Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

PHilMech pays tribute to 19 retirees
by Dr. Josue S. Falla (July 29, 2010)
`Napakasarap palang mag-retire` was the common reaction and buzzword in this small community of postharvest, as 19 retirees took their final bow with an overwhelming happiness in a day-long recognition program.

As an early morning activity, the retirees together with the PHilMech family planted Mahogany trees in a conspicuous area in the compound. Each tree was named 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.

The tree planting was followed by an ecumenical service of thanksgiving - a form of worship, thus thanking God for what He has done to this RD & E center. Two representatives of the 19 retirees, Dr. Glory Sabio and Director Digna Monica 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. The ecumenical service was capped through a `Love Offering` led by the retirees themselves.

A banquet night highlighted the `Salamat, Paalam` program, which started at 5:30 pm with a photo opportunity for all retirees and their respective families. A sumptuous buffet-style dinner followed in the newly renovated PHilMech cafeteria. At 7 pm, the program proper started, with Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy of the Applied Communication Division as emcee of the program. Special numbers, which were both entertaining and tear-jerking, include 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 background music for the slideshow of retirees` photographs. Inset in the music video were inspiring remarks from selected close friend or 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 hugs, handshake and beso-beso.