Guardo mosang-at na og sumada

Former Cebu first district Rep. Jose Gullas and Secretary Cerge Remonde, who heads the Presidential Management Staff, were honored as Outstanding Alumni of the University of the Visayas for 2007.

The awarding ceremonies were held at the Casino Español last Sunday, May 27, during the 82nd UV Alumni Association Homecoming bearing the theme "Charting new heights...Visayanian all." The affair was attended by close to 1,000 member-Visayanians who are into close contact with the university.

University of the Visayas president and Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, in his speech delivered by university vice president for administration Eladio Dioko, said that the "university's greatest wealth is the vast reservoir of human resources."

"Matud pa sa atong mga katigulangan, sa iyang bunga maila ang kahoy," the older Gullas said, who failed to attend the homecoming as he is in the United States for his annual medical checkup.

Gullas said Jose, nicknamed "Dodong", and Remonde can attest to the fruits that the university is producing.

Dodong, who is the executive vice president of the school, is the father of the regionalization of the DepEd payroll service system while Remonde, an eminent member of the university scholar society, is a very trusted adviser and the first Cabinet member of President Arroyo when she was installed in power in 2001.

Remonde, for his part, said he is very grateful to have been given the award handed over to him by the board of trustees of the university, adding that he is sharing the award with Jose Gullas who is the owner of the university.

Remonde said he is very proud to be a Visayanian, since he is the only "UV product who is holding a Cabinet position in Malacañang."

The true Visayanians whom Don Vicente Gullas called his "kings and queens without crowns but are royals just the same" are molded and honored to pass through UV's portals embedded with credible leadership, efficient resource management skills, and effective community relations in their respective fields.    The board of directors of the UV alumni association also awarded Dr. Estrella Navarro for education, Ma. Socorro Omandam-Lozano for revenue enhancement, city police director Patrocinio Comendador for law enforcement, Emerico Gepilano for maritime services, master sergeant Normelito Enero for military service, and Alan Figuracion for business. - Garry B. Lao/MEEV