In Photo: Xavier Ateneo Administrators, Faculty, Formators and Staff pose for a group photo with the Maintenance and Security Personnel during the PinasXUhan 2023.
Christmas may be a season of festivities, gatherings, and celebrations; and an opportunity to connect with those who have made a huge impact on our lives. At Xavier Ateneo, these individuals are the dedicated maintenance staff and security personnel of the downtown and uptown campuses.
Maria Sisnorio started working as a maintenance staff at Xavier Ateneo in 2010. She shared how her work enabled her to support her child and niece through college. When asked about the essence of Christmas, she expressed “Bililhon ang pasko para sa akoa labi na ug makita nako ang kalipay sa akong mga gi-serbisyohan sama sa mga estudyante, maestra, ug akong mga kauban diha sa pagpanrabaho” (Christmas is priceless, especially when I see the joy of those I serve, such as the students, teachers, and my colleagues in the workplace.)
Analyn Ledesma rendered service to the junior high school community at the Pueblo Uptown Campus. She mentioned her recent employment as a maintenance staff and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the entire community. Analyn conveyed that the most gratifying aspect of her work at Xavier Ateneo lies in the warm smiles and generous greetings she receives whenever she encounters students, faculty, and staff in the corridors. She remarked, “Karong Pasko simple lang ang among pag selebrar ang importante kauban ang pamilya ug maayo ang among panglawas sa adlaw-adlaw” (This Christmas, we will have a simple celebration, what’s important is the presence of family and good health everyday).
Xavier Ateneo through the coordination of the Social Development Office and the Mission and Ministry Office launched its Christmas Gift-Giving Project for its maintenance staff and security personnel dubbed, PinasXUhan 2023: Xavier Ateneo Christmas for Others, to foster the spirit of generosity and invite the entire community to return the unwavering service of our unsung heroes by donating any amount that was used to purchase grocery packs for distribution.
In Photo: Noche Buena packs from the generous donations of the Xavier Ateneo community were distributed to our “Unsung Heroes”.
A total of 327 Noche Buena packs were distributed to workers of the following agencies: DMSI, Envisage Security, Right 8 Security, Helpmate, Padla, and Versatile. University President Fr Mars P Tan SJ led the distribution together with VP for Mission and Ministry Fr Ismael Jose III V Chan-Gonzaga SJ, VP for Administration Engr Lawrence Luis Sanchez, VP for Social Development Engr Dexter Lo, as well as faculty and formators who were present during the activity.
In his message, Fr Mars expressed, “Ako sad magpasalamat kaninyo sa inyong tabang, sa inyong trabaho sa unibersidad… gamay lamang kini pero among gipamatuod sa inyo nga buhi ang diwa sa pasko ug mapasalamaton kami kaninyong tanan labi na sa inyong pagpaningkamot” (I also want to thank you for your help, for your work at the university… This may be small, but we have proven to you that the Christmas spirit is alive, and we are grateful to all of you, especially for your efforts.)
For his part, Fr IJ extended a meaningful message of solidarity by emphasizing that the service extended by our maintenance staff and security personnel have also helped build Xavier Ateneo. He remarked, “Dili mo lahi sa amo… Uban mo sa comunidad, apil sa comunidad ug uban tang tanan sa comunidad… ug dako ang among pagpasalamat sa inyong serbisyo.” (You are not different from us… You are with the community, part of the community, and together we will all work for the Xavier Ateneo community… and we are immensely thankful for your service.)
Sir Dexter conveyed in his message that the service rendered by our maintenance staff and security personnel is significant in the overall operations of Xavier Ateneo. He remarked, “Dili posible and operations sa Xavier University ug wala mo, among nabati inyong serbisyo ug gusto namo mabati sab ninyo ang among pagpasalamat” (The operations of Xavier University wouldn't be possible without you. We feel your service, and we also wish you to feel our gratitude.)
In Photo: Analiza Agudo or “Ate Liza” extends her gratitude to the Xavier Ateneo Community.
One of the longest serving maintenance staff for 18 years, Analiza Agudo, extended her message of gratitude saying “Dako akong pasalamat labi na karon nga daghan kog na dungog nga pagpasalamat maong ako pud ibalik ang akong dako nga pagpasalamat sa tanan nga sa kadugay nako naa gihapon ko karon nagpabilin”. (I am very grateful, especially now that I have received many messages of gratitude, so I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Xavier Ateneo community because after 18 years, I am still here working in the institution).
In Photo: Leonyl Gabaca, a security personnel of 21 years, gives a message on behalf of the Xavier Ateneo Security Personnel.
Leonyl Gabaca, a dedicated member of Xavier Ateneo's security team for 21 years, proudly revealed that his eldest child successfully completed education at Xavier Ateneo. He expressed, “Dugay na nako gusto ipasalamat ug ipa-ambit nga ang ang akong anak naka human sa pag eskwela diri sa Xavier ug tungod kin isa akong mga benepisyo nga nakuha isip usa ka security guard sa XU sukad 2002” (I have long wanted to express my gratitude and share that my child has finished schooling here at Xavier, and it's because of one of the benefits I received as a security guard since 2002).
In the quiet dedication and tireless commitment of Xavier Ateneo’s maintenance staff and security personnel, the real meaning of Christmas is even more felt—selflessness, generosity, and solidarity. In Xavier Ateneo, the real magic of Christmas resides in the compassionate hearts and devoted service of those who tirelessly work behind the scenes, illuminating our path with their kindness and ensuring that the spirit of Christmas resonates not just during this season but throughout the year.
**Xavier Ateneo extends its heartfelt gratitude to the entire community for generously sharing in the PinasXUhan 2023: Xavier Ateneo Christmas for Others. Special thanks are also extended to the Office of the President, Mission and Ministry Cluster, Social Development Cluster, Administration Cluster, Higher Education Cluster, Basic Education Cluster, Finance Office, Alumni Relations Office, Human Resource Office and the University Church.