Malita, Davao Occidental – April 11, 2025. In a moving tribute steeped in gratitude and honor, the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) held its “Salamat, Mabuhay” ceremony to recognize the exceptional service of three esteemed personnel whose careers have left an indelible mark on the institution. The honorees—𝑫𝒓. 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐 𝑫. 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍 (27 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆), 𝑴𝒓. 𝑹𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑳. 𝑱𝒐𝒂𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒓. (41 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔), 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒓. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒐 𝑨. 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝑱𝒓. (42 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔)—stood at the center of heartfelt celebration as colleagues, family, and friends gathered to pay tribute to decades of dedication.
The ceremony opened with a message from Atty. Paloma G. Grado, HRMO Head, who acknowledged the honorees not only for their years of committed service but for the legacy of professionalism and resilience they leave behind. Messages of appreciation followed from department leaders, including Mr. Christopher Bastasa, Head of Security; Prof. John Paul R. Pacyao, Dean of IFMS; and Mrs. Estela A. Calderon, Head of the Cashier Office, each one highlighting personal anecdotes and the enduring impact of the honorees’ mentorship and leadership.
Representing SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Marlyn B. Llameg, led the presentation of plaques and tokens of appreciation, honoring the lifework of the three individuals whose careers exemplified service with substance. A poignant video presentation followed, framed in heartfelt narratives and memorable moments, which captured the essence of lives devoted to the institution’s growth and mission.
In a deeply personal segment, Dr. Morastil, Mr. Joaquin Sr., and Mr. Garcia Jr. took the stage to share their reflections—humble, profound, and moving. Their words resonated not only as farewells, but as affirmations of a life lived in purpose and commitment. As applause filled the auditorium one final time, it was clear: Salamat, Mabuhay was more than a sendoff; it was a celebration of legacy, service, and the lasting power of lives well-lived.
