Allow me to give a description to the three doctors who recently graduated last October 13, 2007 from the University of San Jose – Recoletos, Cebu City . They graduated as Doctor in Management major in Human Resource Management. Let us call them simply as: The Professor-Administrator, The Returnee, and The Passer-by at UNO-R.
The Professor – Administrator – Fr. Leopoldo Estioko, OAR
Before donning the habit of the Augustinian Recollect, Fr. Popoy, as we fondly called him, was a Math Professor of the College of Agriculture in UNO-R. He was teaching Math because of his undergrad course as an engineer. He did not make his board exam but directly went to teaching, which he loved so much.
After his ordination, he was sent back to UNO-R as the Vice-President for Finance from 1991 to 1996. During his stint as the VP-Finance, he was also the in-charge of the Rekoleto Kasadyahan Dance Group. He also taught Religious Education subjects and was well-loved by the UNO-Rians.
The Returnee – Fr. Sixto M. Bitangjol, OAR
There are many things that belong to the heart of Fr. Chote (as his nickname). He was assigned at UNO-R from 1996 to 1997. He was the University Chaplain and Dean of Religious Education in the year he was assigned at UNO-R. The first Recoleto Campus Ministry Summer Institute was born in his time, together with the help of Fr. Ronel Gealon, OAR. The laying of the cornerstone was witnessed by Fr. Chote, who was then, a young looking religious.
While he was assigned in San Carlos City , he pursued his Master’s Degree studies at UNO-R, traveling every weekend the long-stretched coastal road going to Bacolod City . He was able to finish his Master’s in Education major in Administration and Supervision. He is an alumnus of UNO-R.
After his three-year stay at USJ-R, Cebu City , he was reassigned to UNO-R as the Vice-President for Administration, Director of Human Resource Management Office, Director of Basic Education, and Principal of the High School Department. He is now happy to return to his home after years of being in different places.
The Passer-by: Fr. Nemesio D. Tolentin, OAR
It was in the summer of 1990 when Fr. Nemesio D. Tolentin, OAR was assigned at UNO-R. Not known to many, he was officially assigned at UNO-R after his priestly ordination. He was a stranger to the people in the University as classes have not formally opened yet at that time. However, in just few days of stay in UNO-R, he was recalled by the late Vicar Provincial, Fr. Victor Lluch, OAR, for his re-assignment in Cavite City where he served as the Vice-President for Student Welfare and as the High School Principal.
Fr. Nems, as he is known to many, just had a glimpse of UNO-R.
Father Doctors : Fr. Joel Alve, OAR, UNO-R Vice President for Student Welfare with newly graduates in Doctorate degrees: Fr. Nemesio Tolentin, OAR formerly assigned in San Carlos City; Rev. Fr. Sixto Bitangjol, OAR, UNO-R Vice President – Administration and Rev. Fr. Leopoldo Estioko, OAR – OAR Provincial Procurator and former UNO-R VP-Finance after their commencement exercises at University of San Jose – Recoletos Cebu last October 13, 2007.
by Fr. Chote, OAR