With the theme “DMMMSU @ 41: Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience, Sustaining Excellence”, the North La Union Campus celebrated DMMMSU’s 41st Foundation Anniversary on January 13, 2022.
The celebration kicked off with the inauguration and ribbon-cutting of the road from Sericulture Research Development Institute (SRDI) leading to DMMMSU-NLUC which is funded by Governor Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III, the Provincial Governor of La Union.
The NLUC Chancellor Dr. Junifer Rey E. Tabafunda was joined by the University President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr. and the Chairperson of La Union Vibrant Women Incorporated, Ms. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, in the inauguration and ribbon-cutting.
The second part of the celebration was the joint awards and recognition program given to the men and women of NLUC, Central Administration, SRDI and National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute for their remarkable achievements along the University’s mandates, the studentry for their excellence despite the pandemic, and the benefactors for their unwavering support in the operations of the Campus.
Dr. Cristeta F. Gapuz, the Executive Director of SRDI who is duly represented by Dr. Lilia Ancheta warmly welcomed and inspired the attendees and congratulated the awardees.
One of the highlights of the program was Chancellor Tabafunda’s report of NLUC’s accomplishments in instruction, research, extension, production, internationalization and linkages, and infrastructure. He conveyed his gratitude to all who have contributed in the Campus’ successes.
“In this extraordinary times, we deeply appreciate the contributions of our partners and the people we serve. Without the innovative organizations, talents, students and educators, we would not be able to accomplish so much in support to DMMMSU’s vision”, he expressed.
Ms. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, who was representing his father, Governor Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega, graced the occasion. In his message read by Ms. Ortega-David, he congratulated everyone for all the victories the Campus and the University, and recognized the efforts of everyone in remaining resilient while sustaining excellence amid the pandemic. He expressed his hope for more years of success for DMMMSU.
“I am grateful for everyone in the workforce in remaining flexible despite the present and unique circumstances. … strengthen your purpose to overcome the challenges we are in as we remain resilient all the time. Thank you DMMMSU for your unparalleled service and excellence. We look forward to many more years of great success for your institution”
This year, thirteen individuals from NLUC, two from the Central Administration, three from NARTDI, and four from SRDI received Regular Awards. Eighteen personnel and two academic units from NLUC and eleven personnel from SRDI were given special awards. Twenty-nine were recognized for their services as past administrators: twenty-one NLUC personnel, nine Central Administration personnel, and eleven SRDI personnel received Service Award for their continuous dedicated services to the University. Moreover, fifteen NLUC personnel, three Central Administration personnel, and four SRDI personnel received service award, for having worked in DMMMSU until retirement. One SRDI personnel was given posthumous award. NLUC also honored 10 benefactors who unselfishly supported the Campus in its undertakings.
As a response on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Jomar L. Aban, the Faculty Member of the Year and the Research of the Year awardee lifted ‘all the glory and honor to God, the one who deserves all praises and adoration for these successes.’
In closing, Dr. Gregory B. Viste, Executive Director of NARTDI congratulated everyone and expressed high hopes for everyone’s continuous efforts, dedication and commitment in delivering the University’s mandates and in achieving greater heights. (Hannah Nora Bayogan-Solimen)
