By Cynthia Shank
As the holidays come to a close and routines return to normal, Silliman University stands as a testament to quiet dedication and unwavering service. While many celebrated the season surrounded by family, the university’s security guards remained vigilant, ensuring the safety and orderliness of the campus. Their steadfast commitment forms the very foundation of what keeps Silliman thriving.
Security guards are often the unsung heroes of any institution. They are the first to greet you at the gates and the last to ensure that everything is in its rightful place. During the holiday season, when much of the university community was on break, these men and women stayed behind, answering the call of duty to maintain the safety and tranquility of the campus.
For them, working during the holidays is not just a job; it is a responsibility they hold dear.
Among these dedicated individuals is kuya Junmar Jocson, who has served as the Channon Gate guard for two years. Hailing from Bayawan City, he shares that the holiday season brings a rare sense of calm.
“Okay ra sa holidays kay peaceful,” he says, highlighting how working during this time allows him to find joy in the peaceful environment of the campus.
[It’s okay to work during the holidays because it’s peaceful.]
With more than seven years of experience as the Langheim Road Gate guard, Kuya Mario Utlang Jr. from the town of Ayungon shared his insights on why he strives hard and continues to keep on going for himself and his family. When asked about the challenges of maintaining safety during a time when most people are on break, he shared his reflections:
“Ang nakapadasig nato sa trabaho, ma pamilyado ta or sa dili, ang kawad-on jud maoy nakapadasig sa ako-a. Ngano man? Kay ang tao man gud kung naa ray mahimo sa kaugalingon, di gud na mo lihok. Mag salig man. Pero kung wala gud kay imoha, kinahanglan jud ka mo trabaho. Mao nai giingon na sa atong pagpaningkamot, di man malikayan ang kakapoy. Need man gud nato magpahuway, pero kanang naa pud ta. Kay lawas ra man pud ang puhunan sa atong pagpanarbaho.”
[What motivates us to work, whether we have families or not, is the need that pushes us forward. Why? Because if a person has everything they need, they won’t move and they’ll rely on what they already have. But when you don’t have anything, you’re compelled to work. However, in striving hard, we can’t avoid exhaustion. We need rest, but we also need to keep going because our body is the only capital we have for our work.]
For kuya Ronie Ben Dela Rosa, stationed at Portal West Gate for nearly six years, exemplifies deep commitment to his role. Originally from San Jose, he reflects on how spending the holidays away from home has become a part of his life.
Despite being unable to go home, dela Rosa remained motivated to do his duty. ““Bisag wala ko ka spend time sa among lugar, syempre nag focus ko’s obligation nako diri sa Silliman University. Akong ning gi apply sa akong kinabuhi, na kani siya importante ni sa ako-a. Pamilya ra pud ni sa ako-a pud .”
[Even though I couldn’t spend time in my hometown, I focused on my obligations here. I have embraced this as part of my life, knowing how important it is to me. Silliman University is like family to me as well.]”
Another guard who stayed behind for the holidays wasAnother guard who stayed behind for the holidays is Kuya Jerwin, a Mindanaoan guard newly assigned at Laguna Gate.. For him, the distance from family is particularly challenging. “Bisan og lisod, nagtrabaho ko para sa akong pamilya. Para nila kini [Even though it’s hard, I’m working for my family. This is for them,].”
[Even though it’s hard, I’m working for my family. This is for them.]
The sacrifices of these security guards remind us of the essence of service: placing others before oneself. They are more than individuals in uniforms; They are the guardians of Silliman, tirelessly working to keep it a secure and welcoming place for students, faculty, and staff.
The Silliman community has a responsibility to honor these unsung heroes. A simple smile, a kind greeting, or a heartfelt acknowledgment can make all the difference. As each guard humbly shared, “Wala mi nag-expect og daghan. Bisan ang simple nga pag-ingon og ‘salamat’ malipay na mi.”
[We don’t expect much. A simple ‘thank you’ makes us happy.]
As we embark on a new year, let us carry a renewed sense of gratitude for the individuals who keep the university thriving, day in and day out. Their dedication deserves not only recognition but celebration, for it is their quiet sacrifice that makes Silliman University a safe and welcoming home for all.
