The University celebrated its 1st university-wide Virtual Teachers’ Day last October 8, 2021. The community also honored Santo Tomas de Villanueva, bishop and Patron Saint of studies. The day opened with the virtual community Rosary and Mass. The Eucharistic Celebration was led by Fray Jose Alden Alipin, OAR. In his homily, he thanked all the teachers, active, retired, and those who have gone ahead. He shared that teachers have touched our lives, their lessons and influence remain in all of us. We are what we are because of our teachers. Teaching creates all other professions, he added. Teachers taught us only four letters and these are L-O-V-E. Teaching is not only a profession, but it is a vocation. Teaching is an invitation by God. We become a teacher, not forced to, and God made it so. We are called to teach; we have to teach well, do well, lest we cheat the One who called us. He also commended the generosity of teachers at UNO-R for many are giving -up their salaries just to help their students. It is a manifestation that teaching is not all about money but it is always what we can give or share with others. He ended his sharing by saying “without teachers. Our lives will have no class.”
In the afternoon, a virtual tribute was held. It started with a sharing by Fray Anthony Irineo, OAR about the life and works of Santo Tomas de Villanueva. Raffle prizes were given out courtesy of the administration. University President, Fr. Don H. Besana, OAR gave the closing remarks. He congratulated the organizing committees headed by Fr. Alipin. He also reminded the teachers that they are not the Ultimate Teacher but Jesus Christ is the Magister. Teachers are pedagogues. Teachers are responsible stewards, they are shepherds to one another, he added. The program was spearheaded by the offices under the VP-Academics and Student Welfare.
