PUP Holds Turnover Ceremony for Newly Elected President
Christine S. Bautista, PUP Campus Observer, Volume 1, Issue 6, March 2012“Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances!”
Controversies surrounding the search process have finally been laid to rest as the name of the 11th University president was announced on March 15, 2012, thereby proving its legitimacy and making everyone heave a deep sigh of relief. The whole community rejoiced as the University’s 2nd youngest president took his oath on the same day.
On March 20, 2012, Dr. Emanuel C. de Guzman officially accepted the top position at the University as a simple turnover ceremony was held at the President’s Office.
Emceed by Dr. Milagros F. Cañares (who was personally picked by the president), the momentous event never had a dull moment as everyone enjoyed the humor injected in every part of the program. The ceremony started with a doxology and the national anthem led by Prof. Elmer G. de Jose.
Atty. Estelita Wi dela Rosa, who served as officer-in-charge for six months, shared her experiences on being at the helm of the University and how the stopgap has changed her life in the process. She further said that believing in God helped her get through each day as she accomplished what needed to be done. She congratulated the newly elected president whom she believed would do great things for the University and thanked the University officials for supporting her during her short stint as OIC.
“Everyone deserved to be in this position but only one had to win,” President Emanuel “Dekong” C. de Guzman said in his acceptance speech. He humbly commended all the other candidates whom he said added legitimacy to the search process and enumerated each of the candidates’ qualities that made them all deserving. The young president expressed his appreciation to the members of the Board of Regents and the Search Committee for President for doing their best to make the search process a huge success. He further thanked all those who attended the ceremony, especially mentioning the executive officials, his friends, and the members of his research family for showing their support. He also thanked Atty. Dela Rosa whom he considered the “kumadrona” of whatever came out of the whole search process, for doing a great job as officer-in-charge.
Before calling on some members of the Board of Regents and the executive officials for their messages, the emcee gave some advice to the president. Dr. Cañares read a quotation from the author of The Prince, “The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.”
She also likened fame to a bee, which has a song, a sting, and a wing, stating that the president’s new stature would earn him praises through hosannas and hallelujas, but it would, likewise, earn him enemies who would hurt him. Lastly, she advised him to work for everybody’s welfare and not just for the welfare of a chosen group.
Some members of the Board of Regents were there to congratulate the president. Newly appointed faculty regent, Dr. Edna Lavadia, thanked Dr. De Guzman for the opportunity to represent the faculty sector. She further laid out the programs that she planned for her administration, mainly focusing on transparency, unity, and responsible leadership.
Student Regent Rommel Aguilar pointed out the three basic demands of the student sector, saying that the students need a president who will look after the interest of the biggest stakeholder of the university.
The alumni regent, Engr. Rene Tanasas, on the other hand, expressed his hope for a renewed commitment in ushering PUP to the future with academic excellence as the foundation for a new standard that will define the University’s leadership. He further pledged the full support of the alumni sector and mentioned his belief that the young president would do good as leader.
The program ended with messages from the executive officials. Executive Vice President Victoria C. Naval, Vice President for Academic Affairs Samuel M. Salvador, Vice President for Student Services Juan C. Birion, Vice President for Finance Marissa J. Legaspi, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development Pastor B. Malaborbor, and newly appointed Vice President for Administration Estelita Wi dela Rosa all congratulated the president and vouched for their full support for the new administration.
One’s ability to run an organization or an institution is not measured by his age or his length of service. It is measured by his passion to serve and effect change.
It is with much hope that the new president will lead the University with everyone’s interest in his heart. The community will remain vigilant as Dr. Emanuel C. de Guzman officially takes his post as the new steward of the university.
“Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!”
