The CatSU towards its golden year: Sustaining pathways of excellence in the new normal
Foundation
The CatSU towards its golden year: Sustaining
pathways of excellence in the new normal
By:
Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, Ph. D., CESO III
OIC President, CatSU
Regional Director,
CHEDRO V
(In the occasion of the 2020 Founding and
Charter Anniversary
of the Catanduanes State University, October
19, 2020)
Fellow workers in the
academe, ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning and my greetings of a
grand blissful day to all of you. Happy founding and charter anniversary to
each one of us. We have journeyed on our 49th this year, a prelude
to our golden anniversary next year as an institution. We have also crossed the
8th milestone year as a university since its conversion from then
Catanduanes State Colleges into what it is now, the Catanduanes State
University. It is to the credit of the former Congressman of Catanduanes, Hon.
Cesar V. Sarmiento when he authored Republic Act No. 10229 on October 2012 the
conversion of CSC to a university. It is a leap forward to greater challenge
when it was first established as a college through RA 6341 authored by the late
Congresssman of Catanduanes, Jose M. Alberto. This day, we extend and re-affirm
our words of appreciation and gratitude to them and for their visionary efforts
as we bask in the glory of what our beloved Catanduanes State University has
been today.
As we start with the celebrations
this week where most of which shall be done through virtual mode under the
present circumstances obtaining in the new normal; we must, however, go on with
equal vigor and enthusiasm despite the limitations of space and proximity because
our Alma Mater, our University, deserves no less except our unwavering love,
devotion, and commitment that it owes in our heart.
At this juncture, let me take this
opportunity to thank all of you present here today; to our Board of Regents, school
officials led by our Vice-Presidents, Deans of the different Colleges,
Directors, Chiefs of Offices, Faculty members, Non-teaching staff and employees
both regular and temporary, the different working committees, the students and
alumni, for your show of support and cooperation to make this annual event
happen, despite the deviation from the usual set up that we were accustomed to because of the pandemic. This too will pass,
and what is indeed important is the burning faith in us that God’s providence
rules everything, while nothing at the very least happens without a purpose. It
is just our joyful surrender to that purpose that we let go and we let God, while
we do the best we could with a faithful devotion to duty. Thus, for all your
efforts and commitment done or those which still need to be done for the good
of this annual event, and for the good of the University, I extend my deep
appreciation and thanks. Keep up the good work and keep safe always.
Also, we remember our colleagues who
were once part of this institution for their faithful service and commendable
contribution to this institution. They remain as our guiding light and
inspiration for all of us who are yet within the frontlines of keeping the pace
to excellence of this institution. Their footprints and legacy should never go
in vain indeed. Noteworthy to mention at this point is my sincere and profound
appreciations and gratitude to my predecessor, then SUC President III, Dr.
Minerva I. Morales. She was at the helm of this institution as its 6th
President in 2011 and the first University President since 2012 until August of
2020 when I took the reign of the University on August 1, 2020 as
Officer-in-Charge President, while at the same time performing my duties as
current Regional Director of CHED in Bicol. Undeniably, I reiterate my warm
recognition to my predecessor, Dr. Morales at this most opportune time for
instilling vitality and creating new pathways of excellence to the institution as
a University. Her works of distinctions for the University through the decades
deserve my utmost recognition as your new OIC President. Again, thank you very
much Dr. Morales for the leadership legacy to the University to what it is now
today.
Along with that, we express with equal appreciations to
those past Presidents of this institution the faculty and non-teaching
personnel, both living and dead for their selfless dedication and commitment to
their tour of duty when they were once in this institution. We remember them
too with fond memories and appreciations.
As your Officer-in-Charge President,
I personally feel the warmth of your welcome, and yet still, much more await everyone
of us, so that I take this responsibility with much enthusiasm to serve and
work with you, because I love working for my fellow Catandunganons especially
you now who are the present strong constituents of the University, and I love
even more, working for the Catanduanes State University, my Alma Mater. Let us
walk a new and dynamic pathways of excellence attuned to the global parameters
of quality, relevant, responsive and development-driven higher education
agenda. As your CHED Regional Director, a fellow Catandunganon and OIC
President, you have a special part in my heart in helping you walk that extra
mile, and I believe all of us will join me in that meaningful journey that we
are starting now. Let us join hands and keep the faith and passion for the good
of the University.
And so, it is but fitting that our
theme of this year’s founding and charter anniversary, “The CatSU towards its
golden year: Sustaining pathways of excellence in the new normal” comes to
light as a challenge and hope for everyone to reflect as part of the
Catanduanes State University family.
There has never been more or less in
anyone of us. For there has never been one as
a matter of universal truth, except that each is given a unique share to
make this world a beautiful place to live. Pretty much the same with everyone
of us now who are still within the fold of the Catanduanes State University.
Make every moment of your presence in the University a beautiful encounter with
the norm of genuine public service anchored on public responsibility whether
officials or rank-in-file, temporary or regular. It is not being in authority
or having none at all. It is instead a commitment to achieve a goal serving the
public good in a way that can stand the way of both lawful and moral scrutiny.
When in conflict of what is lawful or moral, the option is clear. Always stand
in the way of moral order no matter how narrow the road is, and sometimes
painful. As your new OIC President, I will always join you in your rightful
journey, as long as it is in accord with what our theme expects us to do: to
sustain the pathways of excellence, no matter how rough the edges may be.
In this celebration that we are
starting today, let us re-affirm that commitment with a new resolve. All for
the good of our beloved Catanduanes State University. And, the time is now.
Together, let us walk as one in this new, meaningful journey of the University.
Dios
mabalos po saindo gabos.
Long live Catanduanes State
University.
