It's Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology's 18th year. Returning there after my last day of service on July 13, here are a few of the little things that warms and continue to warm my heart, not necessarily in order: 1. Several of the College's graduates during my watch are now in the College's employ - either as faculty members or administrative staff. Many have a healthy sense of mission and have a conscious effort to improve themselves.
2. Some of the pillars and the pioneers of the College mix well with upcoming leaders, and together, they reliably hold on to some traditional-but-never-outdated academic values like excellence, integrity and service. The inter-age group mix would assure the smooth passing on of invaluable academic traditions that rightly anchors the college as an institution.
3. The idealism of many colleagues remain. Many hold on to values that matter most in institution building. They are keenly discerning of people's behavior and exercise wisdom as best as they could. These are the people who provide stability to the college. I continue to admire them.
4. The indicators of a well-rounded, achieving institution are there:
* recognition in academic pursuits through exam performance
* research and extension outputs, and community projects
* continuously improving academic facilities
* preservation and development of culture and arts
* modest sports program
As Dr. Ortiz, the founding president, said in her anniversary message, the years spent at the helm of a growing institution could be the most trying times, but the most personally rewarding as well. I add - the best reward of service is for your colleagues and former clients to grow as better individuals and members of society. The better reward which I wish to see not so long from now is to see some colleagues and many of our students eventually outdo us in service and in life. Only then can we say that we have done our part of leadership.
