Dr. Salvador B. Romo
January 18, 2021
PSHS-CVC

First of all, allow me to share with you a verse from the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you; plans to give you hope in the future.” From the time I started my career as a public servant in 1983, I could have good plans for my career, job, and for my family, though I don’t have idea what the future holds for me, but God does. He is in control of everything. He loves us very much and his beautiful plans for each and every one of us, God is so good. I thank Him for all his blessings given to me and my family, and for keeping us always in his loving care.

I can still recall way back in July 2008, the question of former DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro during our interview with the Board of Trustees when she asked me if Pisay–CVC can transfer to its permanent site within a period of two years. I told her, “Yes Ma’am” having a second thought that it is premature to count my accomplishments without having started. Truly, working with great people in the Philippine Science High School System is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. For the challenge focused by Sec. Alabastro, PisayCVC was able to set its foot in two years, that was in year 2010, on its permanent site in Brgy. Masoc, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Now, Pisay–CVC has metamorphosed into a beautiful campus with state–of–the–art facilities manned by intelligent and dedicated employees.

To the Philippine Science High School System Board of Trustees headed by Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña, Undersecretary Renato Solidum, Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Dr. Danilo Concepcion, Miss Elaine M. Morales, Dr. Leticia Peñano–Ho, Dr. Ramon M. de Vera, Dr. Danilo C. Lachica, Dr. Carlo Arcilla, and Director Lilia T. Habacon, Executive Director, Philippine Science High School System, my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your endless support to Pisay–CVC. Through your support, this was able to transform into a beautiful campus that provides quality STEM education in the region. Maraming–marami pong salamat.

To the Executive Committee, mami–miss ko kayo palagi dahil sa mga meetings natin, hindi lang sa mga ginagawa natin to unwind after the meeting but there are times we argue in principle but at the end of the day, best friends pa rin tayo sa Execom, sa isa’t isa. I appreciate the professional relationship and the respect you have given me – the times shared, friendships forged, and the incredible successes which we have enjoyed have been an extraordinary part of my life. I am very proud of what we have achieved for the Philippine Science High School System. Continue to support and help each other for greatness can be attained through service and care. Working for the Philippine Science High School System has contributed greatly to both my personal and professional development. After 12 happy and productive years, I leave with many memories to cherish for the rest of my life.

To the former Executive Director of the Philippine Science High School System, Dr. Filma G. Brawner and Dr. Josette T. Biyo, thank you so much for your guidance and support in my personal capacity as campus director in all the programs and projects of Pisay–CVC.

To Ma’am Lilia T. Habacon, the Executive Director, Dr. Rod Allan de Lara, Deputy Executive Director, other officials from the Office of the Executive Director headed by Ma. Concepcion Sakai, Dr. Jessamyn Yazon, and Sir Joel Bautista, maraming–maraming salamat po sa suporta nyo sa Pisay–CVC. All our programs and projects in terms of academic programs, infrastructure, equipment, and professional growth of our employees were achieved through your support and able leadership of the Executive Director. With the positive drive and great passion for excellence of the Execom, through the able leadership of Ma’am Lil, I’m certain that Philippine Science High School System, together with the regional campuses would be able to fulfil its mandate of providing quality STEM education in the country. Again, my deepest gratitude to all of you.

To my fellow workers of Pisay–CVC, headed by the Division chiefs - Ray, Salyn, and Harold - thank you for your support and dedication in the pursuit of commitment to quality science education. Thank you for helping me in providing the right direction to our employees and students as well. I am sorry for giving you sometimes a hard time in doing things. It’s not because you are in Pisay, but it is a good training to learn how to withstand the test of time and to cope with the challenges lying ahead of us. For obvious reason, being a public servant of the premiere science high school in the country, people expect much from us in providing quality STEM education. Don’t postpone the opportunity to be good in giving your best in the interest of public service. I’m fortunate working with good people like you. We have achieved so much not only in the physical academic programs of the school but also in nurturing the gifted. These are testaments to countless hours of hardwork, collaboration, inspiration and fun. It’s the result of the support willingly given by all stakeholders. We should all be incredibly proud of what we have achieved. Again, maraming–maraming salamat po sa Pisay–CVC family.

To the loving and supportive parents, the GPTCA Officers and the DPA, thank you so much for being always on our side, your endless support inspired us to work hard to providing the best education for your children. The road to quality science education has no finish line. I admonish you to continue in supporting the programs and projects of Pisay–CVC, for ultimately, it will redound to the benefits of your children.

To my wife, Cathy, our daughters, Kathleen, Faith Lanie and Alvea, my son–in–law IJ, and our grandkids Miguel and Kylie, I’m so blessed to having you in my life. For 38 years and 6 months of my service in government, I only spent eight years being with you. I’ve been away from you most of the time for the remaining years but nonetheless, from this day onward, I can safely say, goodbye to time schedule, office hours, project submission, solving problems, and welcome a carefree life with luxury and fun with you. Maraming salamat sa tulong at pang-unawa ninyo sa akin. Mula nang maliliit ang ating mga anak, kay Cathy, you took care of them. But this time, siguro maghahabol pa rin ako. Sa aking mga anak na nasa ibang bansa, I hope to see you later on para naman makapag–bonding tayo, we could spend quality time.

Again to the DOST and Philippine Science High School System family, my heartfelt gratitude to all of you, to all your support, love and care we shall express in various ways. Maraming salamat sa messages, mga wishes ninyo, sa gifts. I hope this will not be the last time na I’ll be with you. I hope after the pandemic, magkikita pa rin tayo, anyway, just a message lang, isang message lang, you can reach me this time at sabi ng Execom kanina during our meeting this morning, I have to create my Facebook para we could still get in touch with them. Ang sabi ko naman, don’t worry, this time ako na ang mang–iistorbo sa inyo because I have all my time.

Lastly, allow me to share a beautiful quote from Etienne de Grellet: “For I shall pass this way but once, any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” I wish all of you every success for the future. Stay safe and God bless. Muli, marami pong salamat. Mabuhay ang DOST family, mabuhay ang Philippine Science High School. Magandang hapon po uli sa inyong lahat.