Life has stored marvelous surprises for each of us. How we relish on its lessons, either delighting on its pleasure or ruing on its ordeals, largely depends on one's values or the lack of it.
We are ushering into an interesting period. Of late, with a sudden incursion into our peaceful domain, our inner resolve has been sorely tested, while our shared conviction was deeply polarized.
None of those elements of subterfuge can blur our vision as we sail through the vast ocean of growth and progress. The wind keeps on blowing behind our sails to usher our ship forward to the glorious destination of academic distinction and service excellence.
As the captain of that ship that is our University, I provide leadership and direction to keep us on the right track. The gale and gust may not always be favorable to us. But the maturity and dedication of fine men and women, like you, who lend their able hands to their captain in steering the ship's thrust, most especially in turbulent times, will always serve as an inspiring atmosphere for me to muster more faith and courage to sail head-on.
On this note, let me, then, thank you for your profuse support and unwavering trust. Despite the heavy temptation to abandon the ship, you have steadfastly kept the banner of your faith upon your Captain. And I say, "This is your Captain speaking, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you ever so much!"
As if on cue after enduring the onslaught of Glenda, we shall redirect our efforts and regain our vigor after reeling from the proverbial storm that we have gone through. As the storm has cleared the atmosphere, there are so much works that demand our attention, as there are so much more to achieve for our dearest Pamantasan.
Meanwhile, observant eyes with inquisitive minds may be wondering about the significance of the Orange and Blue ribbon tandem that most have started to wear.
Those ribbons represent our continuing support and commitment to the City Government of Manila, whose equal support and commitment to PLM and its leadership are on their strongest. Let us nurture this cogent relationship between our city leadership and our University, as this would spell to the greater extent the quality of the future of our scholars. Thank you and God speed!
Dr. ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO, LLD
University President
[Presidential message after the Flag Ceremonies, 21 July 2014, PLM Field]
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We live in interesting times. This is a statement written by the famous American author Charles Dickens in one of his novels set before the 19th century.
In this day and time, we could very well say the same for us here at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, as we are on the verge of celebrating our milestone – our 50th foundation anniversary next year.
On a personal note, I feel privileged to be the head of this institution that has run its course and has evolved into a great institution of higher learning. I consider it a source of pride to be part of this pioneering, model, and leader among local state colleges and universities.
This early, I would like to acknowledge the chairpersons and members of the twin Committees on the 49th and the 50th Golden Anniversary Celebration for the line up and staging of the various activities; and to the PRAISE Committee and Secretariat for this year’s service awards program, and to all of you who have worked to make our celebration possible.
The countdown to our golden year anniversary started this morning. And I must say that the presence and participation of the different sectors of our PLM community is such a heartwarming scenario for me as your University President. There is such joy seeing our university officials with members of the Board of Regents, heads of the academic and administrative offices, faculty members, employees, alumni and students gathered together in one happy occasion that evokes a certain “high”. I would like to believe that the display of unity and harmony among us all this morning augurs well for our joyous anticipation of our year-long journey to our golden year in 2015.
The events this morning, and I should say all the succeeding programs in the next two days, should strengthen the bonds that tie us all together as one family, or one big community that thrives on genuine love and concern for each other’s welfare. Our mission statement, that of being a caring university, after all, speaks of our common trait as compassionate members of our Pamantasan.
This afternoon, we set our sights, and give the limelight to the outstanding and loyal employees, both academic and administrative, in this year’s service awards program. As we have always endeavored to pursue a culture of excellence in the way we teach and serve our students, this afternoon, we might as well show our attitude of gratitude to our outstanding and long-serving faculty and staff.
As I run through the roster of 75 honorees, I am aware and awed by the realization that some of you have lasted and remained in this University for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and yes, even 35 years! Some studies show that quite a number of employees remain in one work place for only about two years. But you, honorees and others among us here, have decided to stay with PLM and probably choose to stay longer till your retirement day.
While some would make conclusions as to why employees stay in their employ for the longest time, I would like to believe that you, and I, have chosen to remain here in PLM for all the right reasons.
Some human resource experts would assume that employees remain in an organization when their dreams, desires, longings for financial remuneration, professional growth and prosperity are realized.
At this juncture, I would like to personally extend my appreciation, my heartfelt gratitude even, to all of you who have chosen to stay and be part of our PLM family. This afternoon’s award program is our modest way of paying tribute to all your dedicated service. We know that the modest tokens of appreciation and cash incentives cannot suffice to approximate the kind of loyalty, hard work, and selflessness in serving the University. Please know that you are considered the other half of the University’s assets. And as assets, we recognize and take to heart the need to address your concerns.
