October 18, 2023 -Romblon State University celebrated yet another momentous feat through Gawad Parangal 2023 themed "Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant-Heroes." last night, October 17, 2023 at the RSU Quadrangle.

The awards night is a mechanism aligned with the RSU PRAISE program, designed to encourage creativity, innovativeness, efficiency, integrity, and productivity in public service.

Dr. Eddie G. Fetalvero, Vice President of REDI, warmly welcomed everyone to the event and stated that the Gawad serves as a culmination of collective efforts and dedication towards service, excellence, and innovation, locally and internationally. He expressed his gratitude to all the attendees, participants, and partners who have played a significant role in making the Gawad a reality.

In her State of the University address, President Merian P. Catajay-Mani enumerated the university's key accomplishments based on her ten-point agenda, delving into precise data that exemplify efforts to pursue excellence in instruction, research, extension programs and services, resource generation and management, local and international linkages, human resource, support systems for teaching and learning, student welfare, information and communication technology development, and environmental sustainability.

She expressed how immensely proud she was of having dynamic and proactive members of the RSU taking on roles and responsibilities for the success of the institution's initiatives.

She stated that the university received awards, commendations, and recognitions as a result of the collective efforts of everyone, including the partners and stakeholders, stating that the university's successes were the "embodiment of the university's shared vision and continued pursuit of progress."

"Malayo na ang narating ng RSU, ngunit malayo pa ang ating lalakbayin upang abutin ang pangarap na bituin," said Pres. Mani, posing a challenge to her RSU family not to rest on their laurels but to strive continuously to serve the community and the country with honor and excellence.

A special tribute through an audio-visual presentation was given to DRRM Director, Forester Edgar V. Andalecio, for having been recognized as Regional Winner for the Civil Service Commission’s Dangal ng Bayan Award 2023.

As the celebration went on, Pres. Mani, along with top management and municipal officials, presented awards to individuals and units for their exemplary performance and services to the university.

Plaques and Certificates of Recognition were awarded for loyalty, professional growth, research, extension, non-academic and administrative units, academic personnel and units, selected awardees of top management officials, model employees, as well as major awards such as Pag-Asa, Dangal, and Lingkod ng RSU.

One of the highlights of the event was the keynote speech of Atty. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, who underscored how the awards event aligned with the CSC's goals of honing agile and future-ready servant-heroes.

He expressed his deep appreciation of the hard work of all employees and personnel of the community, as well as gratitude to the university for their efforts in celebrating the services rendered by the RSU community to propel the university to greater heights. 

Band and performers serenaded the audience with beautiful renditions as the meals were served.

Hon. Trina Alejandra Q. Firmalo-Fabic, the Municipal Mayor of Odiongan, delivered the congratulatory message, citing the value of RSU as an instrumental partner in innovative projects of the municipality which resulted in accolades in the region and in the entire country.

Atty. Lisette M. Arboleda led the toast as all the personnel and members of the university raised their glasses and celebrated the accomplishments of the entire university.

Dr. Emelyn F. Montoya, Vice President of Academic Affairs, expressed her profound gratitude on behalf of the entire university for the invaluable contribution of all the awardees, attendees, and guests in the event. She also thanked all the organizers and coordinators who made the program a resounding success.

The university is deeply grateful for the hard work of the RSU Community and hopes that with the robust support and unity of the administration, personnel and stakeholders, the university can continue to soar to much greater heights.

Mabuhay tayong lahat! Mabuhay ang RSU!

Source/Credits: RSU Office of the President Official Facebook Page