COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION – “I love MMSU! I love CTE!”

Thus said Dr. Eduardo T. Borja, dean here, as he bade farewell after 43 years of public service.

Everyone remembers Dr. Borja or “Sir Eddie Borge”, as he jokingly calls himself, as the man who approaches just about anyone he sees at the corridors to greet him or her “Good morning!” Everyone remembers him calling every student “gwapo,” “pogi” and “beautiful” when he requests for something. Everyone remembers his hilarious words when he cracks jokes. Everyone remembers all the times spent with him and his great contributions in the university and in the college but his journey comes to an end.

The journey started waning when CTE faculty and staff rendered a testimonial program on June 22 at the social hall in honor of the man who served as dean of the college for 10 years and whom they dubbed as “Man for all seasons.” In the program, Prof. Arnora P. Rasos traced back Dr. Borja’s colorful tale likening him to a traveler who defied and bravely surpassed the different seasons of life and the challenges that came with them. Messages of admiration and reverence were delivered by Dr. Wilma C. Natividad, vice president for academic affairs, and Atty. Ramon A. Leaño, vice president for administration and business. The master’s great odyssey was pondered upon by the elementary, high school, BSE, BEEd, and non-teaching departments of the college. Indeed, Dr. Borja went through all the storms of life, walked in the midst of the cloudiest and gloomiest days, but now, he goes on sauntering in the sunshine.

As the floods of tears ceded from the morning’s program, the CTE students, headed by the Student Council, dedicated a retirement program in the afternoon of June 22 at the CTE Outdoor Stage in honor of Dr. Borja, whom they revered as “The connoisseur of education.” The excellence of Dr. Borja was reflected in the moving testimonials made by the student leaders from the LES, LHS, and CTE. From their statements, it was made clear that this authority of education was not only considered as a dean but also a father and a friend by the pupils and students. The students took the center stage to present their talents in dancing, singing, and acting. Bellowing laughter, both from the students and faculty, filled the whole campus as the BSE IV-A students presented a skit portraying the life of Dr. Borja. But as smiles gleamed and laughter boomed, tears also fell and sobs surged up as the students bestowed roses of love to the connoisseur. This only showed that even with his high rank and position, Dr. Borja, has in one way or another, touched the lives of all the pupils and students in this institution.

Before all the sails were finally pulled back up in the journey, still, the love kept pouring for Dr. Borja as another program was dedicated in his honor on June 25 at the MMSU CTE Social Hall titled “Commitment to excellence: 43 years of dedicated service.” His life in his noble profession as a master educator was reminisced and reflected upon by his colleagues, relatives, and friends. Words of respect and appreciation were delivered by retired former CTE Dean Vicente A. Bonoan, CTE graduates, relatives, and friends, including President. Miriam E. Pascua. His invaluable service in the field of teaching was also lauded by organizations such as the CTE Faculty Club, University Faculty Association Inc., Ilocos Norte Public School Teachers Association, and the Civil Service Commission as they gave him special awards and citations. A symbolic offering of 43 flowers by the university and college administrators, relatives, family, and friends was made in honor of his extraordinary 43 years of service. Without a doubt, Dr. Borja is a remarkable purveyor of truth and life.

In the hearts of CTEians, he will always and forever be that jolly man who will talk to you at the corridors whether you are a teacher, a student or a janitor. He will always and forever be that comical man who calls everyone “gwapo,” “pogi” or “beautiful.” His hilarious words will always and forever be one of his trademarks. He will always and forever be one of the most supportive, caring, and best professors in the college. He will always and forever be Dr. Eduardo T. Borja, the man behind the great accomplishments and successes of CTE. His lectures, sermons, discourses, and pieces of advice will always and forever resonate in the minds and hearts of the CTEians. His journey as the man of all seasons, connoisseur of education, master educator, and purveyor of truth is indeed coming to an end but his legacy will keep on resounding in the proverbial halls of CTE until the end of time.