7 April 2010, CLSU, Nueva Ecija - "Napakasarap palang mag-retire" was the common reaction and buzzword in this small community of postharvest R & D, as 19 retirees took their final bow today with an overwhelming happiness in a day-long recognition program.
As an early morning activity, the retirees together with the PHMech family planted Mahogany trees in a conspicuous area of the Center compound, where each tree planted were so-named/labelled after each of them. As the organizer of the Tribute-program puts it, this (Mahogany planting) is done in lieu of the monument supposedly built after the pillars of the research agency, to immortalize their contribution to the postharvest industry.
Tree-planting was followed by an ecumenical service of thanksgiving - a form of worship, thus thanking God for what He has done to this R & D center. Two representatives of the 19 retirees, Dr. Glory Sabio and Director Digna Samaniego narrated some of their significant memories with NAPHIRE through BPRE, while guest Church Choir led the congregation in singing Praise and Worship hymns. Pastor Joy Gabata of Munoz Christian Church (MCC) provided an inspirational message really appropriate for retirees and for currently employed as well. Ecumenical service was capped through a "Love Offerings" as led by the retirees themselves.
A Banquet night highlighted this "Salamat, Paalam" program, which started at 5:30 pm with a photo-op for all retirees and their respective families. A sumptuous buffet-style dinner follows in the newly renovated PHMech cafeteria. At 7 pm, program proper started, with Dr. Rod Estigoy of Applied Communication Div. as emcee/director of the program. Special numbers, which were both entertaining and tear-jerking, included song numbers both in solo and group, modern and folk dances, and comedy skits, with Music video intervals.
The music videos featured the life of each retiree with their respective favorite song as backgound of slide of selected photographs. Inset in the music video were inspiring remarks from a select close friend/colleague of the retiree. They were also honored through a token (in the form of either cellphone and digital photo-frame), and a plaque of appreciation.
The Night was closed through a creative ceremony where the audience was given the chance to come forward and greet the 19 retirees (with their families) with hugs, handshake, beso-beso or what have you.
Meanwhile, watch for the photo-gallery of this event in this blog, as these are still being prepared by the concerned photographer. (30)
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