A spirit of gratitude, reflection, and shared purpose marked the opening of the 47th USeP Founding Anniversary week-long celebration on December 15, 2025, at the University Gymnasium and Cultural Center, USeP Obrero Campus.
The program began with an interfaith thanksgiving service that highlighted unity in diversity across beliefs. Prayers, scripture readings, and reflections were led by Ata Indigenous Cultural Community leader Tumanuron Boyson Anib Jr. of Paquibato, Davao City; Dr. John Stephen G. Curada, Director of Heartworks Learning Center Inc.; and Rev. Fr. Cecilio Canico, resident priest of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Their reflections centered on gratitude, compassion, and shared responsibility as guiding values of the academic community.
Following the thanksgiving service, the program featured a grand production showcasing the artistic excellence of student performers who have represented the University in national and international competitions. The opening performance of Marahuyo, brought together a classical guitar and bandurria ensemble. This was followed by performances from the Harmonia Polifonica Chorale; the Sahaya Dance Collective presenting cultural, folk, contemporary, and modern dances; the USeP Dance Sports Team, and the USeP Jaguars Pep Squad.
The formal opening of the Foundation Week Celebration was declared in between the performances, paving the way for the highlight of the program, the message of University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr.
In his address, Dr. Gabales reflected on the theme “USeP@47: Building Dreams. Elevating Excellence. Empowering Communities,” describing the University as a tahanan, a home that comforts, supports, and gives space for hope to grow. He emphasized that for many members of the community, the institution has become a place where struggles are met with understanding and where aspirations are given direction.
Dr. Gabales spoke of the University as a home that builds dreams for Indigenous Peoples students, learners with disabilities, persons deprived of liberty, and students navigating their academic journeys. He likewise recognized the vital role of faculty members and non-teaching personnel whose dedication sustains academic quality, institutional credibility, and daily operations.
Two milestones were introduced by President Gabales. The first was the soft launch of the new University website, designed to provide a more accessible, intuitive, and transparent digital platform for academic resources and public services, with full rollout scheduled in early 2026. The second was the introduction of the USeP CARES Volunteerism Program, an institutional framework aimed at embedding volunteerism into instruction, research, extension, and production, grounded in Filipino values of free will, service to others, and service beyond material reward. Full implementation of the program is set to begin in 2026.
Dr. Gabales concluded his message by expressing gratitude to all offices, committees, and personnel who contributed to the preparation of the Foundation Celebration, particularly the College of Business Administration and the Public Affairs Division. He called on the University community to continue nurturing the institution as a shared home built on care, commitment, and collective responsibility.
The Foundation Day Celebration was attended by teaching and non-teaching personnel from the Obrero Campus, with participants from Mintal Campus, Tagum-Mabini Campus, Tagum Unit, Mabini Unit, and Malabog Extension Campus joining via Zoom, alongside students from across the University.
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