Graphics by John Carl Acosta
Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) honored outstanding officials, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel across all campuses during the EVSUnistas Awards 2026: A Night of Laurels, held at the People’s Center and Library in Tacloban City, Thursday, August 20, in line with the university’s 22nd Charter Celebration.
The event recognized the achievements and service of university personnel through the presentation of nominees and awarding of outstanding individuals, who received trophies and cash prizes and were given the opportunity to deliver acceptance remarks, while attendees donned vintage-themed outfits.
In his words of wisdom, University President Dr. Dennis de Paz underscored the values that have shaped the university through the years, emphasizing that commitment, dignity, integrity, excellence, service, and unity remain at the core of what it means to be an EVSUnista.
“Today we honor some of our finest EVSUnistas. We will place laurels upon individuals, call their names, and celebrate their accomplishments, and they deserve every applause they will receive tonight. But I hope we also remember something deeper: no award can ever fully measure the value of a person’s service,” Dr. de Paz expressed.
He further emphasized that a university is defined not merely by its buildings, programs, or achievements, but by the people who dedicate themselves to teaching, service, and nation-building, noting that faculty members carry not only lessons into classrooms but also hopes that inspire future generations.
A key highlight of the evening was the EVSUnista Awards, which recognized members of the university for their outstanding performance, commitment, and contributions in their respective fields.
Among the awardees were:
- Best Administrator – Rustom D. Clemente, Associate Professor I
- Best Educator – Marilou G. Perez, Instructor III
- Best Researcher – Pearl Aphrodite B. Carnice, Associate Professor V
- Best Extensionist – Amelita A. Ariza, Instructor III
- Best Employee (Technical Category) – Janjan C. Parado, Internal Auditor I
Special awards, citations, and tributes were likewise conferred upon university personnel who have demonstrated exemplary performance and dedicated years of service to EVSU.
In his acceptance remarks speech, Prof. Rustom Clemente, recipient of the Best Administrator award, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a collective achievement made possible through the support of colleagues and university officials.
“I commend this award to all the school coordinators and all the extension heads in the campuses. You’re all the best. I would also like to thank the VPs, Sir Pulma, and of course Sir Sheldon, for believing in me, and of course, I would like to thank the President for his trust and confidence and for all the support,” he said.
Said program further featured vintage-themed dance and vocal performances from various colleges, campuses, and non-teaching personnel, alongside a red-carpet showdown where the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and Tanauan Campus were named Best Presenters in the female and male categories, respectively.
The university is set to hold the next event of its 22nd Charter Celebration, with the opening of the President’s Cup scheduled for Monday, August 24.
Article by Jairra Sey Villar