Doña Josefina Gullas' 104th Birthday: UV awards 200 loyal teachers, personnel

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the commemoration of the 104th birth anniversary of the University of the Visayas’ lady founder, the late Doña Josefina “Inday Pining” Rivera Gullas, the university yesterday paid tribute to its 200 loyal teachers and support personnel by awarding them with commemorative items and certificates of recognition at the school’s HRM laboratory.

On behalf of the Gullas family, UV president and first district Rep Eduardo R. Gullas, during his inspirational message, thanked all those who have been a part of the university and for staying with them all through out.

The school was founded by Don Vicente Gullas and his wife Josefina in 1919.

“Thank you, thank you,” Rep. Gullas told the awardees and other school personnel who were present during the activity.

The last time UV gave recognition to its dedicated teaching and non-teaching staffs was still 13 years ago.

Dr. Jose “Dodong” Gullas, UV’s executive vice president, said that even if the school is with tough times brought about by the global financial economic crunch, the family, still wanted to give “sense of recognition” to all those who have worked hard for the school.

Retired judge Romulo Senining, who was also awarded for being with UV for the last 45 years, recalled that after the World War II, what remained of the school were only “corridors without roof” and “classrooms without flooring.”

Senining enrolled at the then Visayan Institute in 1949 despite a scholarship offer at the University of the Philippines in Manila for free. He added that although the school fees then were free, he still could not afford the dormitories.

“So I brought my grades to Inday Pining, and they gave me the scholarship,” he shared.

Senining still works for UV as part of its College of Law faculty.

Other awardees include Jose Reccio for his 50 years of service, lawyer Paterno Belciña, also of the college of law, and Dr. Remedios Bacasmas.

Lawyer Eufemia Cañete and Marichu Cabanilla, both from the office of UV president were also awarded for their loyalty. Cañete has served the school for 33 years, while Cabanilla has been with UV for the last 23 years. — Liv G. Campo/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)