The Retirees’ Day was held on August 22, 2025, at the Jose, Justina, Dominga Garcia (JJDG) Auditorium as part of the Employees and Wellness Month during the second of the eight-month-long 80th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the University.
Dr. Abraham A. Pascua, CESO III, Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) Director, and Prof. Arnold C. Eugenio, WUP Faculty and Staff Association (WUPFSA) President, the lead persons of the August celebration and co-chairpersons of the 80th Founding Anniversary Celebration, spearheaded the event.
Opening the program the Wesleyan way was a devotion led by Rev. Dr. Francis V. Fajardo, University Chaplain and Chairperson of the 80th Founding Anniversary Celebration, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Gallant Harmony.
Prof. Eugenio delivered the greetings, setting the tone for a meaningful celebration.
Dr. Pascua presented the rationale of the event, highlighting the significance of including Retirees’ Day in the university’s anniversary activities.
“What only matters is not how long you live, but how well you live. This is exactly the reason why the Wesleyan University-Philippines, as one of the components of the 80th Founding Anniversary celebration, included the Retirees’ Day as a paying tribute to all of you who have dedicated the productive years of your life to the service of the Wesleyan University-Philippines,” he underscored.
Each retiree who attended received a souvenir gift from the University. The event also recognized the oldest retirees, with special awards given in three categories:
Male Faculty & Staff, Female Faculty & Staff, and Administration.
Oldest Male Faculty Present – Mr. Florentino R. Espiritu (82)
Oldest Female Faculty Present – Mrs. Felicitas E. Galang (82)
Oldest Male Staff Present – Mr. Samuel A. Peralta (74)
Oldest Female Staff Present – Mrs. Estrellita DG. Navarro (85)
Oldest Official Present – Dr. Lolita Sablay (87)
Moreover, in their messages, Mrs. Pastora Rosale (former University Registrar) and Mrs. Julie Cabling (former OIC-University Registrar) reflected on the blessings of life and aging.
“Today we appreciate life—especially coming to the auditorium, all alive and kicking. We appreciate being alive, and we appreciate the people around us who have inspired us throughout the years. We embrace the present version of ourselves—kahit po sabihin natin na meron na tayong lovelines and laughlines, mayroon na pong eyebags—but we have to appreciate that, because it seems the only way to have a long life is to age,” noted Mrs. Rosale.
In addition, Mrs. Cabling stated that retirement was not the end of the road. Rather, it was the beginning of open highways. She added that age was just a number and considered retirement as one of life’s precious gifts. “I am seven years retired,’ with a happy smile and a grateful heart,” she concluded.
A moment was also dedicated to the former faculty, staff, and officials who passed away.
Dr. Emmanuel G. Cleto, the 7th President of the institution, 96 years old, was present to grace the event.
The afternoon concluded with socialization, raffles, and an early dinner. The ‘WUP Jewels’ were serenaded by the Executive Male Voices and Gallant Harmony, which are composed of select current officials, faculty, and staff, leaving the hall filled with music, joy, and a sense of homecoming.
Hosting the event were Mr. Mark Anthony Miranda and Dr. Gladys P. Mangiduyos. Dr. Mangiduyos rendered her hosting with a twist, along with Teatrong Laan Para sa Obra Ngayon (TELON) talents, portraying Dr. Asuncion Perez (4th President), Dr. Gloria D. Lacson (6th President), and a GenZ student to present a short walkthrough of how the University has transformed until today.
by Ayumi San Cai Valerio
Photos by Lenscab Photography
