“Building Foundations; Shaping Futures” – this was the theme of the Palawan State University (PalawanSU)’s Commemoration Day program held on March 2, 2026, at the University Amphitheater as it honored the men and women who contributed to the growth of PalawanSU.
The event was doubly significant as it also kicked off National Women’s Month celebration in the University. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Director Edna Imelda F. Legazpi was in attendance as the keynote speaker.
The festivities began with a thanksgiving mass followed by a Flag Raising ceremony led by the College of Teacher Education. In an insightful “Food for Thought” address, Prof. Michael Angelo A. Doblado characterized the university as an “imagined community” (using Benedict Anderson’s phrase), built upon more than 50 years of collective struggle and a “labor of love.” He traced the institution’s evolution through three overlapping generations: the 1965/1972 pioneers of the Palawan Teachers College who established the foundation for teacher education, the 1984 transition to a State College that expanded curricular offerings in the arts, sciences and technology, and the 1994 generation that converted the College into Palawan’s first full-fledged university. Prof. Doblado emphasized that each era met specific regional demands – from supporting a neglected province to fueling a booming tourism and energy economy – ensuring PalawanSU’s status as the premier institution in the region.
Prof. Marissa S. Pontillas, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the University President, welcomed everyone to the event and highlighted the importance of remembering the University’s storied past. She highlighted the pivotal roles of visionary leaders and legislators such as Gaudencio E. Abordo who sponsored R.A. 4303 which established Palawan Teachers College (PTC), Atty. Teodoro Q. Peña who convinced the Board of Trustees to convene on March 2, 1972, so that PTC can become operational and was also instrumental in PTC expanding to become Palawan State College, former House Speaker Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. who initiated PSC’s conversion to a university, and Attys. Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr. and David A. Ponce de Leon who were the principal sponsors and authors of R.A. 7818 which officially converted PSC to Palawan State University. She also recognized all the past University Presidents who steered PalawanSU to what it is today. Lastly, she honored all the faculty and staff and reminded everyone that they are equally important as the past leaders because they have also greatly contributed to the successes of the University.
An audio-visual presentation titled, “Trip Back to Memory Lane” which showcased a collection of photos of the PalawanSU community from the PTC days to today was played for the audience. This was followed by the offering of commemorative tokens to the families of the lawmakers and the former presidents. Mrs. Nilda N. Tolentino, the granddaughter of Gaudencio E. Abordo, Dr. Nellie F. Abueg and Atty. Eric F. Abueg, wife and son of Atty. Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr., Ms. Pamela Ponce de Leon-Garcia, daughter of Atty David A. Ponce de Leon, and Ms. Angela R. Peña, sister-in-law of Atty. Teodoro Q. Peña, were in attendance to receive the awards.
Also present during the event to accept the commemorative tokens were Ms. Alexandra Ponce de Leon and Zeanthyno Ponce de Leon, granddaughter and great grandson of Dr. Walfrido R. Ponce de Leon, Mr. Karl B. Chiu, grandson of Dr. Paterno Bruselas, Prof. Shirley M. Dangan, niece of Dr. Crispiniano R. Acosta, Sr., Engr. Darvin Lardizabal, nephew of Dr. Teresita L. Salva, and Dr. Elucila M. Sespeñe, wife of Dr. Jeter S. Sespeñe. Mr. Jose and Mrs. Fe Fernandez, composers of the PSU Hymn, were also honored. Dir. Legazpi and Dr. Marie F. Jardinico, their children, received the award.
As the program transitioned into the opening of the Women’s Month Celebration, Dir. Legazpi delivered a keynote address that was as resonant as it was personal. Drawing from her identity as a proud Cuyunon and a solo parent, she grounded her advocacy for gender equality in the lived realities of resilience. Aligning with the national theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” she invoked the legacy of pre-colonial healers and community anchors to remind the audience that female leadership is a return to Filipino roots, not a modern invention. As the Chairperson of the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC), she challenged the academic community to lead with qualities that are essential for healing social divisions, such as empathy, trust, and accountability. Lastly, she emphasized that true progress and gender equality require institutions to move in unison with genuine care for culture and family, concluding that equality begins with how we treat one another every single day.
The momentum shifted toward the University’s future with a teaser for the “Search for PalawanSU’s 10th University President,” signaling anticipation for a new leadership. Connecting this vision of leadership to the morning’s reflections, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maila N. Lucero described the celebration as a bridge from humble origins to a future constructed through integrity and excellence. Echoing Dir. Legazpi’s call to action, Dr. Lucero urged the PalawanSU community to embrace their roles as builders of an enduring legacy and to move forward with courage and heart.