University News

Outstanding students, administrative staff, faculty, and campuses honored in annual Gawad Pagkilala

Katrina Jackson, News, PUP Campus Journalists

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) - Sta. Mesa held the annual Gawad Pagkilala, Gawad Sinta, and Gawad Lingap Komunidad awarding ceremony at the Bulwagang Balagtas on November 21, 2024, for their notable triumphs as part of the University.

Assistant Vice President for Campuses and Overall Chairman of the 120th Founding Anniversary Activities Assoc. Prof. Roseller M. Malabanan said these events not only celebrated the 12 glorious decades of the University but also honored the awardees (students, faculty, and campus) for their achievements in the field of academic and non-academics, gender and development, and extension.

As part of the commemoration, University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi emphasized the role of “Natatanging Iskolar” and the youth in shaping not just the university, but the country itself.

“Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit [pati] ang mga guro, kawani at mga opisyales ng unibersidad ay patuloy na nagsusumikap upang mapabuti ang misyong pang-edukasyon at nang sa gayon ay mabubuo ang inyong kamalayan, kaalaman at kasanayan na makakatulong sa inyong pagharap sa isang mapanghamong lipunan,” Muhi said.

(Because of you, the teachers, staff, and university officials continue to strive to improve the educational mission, so that you may develop the awareness, knowledge, and skills that will help you face a challenging society)

The president then stated that the awards are reminders of the PUP Community’s obligation to serve and inspire the people, embodying the university’s motto: Mula Sa’yo, Para sa Bayan, stating “Ang bawat pagkilala at parangal na ibinibigay natin ngayon ay sumasalamin sa obligasyon, talino, at serbisyo na inyong pinamalas sa loob at labas ng PUP.”

(Every recognition and award we are giving today reflects the obligation, intelligence, and service you have demonstrated inside and outside of PUP)

Thereafter, Prof. Tomas O. Testor, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, gave a brief speech about each categorical award throughout the program, highlighting the importance of recognizing “the exemplary achievements” of members of the PUP Community in various fields.

Ralph Reuben Morales, Director for Government Relations for the multinational company Texas Instruments Philippines, and a professorial lecturer at the College of Political Science and Public Administration (CPSPA), shared a heartwarming message about the valuable lessons he learned at the Sintang Paaralan.

“Almost two decades after college, it makes me reflect on the fundamentals that I’ve learned from the Sintang Paaralan which made me stronger. PUP gave us the opportunity to make decisions. It didn’t tell us what to do, but how to decide out of the many critical options in front of us. It made us reflect on what we are made of; from responsibilities in academics to our participation in pressing social issues.” Morales said.

On Gawad Pagkilala sa Natatanging Iskolar ng Bayan, chosen scholars are recognized for their international, national, and regional achievements based on academics, leadership, research and publication, and community involvement. A total of 487 national awards, 200 regional awards, and 79 international awards were conferred to the selected Iskolar ng Bayan.

Assoc. Prof. Jose V. Clutario, Center for Gender Training and Advocacy Chief of the Gender and Development, introduced the Gawad Sinta 2024 award, which recognizes individuals, offices, units, or student organizations that have actively participated in and promoted gender inclusivity and equality, safe spaces, women’s empowerment, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.

For the Gawad Sinta awards, the recognized awardees included PUP Sta. Maria, Bulacan Campus as the Natatanging Yunit and Kamille Legaspi-Torres, Head of Student Services and GAD Focal Point Person of PUP Sta. Maria Campus, as the Gawad Sinta Natatanging Indibidwal. The PUP Lopez Campus Central Student Council was honored as the Natatanging Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral, while the research Ang Queer Literacy Framework: Isang Pagsusuri sa Pagtuturo ng Panitikang Pambata Gamit ang “Ang Tatay ni Klara at Nanay ni Erwin” at “Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin” by John Paul Sarce from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) was awarded as the Natatanging Pananaliksik.

Dr. Henry B. Prudente, Center for Extension and Community Linkages Chief of the Extension Management Office (EMO), presented the Gawad Lingap Komunidad, emphasizing the role of PUP as an institution that is steadfast in crafting new initiatives that center on community development.

“As an institution, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to the holistic development of our society, extending beyond the four walls of our classroom. We not only honor the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners, but also inspire others to engage in meaningful service to the community.” Prudente said.

At the Gawad Lingap Komunidad, Dr. Dorren Arenque of the PUP Ragay Campus won First Place in the Best Extension Project Category with “Project TUMPAK (Tulungan at Ugnayan ng Mamamayan Para sa Kaunlaran).” Respectively, Dr. Mercy Manalo of PUP Mulanay Campus won second place for his “TECHNO-GABAY” and Prof. Renalyn Valdez of the College of Communication placed third as well as being named the Best Extensionist for her project “PUP College of Communication: Salin Kaalaman sa Pamamahayag sa Paaralan Part 3: HIGHLIGHT - Entering a new wave in Journalism: Cultivate, Calibrate, Educate.”

“Ang pagkilalang ito ay walang katumbas na anumang presyo. More than that, mas mahalaga ang pagseserbisyo sa bayan at pagshe-share ng kung anong meron kayo,” Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin stated in her closing remarks.

(This recognition is priceless. More than that, what is more important is the service to the nation and the sharing of what you have)

Gapasin added “Ito ay simula lamang ng mas marami pang oportunidad upang magamit ang karunungan mula sa’yo para sa bayan at isakatuparan ang misyon na maging isa sa nangungunang komprehensibong unibersidad sa Asya.”

(This is only the beginning of more opportunities to use your knowledge for the nation and fulfill the mission of becoming one of the leading comprehensive universities in Asia).