Embracing the spirit of togetherness, fair play, and unity, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) conducted a University-wide Family Day in consonance with the theme of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, “Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant-Heroes” at the University Gymnasium and Cultural Center (UGCC), USeP-Obrero Campus on September 25, 2023.
The event’s timing is according to Presidential Proclamation 60 series of 1992, which declares every last week of September as Family Week as mandated by the Civil Service Commission. This year’s Family Day drew inspiration from the lush and untamed wilderness of the jungle. Bearing the theme, “Jungle Adventures: Unleashing the USePian’s Wild Potential, the event aimed to encourage the members of the USeP community to explore their inner adventurers, discover new talents, and unleash their wild potential.
The Family Day was attended by all USeP regular, job order (JO), contract of service (COS), and outsourced personnel across all USeP campuses.
Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, University President, expressed her delight in witnessing the spirit of unity and the strong sense of community at USeP. She emphasized that events like Family Day are crucial in nurturing and imbibing the USeP values of Collaboration, Accountability, Resilience, Excellence, and being Service Oriented (USeP CARES).
“I would like to begin by emphasizing that we are not just colleagues- we are a closely knit family that supports and inspires one another. The University-wide Family Day holds a special place in our lives,” she said. “Our University family day isn’t just a yearly tradition- it is an integral part of our University’s culture. It has more than provided an opportunity to bond; it strengthens that very relationship you find- fostering a profound sense of belongingness.”
The Peacock team was hailed as Champion, with the Jaguar and Grizzly Bear teams as first-runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Maria Luisa B. Faunillan, Vice President for Administration, thanked the Family Day attendees for their support and participation in the various activities lined up for the celebration. She also put front and center in her speech the importance of unity for the University despite coming from different campuses and backgrounds. “May this family day be a reminder that even though we are divided by teams and offices, we are still part of a bigger family- that is USeP; where we work together, support one another, and share the joy of the achievements and growth of our own institution,” she said.
The Family Day ended at 3:00 PM in consonance with Memorandum Circular (MC) 32 released by the Malacañang- suspending work in government offices to give workers and their families time to celebrate in their respective homes the Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, which is held every fourth Monday of September, in conjunction with the annual celebration of the National Family Week.
