PANPACIFIC UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES ITS PEARL ANNIVERSARY

PANPACIFIC UNIVERSITY is indeed a witness to every life story shared by its stakeholders. It is a keen eye that sees how dreams are made and chased. It is like a torch that awakens the heart of dreamers. It blazes their courage and willpower to set foot in a quest towards continued success.

The University marked a significant milestone in its existence and operation through a month-long celebration. The formerly known Pangasinan College of Science and Technology (PCST) and Panpacific University North Philippines (PUNP) proudly commemorated its glor­ious 30 years of building better lives through several festivities.

The anniversary’s kick off was highlighted by a Sports fest where teams collaborated to show sportsmanship and camaraderie. It was a fun-filled and thrilling day for the Panpacifics from Tayug and Urdaneta Campuses as they all cheered and expressed their support for their players.

Having compassion for the environment is one of the core values of the university. Relatively, a ‘Padyak’ and Tree Planting Activity on February 11, 2023 was conducted in San Nicolas, Pangasinan. It was well attended by bicycling and motorcycling enthusiasts. ­Every year, the university leads the planting of ­fruit-bearing trees to help lessen the effects of climate change.

The graduation ceremony for the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) completers was facilitated on February 17, 2023. There were almost 30 graduates coming from the Bureau of Corrections and the Philippine National Police, among others. Meanwhile, several graduates of the University came together in the First Grand Alumni Homecoming and Time Capsule held at the Panpacific University grounds on February 18, 2023. The gathering started with a motorcade. Every Panpacific who witnessed the journey of the university over the years shared vibrant smiles and proud hearts. There was a time capsule with memorabilia that was buried in the Science Building where renovation would eventually take place. It was also the perfect occasion for the Panpacifics to reconnect and reminisce memories.

“If you are happy and you know it, Run & Ride with us!” This was the call on the early mor­ning of February 19. The Panpacifics gathered in the University to warm-up through dancing and braced themselves for a 3k or 5k run, and a 16k ride. The runners and riders had their own buddies whom they shared a joyous moment with. All were all filled with colors and smiles as they reached the finish line and continued their day of euphoria. After which, the learners with their teachers from the School of Basic Education were delighted in the Family Day organized. They had quality time with their loved ones. Also, the school community had the chance to interact during the Student and Employee Concert on February 20. Superb performances were shown by the students, teachers, staff, and even the school administrators.

Apart from the care for nature and people, the university also recognizes the Panpacifics capabi­lity and talent to become leaders. Emblazoned in the university’s arch is the phrase, “through this gate, shall pass the future leaders of our country, the Philippines’. This became a motivation for the three-day Leader’s Summit from February 20-23. It was conducted at the University Events Center to cultivate and ignite the potentials of every Panpacific in becoming excellent leaders who embody the university’s core values: Pioneer, Compassion, Service, and Truth. The first day was about Pioneer that was graced by two resource speakers, Dr. Samuel Sumaoang and PLtCol Kimberly Esteban Molitas. Both guests emphasized that an innovative leader possesses empathy, grit, courage, humility, resilience, optimism, and integrity. The second day tackled Compassion delivered by Dr. Bert J. Tuga where he stressed the relevance of global goals inte­gration in being compassionate to address the imminent climate crisis. The final day focused on Service and Truth discussed by two speakers, PLtCol Karissma G. Sta Juana, and Dr. Engelbert Pasag. Sta. Juana highlighted the service to one’s self, family, community, country, and God while Dr. Pasag asserted the essence of seeking truth by continuously discussing about and modelling it.

Mr. and Ms. Panpacific University 2023 pageant with a purpose was also staged on February 21. The candidates engaged in the relevant and timely community involvement through their advocacy programs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). The contestants showcased their beauty, intelligence, talent, and purpose through different segments. The winners of the pageant received various prizes and the title holders were gran­ted scholarships. Along the pageant, the talen­ted Panpacifics were also given the opportunity to display their musical and bodily-kinesthetic prowess in the Panpacific X Factor.

Moreover, the 4,000-crowd capacity of the University Events Center hosted the PBA Le­gends on February 22. Allan “The Triggerman” Caidic, Bong “Mr. Excitement” Alvarez, Jerry “Defense Minister” Codiñera, Noli “The Tank” Locsin, Vince “The Prince” Hizon along with social media personalities Eric “Eruption” Tai, Mr. Mainit, Bugoy Cariño, and Jimboy Martin competed against each other in a basketball game together with the faculty members and Panpacific University’s varsity team “Gritty Sharks”. The audience enjoyed the event and cheered for their respective teams. The Championship of Basketball Legends was a charity game event aimed at raising funds to support the university’s athletes and cadet scholars.

A Thanksgiving Mass was offered on Feb­ruary 23 in the morning. Then there was a Social Bingo for the Panpacifics on the afternoon. All students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered in the venue to play. The blackout pattern was the most exhilarating part with a whopping Php 30,000.00 prize for the winner. The events center roared as everyone got close to winning, but only eight (8) winners were lucky enough to claim their share of the grand prize.

Lastly, the pearl anniversary of the University culminated with the gathering of the employees during the Panpacific Night held at Hilton Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. The service and special awardees were honored. Guests from the Commission on Higher Education, select government agencies, and present and past collaborators and partners expressed their congratulatory remarks to the institution. Dr. Romeo Padilla, the founder responded with his inspirational message to all. After all, Dr. Padilla asserts that Panpacific University commits to building better lives for three decades and beyond.

Contributors: Renz B. Bambico, Mary Lorraine L. Tambaoan, & Romelyn M. Ramos