𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘰𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘢 𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯

ALICIA, ISABELA— Undeterred by the veil of the dark skies and light rains, the annual celebration of Pagdiriwang ng Sulo continued in front of the Innovation Hub Building last August 2.

Pagdiriwang ng Sulo is a yearly tradition of Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNUNL) that aims to honor the outgoing fourth-year students as they pass the torch of responsibilities to the third-year students.

The program started with a processional led by PNUNL faculty and staff, followed by Maria Nyssa D. Pasion, representing Inang Pilipinas, together with Dwyght Qorban B. Infante as Juan Dela Cruz, Rosemarie C. Tagufa as Inang Pamantasan, and Kristell A. Busway as Lakambini.

Moreover, trailing behind them were the third-year students and the graduating class led by Yerica Hannah D. Ramos of Bachelor in Mathematics Education and Bianca May B. Gonzalez of Bachelor in Social Science Education, the top students of fourth-year and third-year, respectively.

“Tatlong taon na ang nakalilipas simula noong kupkupin kami ng Inang Pamantasan at sa loob ng mga taong ito ay dumaan din kami sa maraming pagsubok at hamon na nagging tagumpay na tinatamasa namin ngayon. Masaya at malungkot ang naging karanasan sa pamantasang ito subalit hindi kami sumuko sapagkat alam naming kami’y magtatagumpay,” stated Ramos.

[Three years have passed since Inang Pamantasan embraced us. During these years, we went through numerous challenges that turned out as the success we are reaping today. Our experience in this university is both happy and sad, but we did not give up because we knew we would succeed.]

“Binalot man tayo ng pandemya ngunit hindi ito naging hadlang upang ipagpatuloy ni Inang Pamantasan ang kanyang ginintuang hangarin. Hindi rin tayo nag- atubiling suungin ang gabundok ng pagsubok nang buong husay at katapangan,” she added.

[Even though the pandemic impacted our lives so much, it did not stop Inang Pamantansan to continue her golden desire. We did not hesitate to back down. Instead, we continued to climb the mountains until we reached its summit.]

In response, Gonzales accepted the new responsibility as she expressed that they will also succeed like their predecessors and carry the experiences that taught them the true spirit of unity, friendship, and excellence.

“Sa ngalan ng mga nasa ikatlong taon, tinatanggap ko ang bagong responsibilidad. Sisikapin naming paunlarin ang aming sarili bilang guro sa hinaharap upang tapat na makapaglingkod sa bayan. Sana’y magtagumpay din kami tulad ng mga nasa ikaapat na taon. Babaunin namin ang mga karanasang nagturo sa’min ng tunay na diwa ng pagkakaisa, pagkakaibigan, at kahusayan. Palagi rin naming babalikatin ang tunay na diwa ng bayanihan,” Gonzalez said.

[On behalf of those in the third year, I accept the new responsibility. We will try to develop ourselves as teachers in the future to serve the people honestly. I hope we will also succeed like those in the fourth year. We will absorb the experiences that taught us the true spirit of unity, friendship, and excellence. We will also always look back on the true spirit of Bayanihan.]

Moreover, Dr. Leticia N. Aquino, the Executive Director and Provost led the lighting of the torch while the faculty initiated the candle lighting.

Singing the Diyos ang Patnubay, Pagdiriwang ng Sulo ended as the graduating class left the university ground, ready to embark on the opportunities and hurdles that lie ahead.