It is a wonderful thing to be able to say “thank you” to someone who has done one a good turn. And to be able to express gratefulness, not just in passing but, to actually carve out dedicated time to demonstrate it, speaks volumes.
The Pampanga Campus of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU Pampanga) did exactly so last 29 November 2022 when they hosted an Appreciation Day for their Partner Schools.
Headlined “Celebration of Our Partnership Towards Our Common Goal of Building a Brighter Future for Our Students”, the leadership of OLFU Pampanga welcomed their Most Valued School Partners on-campus for a day of gratitude and celebration. Recognizing the special guests for their unwavering support, OLFU presented Certificates of Appreciation to all of the Partner Schools, as well as to the various Pampanga division offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) who likewise play an integral role in championing quality education for the students of Pampanga and its neighboring provinces.
For the heads of the Partner Schools, it was a nostalgic moment right from the onset of the program when they witnessed their former students march into the hall; former students whom the School Partners had already previously entrusted to OLFU Pampanga for the continuation of their academic journey. The said students offered roses to their former Principals, symbolizing their sincere appreciation for the latter unselfishly paving the way towards their OLFU education.
OLFU Pampanga Campus Administrator, Dean Muriel Caballero recounted the challenges the school had faced such as the initial implementation of the Senior High School Program and, later, the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. And during those most crucial moments, she declared that the School Partners had remained steadfast in their support of OLFU Pampanga. In fact, she averred, that OLFU Pampanga would not be the progressive institution it is if not for its Institutional Partners and, for this, OLFU is and will always be eternally grateful.
The DepEd officials who graced the affair were: Dr. Imelda Macaspac, Schools Division Superintendent, Division of City of San Fernando, Pampanga; Dr. Marissa Sanchez, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Division of Pampanga; Dr. Jennifer Cunanan, Chief of the School Governance and Operation Division, Division of Mabalacat City; Dr. Elizabeth Latorilla, Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division, Division of Mabalacat City, and the DepEd Principals across the province of Pampanga.
Representing the leadership of OLFU were: Dr. Mylene Abad Santos, Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Heracleo Lagrada, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Elmer Hidalgo, Dean of the College of Education; Engr. Mark Angelo Martinez, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Hernan Labao, Dean of the College of Physical Therapy.
During the thanksgiving affair, Dr. Abad Santos, Dean Caballero, Dr. Macaspac, Dr. Sanchez, Dr. Cunanan, and Dr. Lagrada gave words of encouragement and support. Also, the audience was regaled with musical performances courtesy of the Fatima Performing Arts of Pampanga. The day was capped off by a tour of the campus’ state-of-the-art facilities with delegates of DepEd Pampanga in attendance.
