In 2021, necessity became the mother of innovation with the 2020 Parangal at Pagkilala sa mga Kawani at Retirado ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, as the annual ceremony was transformed not only with the shift to virtual attendance, but also the introduction of a new set of awards for exceptional employees.
Instead of the usual celebration where the retirados were honored in person by college and University officials and treated to a sumptuous meal along with their accompanying loved ones, this year the ceremony was held virtually, livestreamed over the Facebook page of the Human Resource Development Office and the Diliman Interactive Learning Center YouTube channel.
And instead of having entertaining segments with one or two live performances, the ceremony was divided into several slick, well-produced vlog-style audio-video presentations (AVP), making liberal use of drone footage mixed with testimonials from select recipients. UPD alumnus Alfonso Tomas Araullo served as host.
Retirado and Gawad Paglilingkod. One hundred nineteen retirees were honored in the ceremony in a segment that was divided into three categories: research, extension and professional staff (REPS), faculty and administrative staff.
Each retiree received a triptych containing a certificate of service, a medal in the form of the UPD seal and a trophy signed by Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo.
Each section of the AVP on the retirees was prefaced by a short interview with representative recipients under each category: Florinda S. Santos of the University Library (UL) for the REPS retirado, Prof. Cherrie B. Pascual of the College of Science (CS) for the faculty retirado and Manuel B. Casalan of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) for the retirado from the administrative staff.
A special segment was devoted to retirado who were also former University officials, prefaced by an interview with Prof. Michael L. Tan, DVM, PhD who was UPD Chancellor from 2014 to 2020. Their ranks include former Vice Presidents, Vice Chancellors, college deans and directors.
Rodolfo Carreon De Jesus, an Airconditioning Technician II from the Institute of Small-Scale Industries was the longest serving retirado with 46 years, three months and nine days in service.
He was one of 49 special retirado who received special awards for their long years of service, 35 of whom received the Special Retirees Award, given to those who rendered at least 40 years of unbroken service to the University and carries a one-time P60,000 cash gift.
The 14 other special retirado received the Special Recognition Award, granted to those who have rendered at least 40 years of cumulative service but have incurred more than five total days of leave of absence without pay (LAWP). It carries a one-time P10,000 cash gift.
Thirteen currently active employees were granted the Service Award or Gawad Paglilingkod. The Gawad Paglilingkod is given to employees who have rendered at least 40 years of continuous service with no LAWP and carries a one-time P40,000 cash gift.
COVID-19 response. Eleven units/teams in UPD were given the 2020 Special COVID Response Award for their valiant efforts to serve the University and the wider public amidst the pandemic. Each awardee received a one-time P10,000 cash gift.
They are the COVID-19 Task Force; University Health Service (UPHS); UPHS Public Health Unit; Philippine Genome Center; Public Safety and Security Office; Office of Student Housing; University Food Service; UP Diliman Accounting Office; UP Diliman Budget Office; UP Diliman Cash Office and the HRDO.
PRAISE. In alignment with the Civil Service Commission Hero and Public Servant Honor and Awards Program, the University created and institutionalized the University Program on Recognition of Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Honor and Awards Program this year.
Also known as the Natatanging Galing, Utak, Puso at Dangal (Galing) UPD Awards, seven individuals and two teams received recognition for their innovation and diligence.
The “Galing” Award (Pagkilala sa Pinakamahusay na Yunit/Pangkat) were given to Information Literacy Information Services and Instruction Section of the UL and the Acquisition and Issuance Section of the Supply and Property Management Office.
This award recognizes a team in a section/division of a unit “for their outstanding contribution resulting in a significant impact on the efficient delivery of services, evidenced with increased client satisfaction of the services provided by their Unit.” It carries a one-time P30,000 cash prize.
The 2020 “Puso” Award (Inspirasyon at Husay Kagalingan Award) were given to Liberato C. Javier of the UL, William N. Pedrosa of the College of Mass Communication and Alvin D. Luangco of the Campus Maintenance Office.
The award recognizes “inspiring real stories about any member of the administrative staff or research, extension, and professional staff (REPS) in the University, regardless of employment status, that made a positive impact to other employees and contributing to the culture of positivity at work in the Unit.” It carries a one-time P10,000 cash prize.
The 2020 “Dangal ng UP Diliman” Award (Pagkilala Para sa Pinakamahusay na Kawani) were given to Jaime H. Marquina of the UPD Police, Edwin Raymond Gerodias of the UL, Maria Laura Ginoy of the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development and Laurence Edward Macatangay of the CS.
This high-level award recognizes individuals who have performed “an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior based on his/her observance of the eight norms of behavior provided under Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”
The said eight norms are: commitment to public interest; professionalism; justness and sincerity; political neutrality; responsiveness to the public; nationalism and patriotism; commitment to democracy and simple living. It carries a one-time P50,000 cash prize.
The awardees for the Gawad Tsanselor para sa Natatanging Kawani—the highest honor given by UPD to administrative staff—will now be chosen from the nominees in this category.
Performances. CAL alumna Marynor Madamesila performed “Bawat Daan” by Ebe Dancel accompanied by Gawad Tsanselor para sa Natatanging Mag-aaral 2021 awardee Ricardo Juanito Balledos on the guitar.
The UP Concert Chorus sang the National Anthem while the UP Singing Ambassadors sang the University hymn.
The 2020 Parangal at Pagkilala sa mga Kawani at Retirado ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas is a major event of the Linggo ng Parangal, an annual week-long festivity recognizing the outstanding performances of its faculty, REPS, students, staff and the community.