When I assumed office almost a year ago, I wanted to go through the policies and make a study of how our management team can come up with initiatives to enhance the competence of our faculty and staff vis-à-vis a package of benefits that should address faculty/staff promotion and the corresponding increase in pay, among other concerns. I must say that in less than year, we have made at least some well-meaning steps towards improving the lot of our faculty and staff. There are big strides yet to be made. With the creation of special committees then and now, your university officials hope to make our collegial dream of ushering more opprotunities for growth and development on its way to becoming a reality. We may have to wait for some time, but we are optimistic that the waiting should not be for long. And that your waiting would not be in vain.
As I close, I would like to believe that you, and I, have more meaningful reasons why we choose to stay and wait. Let this occasion be a reminder to you all, to us all, of the good reasons why we all choose to stay in PLM. I believe our collegial decision to continue serving here at PLM border on the following -- One: that we have so much trust and confidence in each other’s abilities, capabilities, capacities; Two: that we believe and recommit ourselves to live up to the ideals that our Pamatasan represents; and Three: that PLM deserves good faculty and staff to keep the culture of excellence burning in our hearts.
I am so proud to be a PLMayer. It is my pleasure to work with you all. I hope you feel and think the same way. This is your President, and I say, Maraming Salamat sa inyong matapat na paglilingkod. Sana ay sama sama nating salubungin ang ginintuang taon ng may tuwa galak sa ating mga puso, at may paniniwalang makakamtan natin ang ating mga pangarap tungo sa karunungan, kaunlaran, at kadakilaan.
Dr. ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO, LLD
University President
[Inspirational message on the Service Awards Program, on the occasion of the 49th University Foundation Anniversary, 19 June 2014, Justo Albert Auditorium]
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This school year is one of many firsts in PLM. Today marks the first time in my incumbency, as University President of PLM, to open a school year. More than that is the fact that it is the first day of a school year (in many decades) that a University President will stand on a modest reception ceremony to personally welcome the freshmen and lead the academic community in breathing inspiration into their dreams. It is likewise the first time ever that a Parents’ Orientation was held in this university as our way of engaging their support as our leading partners in educating their children.
There is no doubt that your foremost reason of enrolling in PLM is to reach for your dreams. From the smallest to the grandest, each dream perfectly weaves together to construct and lay down a highway to success. The road to success is not always smooth, however. Much as there are bumps and turns along a thoroughfare, there will always be obstacles to hurdle, challenges to face and problems to overcome. However gloomy the route could be, your sweet destination at the end of the road is there waiting for you. You shall finish the course and you will be hailed a winner!
Today, you are crossing the Rubicon, so to speak that there is no turning back anymore. There is no other way but to reach forward, keep the pace and increase the momentum that you have today.
PLM is a haven for scholars like you. It is the cradle of young heroes whose idealism and appetite for learning make you the hope of the future. Indeed, as its Vision statement guides us, PLM is a Caring University -- your second home and your second family. We have the best professionals in our roster of professors to educate you, and a corps of committed staff always ready to serve you.
Let me share with you a golden nugget of wisdom in the hope that it may guide you well in your upcoming years of scholarship. “Average people have wishes and hopes. Confident people have goals and plans.” Let your mind be fashioned by goals and plans, while your heart be nourished by love that only the Caring University can give. More than numeracy and literacy, we offer you the “education of the heart, on top of the education of the mind and of the spirit.”
In closing, to make you feel comfortable, we are excited to lay down the red carpet today to welcome our new breed of scholars to the portals of this outstanding university!
Thank you and God speed!
Dr. ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO, LLD
University President
[Inspirational message on the first flag-raising ceremonies for SY 2014-2015, 02 June 2014, PLM Field]
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Fellow university officials, the deans and heads of various colleges and units, the Dean of Student Development and Services, the officers of the Supreme Student Council, proud parents of our incoming freshmen, I welcome you all, as University President, to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila!
Today marks the first time in my incumbency, as University President of PLM, to open a school year. Today is likewise the first time ever that a Parents' Orientation is being held in this university. This event, essential as it is, is an offshoot of our efforts to invite the various important stakeholders in the education of our youth -- to come together in the spirit of unity and synergy -- and make a lasting difference in our quest for academic excellence.
