The Philippine Normal University community gathered at the University Gymnasium yesterday, September 2, 2025, to officially kick off the celebration of the 124th Anniversary of the Class Opening at the University with the theme PNU @ 124: Honoring Our Legacy, Pioneering New Pathways in Teacher Education. The program, initially slated for September 1, 2025, but rescheduled due to class and work suspension on that day, was conducted as part of the weekly flag ceremony and was attended by officials, administrative staff, students, and guests.

Immediately after the Flag Ceremony hosted by PNU Visayas, the opening program officially started with a performance by guest Indonesian student performers, who showcased their interpretation of the Tari Remo, also known as the Remo Dance. The dance emphasizes the relaxed yet powerful movements of a prince or warrior on the battlefield. Following this, the updated institutional video of PNU was officially launched and shown to the PNU community.

The highlight of the program was the message from the University President, Dr. Bert J. Tuga. President Tuga highlighted how PNU’s legacy is inseparable from the history of Philippine education. He also emphasized that PNU’s journey has always been guided by its core values, which serve as its compass, embodied by our students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Inang Pamantasan. “Let us celebrate with gratitude, commit with courage, and dream with conviction. Guided by our proud history and inspired by the limitless possibilities ahead, the Philippine Normal University will continue to shine as a beacon of teacher education and a force for national transformation,” Dr. Tuga added.

Another intermission performance was given by the Indonesian student performers, this time a rendition of the song Rek Ayo Rek, which is a traditional song from East Java inviting listeners to stroll along Tunjungan Street in Surabaya. A sneak peek of activities planned for the 125th Anniversary of PNU early next year was also shared.

Local talents PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, Kwerdas ng Sining, and the PNU Balingsasayaw also performed their own exciting intermission numbers.

After these formalities, Dr. Tuga officially declared the start of the festivities.

In the afternoon, two of PNU’s most renowned faculty members were formally honored with the prestigious title of Professor Emerita. During the ceremony attended by colleagues, staff, and guests, Dr. Erminda C. Fortes and Dr. Wilma S. Reyes were recognized as the University’s newest Professor Emeritae. They are acknowledged for their contributions to their fields, which helped PNU build a reputation as an authority in various disciplines. The last time PNU awarded an emeritus title was in 1994, and the award remained dormant until last year when the Office of the Vice President pushed to revive it.

In her speech, Dr. Reyes reflected on her career, which was shaped by many individuals who offered support and guidance throughout her academic journey. Meanwhile, Dr. Fortes recognized key people who inspired her to advance in her career. She views the title as a testament to the collaboration among these key individuals.

The opening festivities concluded with the Pamana and Panlasa event, which showcased the collaboration between the Archives and Records Management Unit and the Business and Events Services Unit. During the Pamana segment, an exhibit of artifacts related to PNU’s rich history was launched, displaying documents, mementos, photos, and paraphernalia from past PNUans for everyone’s appreciation. Afterwards, the Panlasa segment featured the soft launch of the Inner Court Café, operated by BESU. This marked the start of a larger plan to keep the relevance of the Normal Hall in the lives of current PNU students.

Throughout the month-long celebration of the 124th Anniversary, PNU will host two international events: the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Consortium of Asia-Pacific Education Universities (CAPEU) on September 2-4, 2025, and the International Conference on Education Futures from September 3-5, 2025. The University Convocation is scheduled for September 17, 2025, and student-focused activities, such as ALAP 2025 and HIRAYA 2025, organized by the Student Affairs and Services Office, will take place during the first week of October 2025.