Maayong Adlaw, PNUans!

There is no gainsaying that the past years have been marked by some remarkable achievements
and today, we mark Inang Pamantasan’s 52nd Anniversary with the theme “Pagtubag sa Hagit ug
Oportunidad sa Bag-ong Normal”.
Looking back those fascinating years, there is truly something extraordinary with this
institution. Any PNUan will surely agree with me. The experience is exhausting and exhilarating
but amazing, fulfilling and humbling at the same time. Honing students to become thinkers and
doers. Learning that curiosity and courage can be more powerful than insecurity. Without a
doubt, I am exceedingly grateful for the things I’ve learned from this institution. And I am
looking forward to witness more young idealists to be ground breakers and future shapers from
this institution. Men and women bold enough to teach and think creatively. The methods and
concepts are easier to teach but going beyond those and stitching ideas and realities together is
a whole new story. Doing both and even doing beyond what is expected is a true product of
Inang Pamantasan. Hence, I could say that our country needs more PNUans.
Today, we are faced by an unseen enemy. Most of us consider the present situation as
traumatising and depressing experience, I couldn’t agree more but on the bright side of the
spectrum, we are jolted to rediscover innovative ways to support one another. “Disasters have
a way of illuminating our human capacity for care and connection, but a pandemic is a cruel
messenger: It reminds us of our essential interdependence while amplifying the isolation of our
modern lives,” writes Mandy Len Catron in The Atlantic.
As the tough gets going, Inang Pamantasan have proposed many formulae for recovery and
coping from this pandemic. We need to step up and do whatever others are afraid of doing,
embracing change and creating opportunities out of tragedies. Offering quality education
despite this trying times. Philippine Normal University adopted Alternative Work Arrangements
(AWA). Some are working at home especially those who are senior citizens and teachers who
have health issues.
PNU-Mindanao is now moving towards having flexible and blended instruction so that there will
be no face to face classes. Teachers are making their learning modules. These modules will be
saved in a flash drive to be easily distributed to the students. Those who have no gadgets are to
be provided at least an android phone through Technology Assistance in the New Normal
through Gadget for Learning and Work also known as Project TANGLAW of PNU.
Truly, the best way to help our country is to keep moving. Keep learning, educating, innovating,
promoting and keep our visions happening. We all are ambassadors and amplifiers of quality
education. Let not this pandemic sink away our educational mission.
As President of the Alumni Association of PNU- Mindanao, I encourage my fellow alumni to
participate and help provide assistance to make this campaign into reality. As the scripture said
in 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God Loves a cheerful giver.” To give gallantly is to give courageously. We have
great challenges and great opportunities and together we will meet them.
Let me end this with words from Walter D. Wintle in from poem “Thinking”:
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man
But soon or late the man wins
Is the man who thinks he can!

Together we will and we can. This is ________ saying, Padayon sa paglambo, PNU Mindanao!