My favorite author and professor in Management 11 (Industrial Management), Esdras Martinez, had a penchant for starting our class with quotations. Remembering him did not prevent me from using an old, overused cliche, and I beg forgiveness for doing it, dear readers.
“There is nothing permanent in this world except change.” – Heraclitus.
The event that night at CatSU accomplished many principles and practices on the far reaches of management on the part of the proponent and staff who were involved in planning and implementation of Gabi ng Parangal 2022, October 25, 2022, 4:00 PM at CatSU Auditorium. It was a big surprise and an eye-opener to one who started his trajectory of professional life at the university.
I took it upon myself as one of the awardees to share my personal observation and feelings on what that event was able to accomplish and impart to the people present, including viewers at home watching tv and listening to the radio.
Catanduanes State University has evolved into what it is today since its conversion from Catanduanes State Colleges. We cannot deny the many changes that materialized, coming from its first president, Mr. Tabuzo, to Doc Patrick Alain Azanza, the present president. Very apparent to those who’ve known this institution for some time and the employees who’d been with Catsu for many years are the fast turnover of projects/developments without let-up that we associated with the present administration and its leader. We concede with admiration that he is a terrific leader and hardworking man at the helm. He does not tolerate nonsense from subordinates or anyone. He talks straight and means business to deliver honest service to the people of Catanduanes and the people beyond the seas that surrounds our beautiful island. He’s not afraid to change old ways and introduce new-found management practices for the better.
Former President Barack Obama said, ” Change will not come if we wait for some other persons or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.”
I will attempt to write about the wonderful things the management were able to achieve by this Gawad Parangal.
We noticed on one long table most of the top politicians of Catanduanes sitting together. They belong to different political parties and they must have been rivals during the recent election. What audacity or foresight on the part of Pres. Doc Pat to invite them and have them seated in one table together without qualms, despite the after-effects of past elections or animosities still inside them. What the president of CatSU is doing is investing for the future. He wants to promote unity, brotherhood, and cooperation, truly applying the words of President Quezon: “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my people begins.”
They came because they wanted to support the Gawad Parangal of Pres. Azanza. They followed Doc Pat because they believed in him and saw in him a leader they can trust.
The management of CatSU was able to make the awardees feel honored and, in return, feelings of loyalty and belongingness will accrue to Catsu. “Amor con amor se paga.”
To those who have yet to earn the award, they will be motivated to add more zest in performing their duties and functions in the hope of receiving one. Hope will encourage employees of CatSU as well as its graduates working here and abroad to become hardworking and dedicated to their work in order to shine. This way, they might be declared exemplary employees, the effects of Gawad Parangal.
I felt happy being included among the awardees. On deeper analysis, I cannot own it all without thinking of my dear friends who helped me become one of the awardees. My friends could also qualify to receive this honor but opted to remain incognito and have me recognized as the doer. Therefore, I hold this award for them. May this recognition come to them in due time. They know who they are. I remain indebted to my dear friends for the support and true friendship, always ready to give words of wisdom when my feelings and energy are down.
The Gawad Parangal, redefined by Pres. Azanza to suit CatSU’s need, will be institutionalized to give motivation to students, graduates and employees to perform with excellence in any field of work, to shine and give honor to CatSU and beloved Catanduanes. Yearly or every two years could be the interval in the giving of award. It will not be far from now when Pres.Doc Pat will request attendance of persons from different sectors, but more coming from CatSU who will compose the governing body or committee to standardize the giving of the award.
If what my close friend Bo Rodulfo sees in the horizon comes true that Pres. Doc Pat may soon leave for a more exalted position or answer a call of opportunity, this Gawad Parangal will be one of his many legacies to CatSU.
To those who received the Gawad Parangal, it will serve as a badge of honor and legacy to their generations of grandchildren and friends.
God bless Catanduanes!
Afterthought:
Books of Speeches from great speakers/orators will soon to be displayed at Booklatan. Visit Booklatan at ARDCI Mart Weekend Market at Moonwalk Road.