The Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) understands the benefits of having a positive learning environment, knowing that a school should provide its students not only knowledge but healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the uncertainties of an ever-changing world.
T.I.P. President Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz underscored this message in her keynote speech for the 61st anniversary celebration of the academic institution that her parents—Engr. Demetrio A. Quirino and Dr. Teresita U. Quirino—founded in 1962.
“Our goal as a school is not only limited to us teaching our students what we know, but we must also nurture their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and encourage their potential. With empathy as our anchor, we must be more mindful of their needs,” Dr. Quirino-Lahoz said.
With six decades of commitment toward quality education, T.I.P. managed to weather a lot of adversities that came its way, none more critical than the challenges presented by a global public health crisis that reshaped the future of learning.
Although it had made prior investments in digital infrastructure, which enabled the school to deliver its education services purely online at the height of the pandemic, T.I.P. understands the need to do more in the service of its students and stakeholders amid challenging times.
T.I.P. has since resumed full face-to-face classes for all its campuses in Manila and Quezon City beginning the second semester of school year 2022-2023, but it remains open to extending some degree of flexibility to those who are still having trouble with the transition.
“Look out for those who are struggling and ask how we can help, making sure no one gets left behind. Similar to how we were in our younger years, our students are in need of a stable and reliable support system… Listen and be present to them,” Dr. Quirino-Lahoz said.
Dr. Quirino-Lahoz focused on the value of empathy, which must go both ways not only between the educators, students and their parents, but the management and staff who are working hard to achieve the shared goals and aspirations of the entire T.I.P. community.
Honoring Loyal School Personnel
T.I.P. marked its founding anniversary with the theme “Celebrating 61 Years of Evolving Innovative Education” to express its commitment to growth as an institution guided by the vision of making quality higher education accessible to every Filipino.
The school held week-long activities from Feb. 6 to 10, 2023, including the annual Employees’ Recognition Day, which honored decades of outstanding commitment from T.I.P.’s most loyal workers.
Engr. Shearyl Arenas, program chair of the Electronics Engineering department at T.I.P. Quezon City, spoke on behalf of employees who were acknowledged for their 24 years of service. She is an alumna of the school herself and is proud of what it has done for her career.
“When I started at T.I.P., I was a young ‘promdi’ (from the province) student, eager to learn and make a difference. Little did I know that this institution would become such a significant part of my life,” Arenas said.
Senior assistant Shirley Ricamata, who has been working at the Office of the Registrar, echoed similar thoughts. She is grateful for the opportunities that T.I.P. accorded her “to collaborate with fine and smart people.”
“I must say, besides learning a lot professionally, I felt that I gained more than what I needed. I’ve always hoped for a company that would give me more than job experience,” said Ricamata, who represented employees that have been with the organization for 20 years.
For faculty member Joel Payapa, what he loves about working for T.I.P. is its “harmonious working environment” and relentless pursuit of excellence. He has been teaching students for 15 years and counting under the College of Arts department.
Also named as awardees were faculty member Engr. Jerry Boromeo, senior guidance counselor Erlynn Pua, chief software architect Gleen Israel, secretary to the senior vice president Marybeth Dantes, and T.I.P. QC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Cynthia Llanes, among others.
Dr. Quirino-Lahoz personally extended her own message of gratitude to all the employees of T.I.P. Manila and Quezon City who chose to remain and help the organization move forward from the setbacks induced by the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
“The fact that you stayed on during the pandemic is symbolic because I’m sure you had other options. You all went through problems, but you’re still here… Thank you for thinking of T.I.P. as your second home,” the T.I.P. president said.
The loyalty awards were conferred on 47 employees this year who rendered 10 to 24 years of service in both the Manila and Quezon City campuses. T.I.P. currently has more than 23,000 senior high school, undergraduate and graduate students under its wing.
For more information on T.I.P., please visit tip.edu.ph or follow T.I.P’s official social media accounts through @TIP1962official on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.