“When we say ‘Haligi ng Pamantasan’, we do not speak of people—we speak of living foundations. Like pillars, they pull the weight of generations, but unlike concrete, their strength comes from wisdom, patience, and sacrifice.”

These were the words of NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo as the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) paid tribute to twenty-two (22) retired and outgoing faculty and staff in a ceremony held today, September 30, 2025, at the Mini Convention Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

Dubbed as “Pagpupugay sa mga Haligi ng Pamantasan”, the annual event was organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office and the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), in recognition of the retirees’ invaluable service and lasting contributions to the growth and legacy of NEUST.

Among those who honored the university’s ‘backbone’ were Atty. Bembol Castillo, NEUST Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance (VPABF), and Dr. Feliciana Jacoba, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), who both acknowledged the vital roles the honorees played in shaping the university.

“Napakalaki ng ginampanan at patuloy ninyong ginagampanang papel dito sa NEUST. Sa ngalan ng unibersidad, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya sa pagbabahagi ng bahagi ng inyong buhay sa paglilingkod dito,” said Atty. Castillo.

Dr. Jacoba emphasized that the ceremony was not only a farewell but a celebration of enduring impact, saying, “Ang okasyon na ito, bagama’t idinaraos sa panahon ng pagreretiro ng ating mga pinagpipitaganang mga faculty at support staff, ay ipinapahayag sa ating lahat na ating kinikilala ang kontribusyon at kahalagahan ng bawat isa.”

In response, Dr. Melissa Belinda Faronilo, outgoing Director of the Office of Admission and Registration (OAR), expressed her heartfelt gratitude and led her fellow retirees in a collective bow, as a gesture of respect and farewell to the university.

“To be seen, appreciated, and acknowledged in this university is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Dr. Faronilo.

Capping the event, Ms. Jenna Kristel Ilustre, Human Resource Management Officer III, offered a message of appreciation on behalf of the NEUST community:

“Isang taos-pusong pagpupugay at pasasalamat po sa ating mga retiree. Tunay nga pong tama ang kasabihan na ‘ang pamana ng isang mabuting lingkod ay hindi natatapos sa kanyang pagreretiro, bagkus patuloy na nabubuhay sa puso ng bawat isa na kanyang naimpluwensyahan’.”

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