Pasalamat Carolino is the annual celebration organized by the USC Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) to honor academic and administrative employees who are retiring, those who have served 25 years, as well as outgoing administrators.

Last night, January 22, 2026, Pasalamat Carolino was held at the City Sports Club Cebu honoring eight retirees and four service awardees, as well as six outgoing administrators.

USC President Fr. Estepa’s message

Addressing the retirees, especially those who have served the institution for decades, University President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. recognized them as “pillars upon which generations of Carolinians have built their dreams.”

“Your wisdom has guided countless students, your dedication has shaped our academic culture, and your unwavering commitment has helped write the story of this institution,” Fr. Estepa added.

Fr. Estepa’s message for the service awardees highlighted their loyalty and excellence, which “remind us that institutional greatness is not achieved through grand gestures alone, but through the consistent, passionate work of individuals who believe in something greater than themselves.”

Finally, Fr. Estepa honored the outgoing administrators for their sacrifice, saying that their “stewardship… prepared us for the future while honoring our past.”

Messages from other USC administrators

For the first time, Pasalamat Carolino was graced by the presence of two USC trustees, namely SVD PHS Provincial Fr. Rogelio K. Bag-ao, SVD and CCLEC President and General Manager Engr. Allan G. Alfon.

Engr. Alfon echoed Fr. Estepa’s message, telling the retirees and service awardees, “We see you, we value you, and you serve as our inspiration.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. also had high praise for the honorees, acknowledging their diligence and dedication. “People may forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel,” he opined. “We will never forget the people who made us feel at home.” he added.

Vice President for Administration Atty. Joan S. Largo, Ll.M. looked back at how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored for her the importance of people. She reflected on her own journey from her law practice to teaching full-time at USC, then serving as Dean of the College of Law, and currently as VP Administration. “In USC, people stay,” she said. “Our work in the academe… enables us to change society.”

Responses from the honorees

Several responses were also given by the honorees. USC Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) manager Danilo B. Largo, Ph.D., who will retire from the University after 44 years of service, represented the academic division, while NSTP and DRRMO officer Emma E. Selma represented the administrative division.

Assistant Director for Alumni Affairs, Scholarships, and Job Placement Ar. Margret D. Rosario, M.T.E. spoke for the service awardees. She expressed her gratitude for how USC allowed her to grow as a person and as a professional. Looking back at her own journey from architectural practice to serving as Chair of the Department of Architecture, then Dean of the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design, and her current position, she said, “It reminded me that USC is really about the people who walked with us through the years.”

An impromptu round of messages was facilitated by HRMO Director Brenette L. Abrenica, M.A.P.A., M.PoSc., which culminated with a heartfelt response by Dr. Largo’s daughter, Kathryn, who acknowledged that her father’s hard work allowed her and her brothers to study at USC.

List of awardees

This year’s retirees from the academic and administrative divisions are:

1. Engr. Virgilio Y. Abellana, Ph.D. (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering)
2. Mary Felma A. Aliño, Ph.D. (Fine Arts)
3. Lorylie C. Crisostomo, M. Appl. Anthro. (Anthropology, Sociology, and History)
4. Danilo B. Largo, Ph.D. (Biology)
5. Engr. Carlos C. Tan (Electrical and Electronics Engineering)
6. Riza C. Bacalla (Secretary, Accountancy Review Center)
7. Divina R. Palacio (Secretary, School of Engineering)
8. Emma E. Selma (Officer, NSTP, NSRC, DRRM Office)

There are four 25-year service awardees, all from the academic division, namely:

1. Annie G. Diola, M.S. (Biology)
2. Engr. Janice B. Jamora, D.Eng. (Civil Engineering)
3. Atty. Christopher C. Malaya, Ll.M. (Accountancy)
4. Ar. Margret D. Rosario (Architecture; Asst. Director, Alumni Affairs, Scholarships, and Job Placement)

Six outgoing administrators were also honored for their dedicated service including:

1. Rey Francis M. Erana (OIC, Nutrition and Dietetics)
2. Rolando V. Obiedo, Ph.D. (Chair, Teacher Education)
3. Julius P. Relampagos, Ph.D. (Chair, Economics)
4. Lauro Cipriano R. Silapan, Ph.D. (Dean, School of Business and Economics)
5. Ruby S. Suazo, Ph.D. (Chair, Philosophy)
6. Ar. Adrian I. Yap, M.S. (Chair, Architecture)

Three of these administrators continue to serve the University. Dr. Obiedo now serves as Dean of the School of Education, while Dr. Relampagos is now Dean of the School of Business and Economics. Dr. Suazo is the Executive Committee Chair of the USC Research Ethics Committee.

Do you want to be part of the Carolinian family? Check out our job openings at the USC HRMO Facebook page.