UV starts year-long centennial celebration

CEBU, Philippines —  The University of the Visayas (UV), one of the longest-running institutions in Cebu City, officially launched yesterday its year-long centennial celebration, in time for the birth anniversary of the late Don Vicente Gullas who founded the university in 1919.

In his speech, Jose "Dodong" Gullas, UV executive vice president and The FREEMAN chairman, addressed his brother Eduardo, saying he wished their mother "Inday Pining" was happy with the milestone.

Called the Visayas Institute when it was instituted in 1919, the school later acquired a university status, the first in Cebu, way back in 1948.

Dodong shared that the university started with humble beginnings, with his late father Vicente first renting a space until he found a property where the university is standing presently.

From two buildings, several edifices are now standing on the campus, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

Dodong said whatever accomplishments they reach, their mother always reminded them to "stay humble, compassionate, and always have the faith.”

"I request all Visayanians to continue UV's feat in our hearts and minds,” he said.

UV president and Talisay City Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Gullas Sr. took pride in the religiosity of the university, even if it is a secular institution.

He said it was one of the practices their mother taught them -- to be prayerful.

Thus, he added, classes at UV start and end with a prayer.

Among the personalities present during the launch was Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Before the 7 p.m. grand opening at the Cebu City main campus, UV executives, administrators and faculty members heard Mass at Inday Teresing auditorium.

It was concelebrated by priests who were also products of the university, and currently holding significant positions in the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy, namely Augustinian fathers Andres Rivera, Jr., prior provincial, Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines; Pacifico Nohara Jr., rector of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu; and Msgr. Ruben Labajo; head of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the ecclesiastical seat of the Cebu Archdiocese. — JMD (FREEMAN)