Thanksgiving Program for Outgoing Chancellor Manuel B. Agulto

To celebrate his times and life as head of UP Manila and UP-PGH (UP – Philippine General Hospital), as well as his contributions to CAS, in particular, “Pagkilala at Pasasalamat kay Tsanselor Manuel B. Agulto” was staged at CAS Theater on September 23, 2014, 2:00 PM.

Chancellor Manuel B. Agulto was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Arline V. Belarmino-Agulto, and his former Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Dr. Leo Cubillan, who currently serves as the Executive Director of National Institutes of Health.

To start the program, Biorythm rendered “As the Deer Panteth for the Water”, followed by the singing of National Anthem. Event host, Professor Carolina Pulumbarit, introduced Dean Alex Gonzaga for the welcome remarks.

Dean Gonzaga acknowledged the CAS projects Chancellor Agulto supervised since he became the 8th Chancellor of UP Manila on October 26, 2011. Then Biorythm sang “High” by The Speaks followed by the CAS Admin staff's version of The Carpenters' “Top of the World”. The latter was comprised of Mses. Junz Celoy, Luz Emano, Leonie Florendo, Amy Ilagan, and Shirley Nulud.

Dr. Leonardo Estacio, Jr. of Department of Behavioral Sciences delivered his originally penned poem dedicated to Chancellor to the enjoyment of everyone, as follows:

ISANG MATALINHAGANG PAGKILALA KAY

TSANSELOR MANUEL B. AGULTO

mula sa mga miyembro ng fakulti, kawani at estudyante ng CAS

Misyon mo ang magbigay lunas sa nakataratang paningin at pag-iisip

At magbigay tugon sa mga hamon at hinaing ng mga: nanggagalaiting aktibista;

Naghihinagpis na mga silid-aralan at nagreretirong mga lcd at aircon;

Umaalmang mga mag-aaral na nawalan ng kusina sa tanghali at nagtitiis sa paligid na amoy-pusali;

Empleyadong nakaprenda na ang suweldo at ATM sa nakangising usurero;

Lungayngay ng mga propesor na nagtitiis sa patpating suweldo at binuburong overload pay

Baston mo ay sulo ng pag-asa at pag-unlad sa UP Manila:

At amoy- pusaling paligid ng CAS-Rizal Hall ay nagmistulang pook luntian;

Gusaling Student Center at katatayuan nito ay napasinayaan;

Umuusok ang balita na maraming propesor ang nirekomenda mong tataas ang mga rangko;

Lumang Little Theater, mga laboratoryo, silid-aralan at opisina ay binigyan mo ng bagong sigla at anyo;

Tatlong taon ba ay kulang upang ang mga programa at serbisyo ay maipatupad ng ganap?

O ito’y sapat upang ang dunong at dangal ng mga iskolar ng bayan ay maisulong ng wagas?

Masugid mong ginampanan ang iyong tungkulin bilang tsanselor at iskolar para sa bayan

Di mo tinalikdan ang mga hamon at pagsubok na sa iyo nakaatang…

Mabuhay ka Tsanselor Manuel B. Agulto!!!

Chancellor Agulto responded, “this is the last time that I am talking to all of you as Father of UP Manila. I do not know if I will cry, be happy, or be a philosopher. I am here to do a thing as recommended by my advisers and my good-natured wife, who is always busy in greening the College and was occupied in the restoration of Oble's (Oblation's) hand.”

“I am so thankful to the greatness of CAS. You produced three summa cum laude's in three years. It only proves that challenges are not a hindrance... I will plant in your hearts the beautiful and sweet-smelling flowers to wake up your hearts and consciousness. Let's stop digging the unpleasant memories,” Chancellor added. He reasurred, “give facilities to CAS for the brightest students and teachers in the land.”

Chancellor Agulto beamed with pride as he talked about his two of three children who were products of CAS. His second child is a BA Organizational Communication alumna. He shared, “she was a straight A student in her master's abroad, completing the degree in 1.5 years, and whose thesis merited the admiration of her adviser.” On the other hand, his youngest daughter studied BS Biology. She is a certified ophthalmologist in the Philippine General Hospital and currently taking up post residency in the US. She was an intern in the White House and her thesis dealt about the soldiers traumatized by Vietnam war.

Towards the end of his speech, Chancellor discoursed, “at the end of our earthly life journey, we will be judged by the Good Lord. Let's take the narrowed and straight path that will lead to eternal life. Between eternal life of hardship or eternal life of joy, choice is easy. A no brainer.” He also looked back to the time when he was still contemplating to run for chancellorship. He mentioned, “According to my wife, 20 years was more than enough of serving UP. I became a director, department chair, and professor. But because of the nudge of my fellows in PGH and UP Manila, even to the last minute of passing the requirments, I submitted the nomination forms to NIH (National Institutes of Health)... Let's give CAS a warm round of applause. May God bless us and give us a brighter future. Good afternoon.”

Chancellor Agulto received the certificate of appreciation and signature frame from Dean Gonzaga. Meanwhile, Mrs. Agulto was presented with bouquet of flowers each by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rosario Rubite, and Associate Dean for Planning and Development, Professor Luciana Ilao. Photo ops with the faculty and administrative staff ended the occasion.