|
Last Thursday, I was appointed by the Board of
Regents of PLM as University President. As I took my oath before
Justice Torres, a retired Supreme Court Justice, I felt a twinge of
sadness in not having my father, the late Mamintal Tamano, around to
witness the modest ceremony. This simple achievement, which I
believe I owe a large part to my father’s constant encouragement
to learn and his stern discipline, are, of course, not mine alone
but my family’s as well.
However, I was consoled that my
father-in-law, retired Supreme Court Justice Santiago Kapunan,
graciously attended the oath-taking with me. Justice Kapunan has not
been like a father to me but has been a genuine father—offering
advice guidance and support to me and my young family. Mayor Lim,
who had generously invited me to join the Board of Regents and later
nominated me to the PLM presidency, also sent representatives to the
ceremony.
PLM is a unique learning
institution. With over ten thousand students, faculty, and staff,
the challenge of running the university might seem daunting. But its
uniqueness, that it is essentially an honors school where only the
students from lower income families with excellent scholastic
records are admitted, appeals to my sense of leadership and
education so much that any doubts or worries that I might have are
overcome. I strongly believe in meritocracy, which argues, in
essence, that men and women should be judged—and given
opportunities—on the basis of their individual merits and not
because of their social connections, money, or political power. PLM
students are the exemplars of meritocracy and the university is
therefore mandated to provide the environment in which to hone these
talented but poor students for future leadership and service.
Relevantly, one of the new
teachers that I interviewed in my walks along the sprawling
university grounds in Intramuros told me, with more than a tinge of
pride, that she was very happy teaching at PLM, particularly because
the students were very bright.
Another thing that I discovered
in interviewing the different faculty and staff of PLM is that the
institution is founded—and run—on the basis of their love for
public service and, for some, their debt to the university. A simple
check into the university plantilla and a review of the outrageously
low salaries (a matter that I as President will attempt to address)
of the faculty and staff (including the President) will show you
that people do not work at PLM for mere monetary gain.
For many, it is the chance to
teach and work with the students, others were former scholars of the
school who want to give back, and some work at PLM because they
realize the university’s role in the life of Manila and, in fact,
the rest of the country.
PLM is an exceptional university.
In 2003, a study showed that it was ranked in the top five
universities in the Philippines in terms of its rate in passing
board examinations. PLM regularly has board topnotchers in Medicine,
among others. Moreover, the university has a strong
community-service ethic with its students at the college of
medicine, among other colleges, rendering free medical service to
indigent communities in Manila and in the provinces.
The University was established in
1967, under Republic Act 4196 with the following mandate:
SEC. 2. The purposes of this
university shall be: (1) to advance human knowledge through basic
study and research; (2) to fully develop the Filipino intellect and
promote Filipino culture; (3) to give professional training in
public affairs as well as in scientific, cultural, technological,
industrial and vocational fields; (4) to introduce in its curricula
studies which do not at present receive sufficient emphasis in
existing institutions of higher learning in the country.
In 2003, an educational study
found the PLM was one of the top ten public schools in the
Philippines.
Obviously, PLM, under the
leadership of the former Presidents and the Regents, has fulfilled
the mandate of its charter. And now, with the help of all the
stakeholders of the university—among them the faculty,
administration, staff and students of PLM.
PLM, in its 40th year is poised
to continue to fulfill, hopefully, even exceed, its mandate.
|
