Ang Kwento ni Prez

Isaac Newton said: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulder of giants.” 

On December 13, 2018 we gave recognition to TUP Past Presidents Dr. Bernardo Adeviso, Dr. Olympio Caparas, Dr. Adora Pili, and Dr. Fedeserio Camarao. They have served the University to the best of their knowledge, strength, and wisdom. They’ve had their trials and tribulations, moments of extreme challenges which could have felled a lesser mortal. They have shepherded the University and defended her against fierce adversity. Drs. Camarao and Adeviso came in person, while Dr. Caparas who is in Canada is represented by his sisters, while Dr. Pili was represented by her husband. Director Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata of the Civil Service Commission was our guest speaker in the program which was also a recognition for the top-performing employees and for the Loyalty Awardees. I received my Service award for my 40th year of service to the Government. 

John F. Kennedy, himself among the greatest Presidents of the United States of America, recognized the heavy burden of the presidency: 

“When I ran for the Presidency of the United States, I knew that this country faced serious challenges, but I could not realize-nor could any man realize who does not bear the burdens of this office-how heavy and constant would be those burdens.” 

After the Bay of Pigs disaster, Kennedy sought out former President Dwight D. Eisenhower for advice. The two men are seen on the photograph below from www.nppa.org, with their backs to the camera, heads bent, conferring seriously on the issue of Cuba. 

When he was elected President but has not yet assumed office, Barack Obama requested then President George W. Bush to host a cocktail among the living Past Presidents. Here is an account of the gathering from www.usnews.com: 

"One message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed," George W. Bush told Obama at the opening photo op. "Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country. And to the extent we can, we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. All of us who have served in this office understand that the office transcends the individual, and we wish you all the very best, and so does the country.": 

Barack Obama replied graciously: 

"This is an extraordinary gathering," he told reporters. "All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office, and for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel, and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary, and I'm very grateful to all of them. But again, thank you, Mr. President, for hosting us."