOU was able to serve the country and in the process, consequently, kept its reputation."
A short video was presented, portraying how the leadership of President Pascual and the support of his administration to UPOU towards becoming one of the leading institutions in open and distance e-learning in the region. In addition, a hand mime was performed by a group of UPOU staff members to the tune of "Thank You." Younger staff members sang the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun," and "Twist and Shout." President Pascual joined the band in a rendition of "Can't Take my Eyes Off of You."
Chancellor Bandalaria and former Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso also presented the gifts prepared by the UPOU community – a plaque of the UPOU Oblation, a digital photo album of the President's photos at UPOU events, and a portrait of the President with the UPOU oblation.
President Pascual responded in humble and heartfelt gratitude. He shared that his UP Presidency was a brave answer to the call of serving the country. He mentioned that UPOU has worked diligently to pursue its initiatives and he has done everything to help. "UPOU is the embodiment of accessible, open and inclusive UP education," he stated. Wishing for UPOU to continue what it has started and strengthen its leadership in the open university arena, he urged everyone to work together for the good of the University and the entire nation.
Former Chancellor Alfonso, who worked with President Pascual for five years as the UPOU Chancellor, closed the program in a message that conveyed her great honor and pleasure for having worked with the President and his team. She expressed delight in all the support his administration gave UPOU in terms of academic growth, service to the public and administrative efficiency. "Our experience in working with you and your team has been most enriching, endearing and truly a memorable journey in our university life," she related.
#Pasasalamat ended with a photo of all UPOU officials and staff members. Asst. Prof. Cesar Luna served as emcee of the event.
President Pascual will be succeeded by Atty. Danilo Concepcion, who will assume position on 10 February 2017. (Anna Cañas-Llamas)
