Hayaang Mamukadkad

ang mga Pusong Tapat,

Tiyak na Magluluwal Ito

ng Tunay na Komunidad

na Puno ng Pag-ibig

Para sa Kapwa

Published: 25 April 2024

The Start of a New Timeline with Pag-IBIG

On 4 April 2024, UP Vice President for Administration Dr. Augustus Resurreccion graciously facilitated an exploratory discussion meeting between Pag-IBIG Fund Department Manager Jacqueline Constantino and associates, and officials of related offices of UP Diliman, to see how Pag-IBIG can help with our housing programs for UP faculty and staff, and design solutions for informal settlement in the community.

Also present were Bertrand Lesaca of the Housing Office (HO), Choy Pangilinan of the Office of Community Relations (OCR), and Dr. Arthur Gonzales III, Director of the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) and associates.

After a promising discussion, the Pag-IBIG group were brought by HO and OCR to see some of UP Diliman’s open spaces allocated for housing development.

There are spots along E. Jacinto Street and sections within Area 2 that have been designated by the UP Land Use Plan as part of the 90 hectares allocated for residential and mixed-use purposes.

The quick tour culminated at the UP Community Affairs Complex (CAC) where the Pag-IBIG group was welcomed to the physical offices of HO and OCR.

From left to right: Joel Prado, Pag-IBIG Acting Chief of Division III, Jacqueline Constantino, Pag-IBIG Department Manager III, Bertrand Lesaca, UPD Housing Office, Shaira Mei Evangelista, Pag-IBIG Housing Relationship Officer, Choy Pangilinan, UPD Office of Community Relations, Annie Pacaña, UPD Office of Community Relations Officer-in-Charge.

The Mother and Child

Earlier that day, Malabon artist Al Cacnio Siochi donated several artworks for the HO and OCR.

One of which is a mother and child painting done earlier this year. The artist shared that for this painting, he intentionally filled the pull cart with flowers to signify the beauty of a mother's love. "Nothing is more beautiful than a mother's love" according to him.

Serendipitously, it was on the same day of the Pag-IBIG group visit to the Complex. As if by destiny, the mother and child painting served as a fitting background, parallel to the roles of UP and Pag-IBIG, both mandated to be like mothers to a nation needing their nurture.

Purposefully, the freshly mounted painting was chosen as the background as both parties of UP and Pag-IBIG joined hands to signify their commitment to work together in the service of the UP workers and community.

UP needs to be as if like a mother -- caring, loving, and always ready to fight for the people of this nation. A selfless display of placing the people's needs above one's own.

The providential meeting with Pag-IBIG has paved the way to concretize the housing development thrusts of UP Diliman under the leadership of Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. Not long after this fateful encounter, the Housing Office together with the Office of Community Relations, the Campus Maintenance Office, and the Traffic and Transportation Management Office, with the full support of the Office of the Chancellor, started planning and preparing for a simple event to symbolize the renewed partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund.

Pagsariwa sa mga Panata

Katuparan ng mga Pangako

On 23 April 2024, in celebration of the 39th Anniversary of UP Diliman as a Constituent University (formally established 23 April 1985), and in remembrance of the strong relationship between the University of the Philippines and Pag-IBIG Fund, "Pagsariwa sa mga Panata, Katuparan ng mga Pangako" was held at the UP Hardin ng Rosas. A simple and sincere gathering to exhibit UP and Pag-IBIG's common mandate to serve Filipino workers and citizens.

Hardin ng Rosas was built with the help of Pag-IBIG Fund during the 90's. Once again, we witness the truth to their slogan "Tapat sa Serbisyo, Mula sa Puso" as they reach out provide much needed financial assistance to the University through the Housing Office, to continue implementing housing programs for our beloved faculty, staff, and community.

"Anong ibig sabihin ng Pag-IBIG?"

– Hon. Marilene C. Acosta

Chief Executive Officer

Pag-IBIG Fund

The momentous event was graced with the Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Hon. Marilene Acosta, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Benjamin Felix, Jr., Corporate Sales Group Vice President Mr. Anthony Maglunsod, Acting Chief of Division III Mr. Joel Prado, and Housing Relationship Officer Ms. Shaira Mei Evangelista.