PLM is a scholars' university and the cradle for the future heroes of our community. It exists way beyond the stereotype purpose of any other university out there, which is merely to provide college degrees to aspiring professionals. The nobility of PLM's foundation is deeply rooted on its social orientation, which is best expressed by its Mission statement, and I quote: "We commit ourselves to provide quality education to the less privileged but deserving students, and develop competent, productive, morally upright professionals, effective transformational leaders and socially responsible citizens."
With all the grandiose achievements and the high repute of its earned credibility over nearly 50 years, PLM would not have reached such a pedestal without the guidance from our vision, mission and objectives. But equally worthy of recognition as a factor in achieving that strong integrity is the trust and confidence of parents like you. We consider the parents of our scholars as our indispensable partners in "molding the minds and firming the hands" of their children as future agents of change and development.
Your early decision to bring your sons and daughters to the tutelage of the People's University is an unmistakable expression of your desire to give them the best education that only the City University of the Capital City can offer. More than that, it is one perfect indication of your understanding of the social commitment of PLM towards the community that it serves.
Today, even as we seek to enlighten you of the intricacies of a scholarly education, I wish to congratulate you for standing by your children all these years. Coming to PLM is a life-changing journey that your children will take towards a fulfilling and rewarding life ahead of them. As a scholarly education is more demanding, your staunch support at this stage in nourishing their needs is even more crucial and essential. We will take this journey together, with you as their parents, and this Caring University as their foster parent.
You are in the best position to chart out a wonderful destiny for your own child. To be sure, entrusting them to us is the best decision of your life as a parent. As tradition has it, we will return them to you as fine young professionals who are deeply steeped in values and fashioned according to the tenets for which PLM has earned a recognizable brand equity in its pursuit of excellence.
In closing, let me share with you that we are excited to lay down the red carpet for your children next week, and welcome our new breed of scholars to the portals of this outstanding university.
Thank you and God speed!
Dr. ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO, LLD
University President
[Inspirational message on the Parents’ Orientation, 28-29 May 2014, Justo Albert Auditorium]
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Your Caring University finds deep pleasure in sending off a new batch of alumni from the ranks of the people’s scholars. As you set your feet forward and leave the hallowed portals of the academe to explore new horizons and scale greater heights, you shall encounter new frontiers of knowledge that will broaden your erudition and fashion your further outlook of life. Under the bright sunlight of wisdom, there is a vast yet uncharted ocean of knowledge out there that awaits your discovery.
As you traverse deeper into the industry of your chosen field of expertise, the trails and memories of the past shall linger on despite the influx of everything new. Old friends and precious experiences, as well as travails and episodes of anguish, -- all worth remembering -- have left an indelible imprint in your value system.
This Yearbook serves as a memento of your milestone triumph in 2014 that your heart will surely cherish in your lifetime. This is a momentous occasion of jubilation pricelessly enjoyed in the warmth of love of those who share the delight of your success. Whenever the vicissitudes of life would dampen your resolve to carry on, you can look back into that portion of the past through this Yearbook and be reminded of how significantly special you are that the world cannot afford to lose your worth.
As a “pantas” who is educated the PLM way, always carry in your heart the Almighty’s timeless counsel in Proverbs 22:1, thus, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Dr. ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO, LLD
University President
[Presidential Message on the 2014 Yearbook]
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Our distinguished honoris causa honoree who will be introduced in a while; our esteemed city councilors who sit as members of the PLM Board of Visitors; the chairman and members of the Board of Regents; University officials, deans and the faculty, the Graduating Batch 2014, proud parents and guests, it is my honor to welcome you all, as president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, to the 46th Commencement Exercises!
This moment and this hall are filled with joy and heartfelt emotions. The sensation of triumph that each of you feels today is a memento for your success that will linger through time. We share the joy of your victory, as much as we are delighted to be honored with the presence of a public servant whose heart knows how it is to be among those who are less in life.
He is one fellow who hails from the public school system, having graduated at the Almario Elementary School and the Tondo High School. He later earned his Management degree at the International Academy of Management and Economics and is now in his sophomore year at the Arellano University School of Law.
Never to be subdued by the financial and social status of his family, he dreamed big and pursued his dreams until the stars have lined up in heavens to chart out a wonderful destiny for him.
That destiny is a divine calling to serve as a champion for the cause of the masses. Riding on his pro-poor initiatives and youthful charisma, he knew perfectly well the needs of the poor and the needy. In 1998, his public service advocacies came into light when he finished strongly as a frontrunner and became a 3-term councilor of the capital city of Manila.
