OCTOBER 14, 2009 was an Emerald-Filled Day for the College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City as the students and faculty gave honor to Dr. Esmeralda Albano Baldonado who retired from 43 years of public service, 33 years of which were spent at MMSU.  The occasion was graced by MMSU president Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, MMSU VPAA Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, retired faculty members of the CTE and members of the Tawid Choir for Christ in addition to the family of the retiree. 

Dr. Visitacion Mamuad, retired CTE professor and the honoree’s bossom friend,  introduced her and the members of her family.  For her dedicated and committed service to the University in various capacities—CTE Alumni Coordinator; UTC Director; Extension Director; principal of the Laboratory High School, Laoag; Program Coordinator in Social Science in the CTE and Graduate School and BSE Department Chair; aside from serving as chair of the University Uniform Committee—she was awarded a plaque of recognition by the CTE Faculty Club headed by Dr. Eliza T. Samson.  Engr. Marcial Gabriel, president of the Faculty Association Incorporated,  handed her a cheque in the amount of fifty thousand pesos and seventy one centavos (P50,000.71). 

Rendering different numbers expressing their love were the students majoring in Social Science, the faculty and the non-teaching staff.  The Tawid Choir serenaded her with three songs of love to her.  Giving her tribute were Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, Dr. Eduardo T. Borja and Dr. Vicente A. Bonoan, retired dean of the CTE.  Dr. Baldonado for her part thanked the CTE family for their gesture of love during her stay at CTE.  She also recalled the happy memories she had in the University. 

The honoree’s brother, former Vintar Sangguniang Bayan member Brilliante, spoke of his fond relationship with sister Nelda, afterwhich he showed a video of the important events in the life of his sister.  Another friend, Dr. Estrella R. Calixto, retired CTE professor and CHED ZRC director for Regions I and CAR, recalled fond memories with the honoree.  Capping the program was the closing remarks by Dr. Shirley Mina and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. 

Dr. Baldonado who hails from Vintar, Ilocos Norte is the eldest daughter of the late Atty. Venancio E. Albano and Mrs. Isaura A. Albano.  She took and finished her  Doctor of Education degree, major in Educational Management from the MMSU Graduate School.  She is married to Mr. Edmund Baldonado of Badoc, Ilocos Norte who is residing in the USA. (Edna C. Nagtalon)