From the Editor's Desktop
Dr. Mely M. Padilla, PUP Campus Observer, Volume 1, Issue 6, March 2012"With his sincere and genuine concern for PUP’s renewed empowerment, one should not wonder why Dr. De Guzman might emerge the youngest president ever to transform PUP into an epistemic academic institution" (PUP Campus Observer, March 2012). This, indeed, was a presage. Call it intuition, ESP, or perception (whatever), but it turned out to be true. Although he is not the youngest president (“Dr. Nemesio Prudente was 35 when he became president” [De Guzman, speech, March 20, 2012]), he would definitely be the youngest president ever to transform PUP into an epistemic academic" institution.
President De Guzman has pledged to “transform PUP into an epistemic community that is aware of its own potential and its social environment.” Simply said, he wants to have a more knowledgeable and informed PUP community armed with inexhaustible resources and strategies in facing the demands of the 21st century.
His avowed brand of leadership? Democratic-transformative, transparent- participatory, critical-rational, humanistenvironmentalist, fair-firm…lofty concepts but doable, and, invigorating, exhilarating. The words awaken a renewed sense of hope and optimism among us PUPians. Also, the words inspire us to embrace our responsibility to do our share in advancing the common good, not the interest of a chosen, favored few.
Dr. De Guzman’s selection as PUP president was surprisingly received with nary a whimper. Astonishment, yes…probably because it was least expected. But no complaint, no protest. May this great show of acceptance help him achieve his goals for PUP. Beyond doubt, this augurs well for both Dr. De Guzman and the University.
Hooray for the President! Hooray for our Sintang Paaralan!