Replicating that similar streak in a higher pedestal came in handily. He won a fresh yet overwhelming mandate from the people and is currently on his 3rd and final term as the vice mayor of Manila. As if on cue, he has been hailed as the national president of the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines where he serves as the lodestar in pushing for quality local legislation all over the country.
Our honoree today, despite his humble beginnings, comes studded with academic laurels on his cap. Upon the invitation of the US State Department, he attended the “International Visitors Leadership Program for US Mayors and Local Government” in Washington, DC. He subsequently attended the famed John F. Kennedy School of Government at the Harvard University under the “Executive Education Program,” and the Said Business School of the University of Oxford in England under the “Oxford Strategic Leadership Program.” Meanwhile, the Russian Federal Agency invited him to visit Russia and to participate in its “New Generation” program.
His efforts at elevating the public interest did not come unnoticed. In recognition of his efforts and initiatives to improve the plight of Manileños, he was cited by the People Asia magazine as one of the “Ten Men Who Matter.” Likewise, Gawad Amerika Foundation conferred on him its 2012 Most Outstanding Filipino in the Field of Public Service award, in fitting ceremonies held in Hollywood, California.
It is therefore with pride and honor that I introduce to you our distinguished honoree today. Ladies and gentlemen, with your resounding applause, help me in welcoming Vice Mayor Francisco “ISKO MORENO” Domagoso!
Dr. ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO, LLD
University President
[Welcome Remarks & Introduction
of the Honoris Causa Honoree, 46th Commencement Exercises, 22 April 2014, PICC Reception Hall, 1pm-5pm, Afternoon Session.]
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Let me first extend to all PLMians -- our scholars, faculty, employees, and alumni -- my fervent wish for a year of peace, joy and prosperity.
Another year has come and this gives us the motivation to be filled with enthusiasm. It was not so long ago when we sat together and shared our plans for this University. Collectively, we exchanged views on how to sustain if not improve our impressive academic standing. Alongside, we heard your sentiments emanating from various concerns ranging from promotion, infrastructure and facilities, as well as mundane things that were addressed immediately, but with some still being considered for their feasibility. One stride at a time, we came up with solutions to problems brought to my attention.
Today, we understand that a recently concluded faculty development workshop provided an avenue for an internal assessment. Congratulations to our faculty who painstakingly deliberated during workshops. Your commendable efforts are highly recognized and duly appreciated. When the faculty presented the SWOT analysis, we noted with elation that our strength comes from our faculty including the auxiliary support given by our administrative staff. Opportunities are evident and these propel us to look ahead and yearn for unprecedented growth. Although we can play up with our strengths and opportunities, the weaknesses and threats have a common theme which should not be taken nonchalantly. But let us not allow ourselves to be frustrated, neither disheartened, with the challenges present within our midst. We can help each other formulate formidable solutions to ensure that we are hitting the source of our concerns. Now that we have identified the weaknesses and threats, we welcome plausible recommendations to move towards a synchronized, realistic and achievable direction.
Early this month, as an offshoot of the faculty development workshop, we shall have the continuation or second part this 2014. A committee for such purpose has been constituted and you are assured of the support of management. The output you have provided is indeed significant data that can be utilized in preparing our strategic plans for the ensuing years. The road map to excellence is within our reach but we need to fill the gap between the present and the possible hurdles of the future. Thus, we wish to conduct this year’s faculty development outside our campus, perhaps in Tagaytay or Baguio, to encourage everyone to think out-of-the box.
Subsequently, specifically on 19 February 2014, we shall have a foreign visitor from San Francisco, California, USA, in the person of no less than the Honorable Mayor Edwin M. Lee. Being the Chief Executive of a sister-city of Manila, Mayor Lee shall be conferred with an honoris causa degree. We are optimistic that this will strengthen our efforts to establish international linkages and promote our University in the global arena.
With the support of the Board of Regents and the commitment of our Honorable Mayor, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, we share the excitement for the upcoming projects of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. First, our facade definitely needs a facelift. For many years, the rustic and decrepit look of our façade awaits improvement and we hope that this transformation will spell out our desire for fresh ideas towards creating a University that espouses knowledge-building and -transmission.
Second, the flame monument should be returned and erected at its original position. The flame monument which signifies students “burning the midnight oil” as they study in this University serves as a reminder for them to persevere with their studies. The flame monument, once restored to its original site, shall guide our students every time they enter the University with the perpetual light of knowledge, prosperity and greatness.