"Kailangan nating patuloy na pahalagahan ang ating mga guro at kawani na nagbibigay-buhay sa adhikain ng pamantasan."

– Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II

Chancellor

University of the Philippines Diliman

Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II headed the UP contingent. Also in attendance were former Chancellor Dr. Fidel Nemenzo, Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs Roehl Jamon (OVCCA), and University Health Service (UHS) Director Dr. Myrissa Alip.

"Ang polisiya ng OVCCA ay kakawing at kaugnay din ng misyon ng Tsanselor at ng Presidente ng UP, at ito'y ang maibsan ang pangangailangan sa pabahay."

– Roehl L. Jamon

Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs

University of the Philippines Diliman

Several UP units worked together to make the event possible, and the whole of the Housing Office (HO) headed by Bertrand Lesaca, is very grateful to each one: the Office of Community Relations (OCR) headed by Choy Pangilinan, with members Eric Sister, Don Lima, Justin Musa, and others; the Campus Maintenance Office (CMO) headed by OIC Engr. Oliver Penuliar, the Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TMO) headed by former BOR Regent Alex Mejia, and the Policies Implementation Unit (PIU) headed by its Team Leaders Ian Gonzalez, Joey Caragdag, and Danny Lucilla.

"There remains a beacon of hope, a reminder of why this institution holds such a special place in my heart."

– Bertrand Lesaca

Housing Office

University of the Philippines Diliman

In his speech, Bertrand reiterated the raison d'être of the UPD Housing Office...

"Our mandate is clear:

To provide quality housing

for the faculty and staff

of this university.

But more than brick and mortar,

our goal is to create spaces that foster

a sense of belonging and camaraderies.

A place where teachers and staff

can come together, share ideas,

and support one another

in their noble pursuit of knowledge.

Let us reaffirm our commitment

to prioritize the welfare and well-being

of our faculty and staff

as it has always been

integral to our identity."

The

Refurbished Marker

of Hardin ng Rosas

The original marker of Hardin ng Rosas was removed from its stone base and refurbished to a new shine. It was unveiled after the program speeches, and will be placed back in its original spot, after ensuring the cleaning of the area.

The short ceremony was hosted by Thana Ordiz from the OVCCA, Joshua Rabino from the OCR, and Brian Arda.

Brian was the one who coined "Isang Unibersidad, Isang Komunidad" borne out of his genuine belief of what the University of the Philippines should be -- its essence should be that of being of genuine service to the people.

This first mention of the phrase was during the first activity of OCR under its current leadership, called "Barong Kinabuhi." It is an unprecedented gathering of representatives from 19 community areas and UP Diliman officials for a consultative assembly.

Before

After

The Hardin ng Rosas marker previously found in front of the AB-4 Building.

PIU Repairs Segment Team Leader Danny Lucilla and Ronnie Garcia removed the marker, and together with Bertrand Lesaca, delivered it to the Carpentry Department which took care of its polishing.

Paglantad ng Pananda ng Hardin ng Rosas

In a brief ceremony during the "Pagsariwa sa mga Panata, Katuparan ng mga Pangako" event, a new and improved signage for the Hardin ng Rosas has been erected in front of the first of the series of buildings that make up the walk-up apartments.

The old one had been dilapidated for a long time, and seems indicative of many of the units sharing the same condition.

The Pag-IBIG Fund had helped create Hardin ng Rosas in the 1990s and will now be helping create more housing buildings for UP Diliman, and fixing up existing ones, in the near future.

For the community, the signage now displays essential Emergency Hotlines and the contact information of the UPD Housing Office which manages the housing units of UP Diliman.

The Hardin ng Rosas old signage removed before the event.

The Hardin ng Rosas new and improved signage is unveiled.

The Policies Implementation Unit (PIU) is a shared resource for the Housing Office (HO), the Office of Community Relations (OCR), and the Campus Maintenance Office (CMO).

The PIU accomplished a number of field work errands behind the scenes despite the sweltering heat. They are a group of workers who have been patiently waiting for their salaries to be processed since they started working in January. Despite the many hardships they face every day, they offer their service to UP with great earnest and loyalty.

We are all grateful to PIU for their reliability and true show of dedication and commitment in ensuring the success of the event, and the everyday support needs of our offices.

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