A vision for the University of the Visayas’ next 100 years

Tonight, about one thousand Visayanians, now living and working in more than 100 countries all over the world, are coming together in our Centennial GAHOM (Grand Alumni Homecoming) in the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza.

Our University President, Congressman Eduardo Gullas and our Executive Vice President, Dr. Jose Gullas, together with the third generation members of the Gullas Family, will grace the occasion and address the homecoming alumni. Cebu City mayor, Atty. Edgardo Labella, and vice mayor, Atty. Michael Rama, both Visayanians, are attending. As the centennial president of the UV Alumni Association, Inc., it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome one and all.

In my speech, I shall share with them my vision for UV and its Gullas Law School. I have a dream (with apologies to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) that UV in the next 100 years, under the leadership and management of the third generation of Gullases, shall emerge as the leading center of excellence for world-class education that is affordable and inclusive.

I have a dream that whilst UV shall remain faithful to the principles and values of its founder, Don Vicente Gullas, which are its roots, this great institution shall venture into horizons still unchartered until today but shall become the wings by which this university shall zoom into the future of education in this part of the country.

I dream that UV shall expand in size and grow in prominence and grandeur. I see a bigger and more modern building complex somewhere in the area adjacent to the boundary of Cebu and Talisay City facing the sea and near the third bridge being constructed.

I also see a UV satellite school in Bohol, Negros, Leyte, Samar, and in Panay Island all the way to Masbate. I dream that there will be UV satellite schools all over northern Mindanao from Misamis to Caraga, and that there shall be enough Visayanians who shall own, administer and manage a franchise educational system that shall perpetuate the UV core values and principles, including the goal of education for all, breaking barriers and boundaries.

I dream that the Gullas Law School shall regain the glory of the past, where Bar topnotchers as well as justices and judges, prosecutors and law enforcers, and topnotch lawyers shall learn the rudiments of law and acquire wisdom on the nuances and intricacies of the law as the only fair and just instrument of justice, peace and prosperity for Cebuanos and Visayans all over the world.

I dream that the whole nation will look up to the UV Gullas Law School as the jewel of UV and one of the most lasting and important legacies of the Gullases to Cebu City and province. I dream that UV faculty, students and administrators as well as non-academic personnel shall honor the memory of the founder by the excellence of their work and the unflinching integrity of their hard work.

I dream that Visayanians all over the world shall continue to live by the credo and tenets of UV, including love of God, service to the country and its people, and love of family.