Third, expect that this Administration will do everything that it can to provide an atmosphere most conducive to speculation, experiment and creation. Plans to erect buildings with state-of-the-art classroom facilities are brewing at the moment. We are counting on the pledge of our dedicated congressmen that construction of the proposed buildings shall commence sooner than later.
Fourth, we are approaching our golden anniversary. The blueprint shall be laid on the table to make this event an unforgettable one. With the support of our City Government, alumni, faculty, employees, and students, we wish to hold a year-long celebration. As part of our celebration, we shall witness the milestones for every decade. This will bring us to a nostalgic journey as we take pride on our achievements that mold the lives of everyone in PLM.
In closing, through the grace of God, we hope that with the upcoming projects everyone will move with high spirits. We are counting on your commitment to ensure that our plans will result in success. Now, as you return to your respective task either as an employee or student or faculty member, may you be guided with our dreams for the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
Good morning and have a blessed day ahead!
Justice ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO
University President
[Inspirational Message on the first flag-raising ceremonies for the year 2014, 06 January 2014, 8am, PLM Field, PLM Campus.]
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Institutional linkage at the global front is a strong pillar in PLM's pursuit of academic excellence. Faculty and student exchanges with Asian and American universities, started a few decades back, have built strong relationships with the international academic community. Today, with the arrival of distinguished foreign guests into the portals of this academe, we are affirming our dedication to tread the world map through sister-university relations.
As we exchange ideas on excellence and on how PLM has achieved dynamic growth to solidify its domestic foundations (as among the top universities in the Philippines) while blazing the internationalization of its presence, we feel the atmosphere of synergy to aid one another in our shared journey to strengthen further the passion for excellence and expanding connectivity to other institutions worldwide.
PLM is now racing its way towards its 50th anniversary or Golden Year. Milestone as that occasion will be, PLM cannot simply rest on the laurels reaped over the last 5 decades. We seek to bring luster to the precious golden jewels of PLM by strengthening its domestic roots and by expanding its realms beyond our current horizons.
As if on cue, the arrival of foreign guests, like you, to look into our 5-decade history resonates well the advocacy and vision of our founding fathers. Likewise, it aptly highlights the laurels we have thus achieved so far, as well as clear our vision to scale greater horizons.
As the crown jewel of the Capital City, our City University has proven to be the fabled goose that lays a golden egg. Bringing honors to the Capital City, through our feat of always dominating the state licensure exams, has always been a source of inspiration and pride for us. More than this, however, is the nobility of PLM's life-purpose, which is to educate and serve the less-privileged but academically brilliant scholars. Indeed, graduating from PLM is a life-changing event for them -- opening the gates to realize their dreams and ushering them to the horizon of success. This is the well-spring of PLM's endless socio-economic importance.
Much as the so-called "PLM phenomenon" has been replicated all over the country, we are more than open to share to our brothers in Thailand our success story -- one that is anchored on our yearning to help society and inspire social development by educating the mind, heart and spirit of our citizenry. And I say, you have come to the right place!
Let me then welcome all of you to PLM -- the University of the City of Manila -- as we seek to reach a new milestone in our quest for a strong sense of partnership!
Justice ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO
University President
[Welcome Remarks on the Technical Visit of Thailand Upper Northern Provincial Cluster I, 25 October 2013, 10am-12nn, TOP Room, PLM Campus.]
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My fellow public servants:
I cannot thank my fellow Regents enough for the immense trust accorded unto me to take the mantle of stewardship of the premier scholars' university of this nation's Capital City. Undoubtedly, this is a singular honor that caps my best years of molding young minds as an educator, but likewise a charge to bind together the efforts and talents of every stakeholder into a synergy designed to elevate PLM into its well deserved status.
Standing on the gains reaped over nearly half-a-century, we are now ushering into a milestone marked by a heightened focus on the productivity performance of each stakeholder. PLM has reached a glorious phase where every gifted scholar, staff and faculty is behooved and poised to expand the horizons beyond PLM's current realms. We will sustain this synergy as the bedrock of a future anchored on the best characters of our people to etch a new niche that will define the course of PLM's history even beyond its golden year.
As a crown jewel of the Capital City, our City University will work closely with President-Mayor Joseph E. Estrada in realizing his vision to reclaim and even surpass the glorious days of Manila. Our citizenry expects so much of us, and we will never fail their hopes and dreams to bail them out of poverty as his centerpiece program.
Thank you!
Justice ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO
University President
[Message to the PLM community on his election by the Board of Regents as University President for a term of 6 years, commencing on 03 July 2013.]