To mark his fifth year as President of the Philippine Normal University (PNU), Dr. Bert J. Tuga led the President’s Day celebration on December 10, 2024, at the PNU Manila campus. The event recognized PNU’s valued partners, celebrated the achievements of its community, and highlighted the institution’s progress under his leadership over the past year.

Unlike previous renditions of the President’s Day, this year’s installment, themed “Pasasalamat at Pagpapatuloy,” was intentionally simpler in response to Malacañang’s call to scale down celebrations in government institutions as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of recent calamities. Despite the streamlined format, the President’s Day 2024 highlighted key programs and activities that honored the institution’s traditions and accomplishments.

The festivities began with a Thanksgiving Mass at the PNU Worship Center, followed by the blessing of the newly renovated President’s Office on the second floor of the Maceda Building.

In the afternoon, the Partners Appreciation Program recognized scholarship donors, government and non-government institutions, national and international partners, and community collaborators. In his speech, President Tuga expressed heartfelt gratitude to PNU’s partners for their invaluable support in advancing the university’s mission as the National Center for Teacher Education. He emphasized their vital contributions to empowering communities, supporting aspiring educators, and enhancing academic programs. Their partnership, he noted, reflects PNU’s enduring commitment to truth, excellence, and service in shaping transformative education.

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to partners during the program. Mr. Ron Ranier Reyes, Executive Director of PHINMA Foundation, reaffirmed the scholarship donors’ commitment to supporting future educators, citing their belief in the transformative power of teaching. Ms. Andrea Luisa C. Anolin, Director IV of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, expressed gratitude for PNU’s expertise in serving OFWs, while Ms. Marife Morcilla of the National Educators Academy of the Philippines lauded the university’s crucial role in transforming institutional practices into national educational policies. International and national partners, such as Dr. Ied Veda Sitepu of Universitas Kristen Indonesia and Mr. Manolo Peña of Esteban Abada High School, expressed renewed enthusiasm for continuing their partnerships with PNU.

Later in the afternoon, President Tuga delivered the State of the University Address, reflecting on PNU’s accomplishments over the past year. “I hope you find inspiration in every milestone, as each represents our collective effort and persistence,” he said. The address highlighted PNU’s achievements and underscored the resilience, collaboration, and dedication of the entire community in advancing the university’s mission.

The celebration concluded with the Natatanging Pipol Awards, honoring seven retirees, 41 loyalty awardees, 10 research and publication honorees, and six outstanding teachers. Among them, Dr. Randyll V. Villones from PNU Visayas was named the Most Outstanding Teacher 2024. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Villones expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, students, and colleagues, vowing to continue inspiring future generations of educators.

One of the retirees, Dr. Erminda C. Fortes, delivered an emotional response, reminiscing about her years at PNU and the lasting bond she had built with the institution. She reflected on the challenges and triumphs that defined her journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunities to serve the university and its mission.

The day ended with a vibrant grand fellowship night, where university officials, faculty, staff, and students gathered to celebrate with food and music, fostering camaraderie and unity within the PNU community.