Dr. Atilio Alicio’s Retirement Speech

 

Dr. Atilio Alicio’s Retirement Speech

I was delighted when I came across a passage in the Holy Bible - Proverbs 3:6: "In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

Yes, TGIF…..  that is, Today Is God First!

Magandang umaga sa iyong lahat! 

I am humbled and touched that so many of you considered my retirement celebration worthy of your time. We all have gathered to be part of this bittersweet, yet very special moment for me. It is so heartwarming to celebrate my retirement with you all; it made me feel like a celebrity! I am so thrilled that you all took time out of your busy schedules to come and celebrate this memorable occasion. Thank you to CTFLC headed by our President, Farah Mendoza, through the Socials Committee and everyone for organizing this grand event in my honor.

Thank you so much for the invitation extended to my family who have joined us today and do allow me to introduce them:  my wife, Carmencita ‘Menchie’ (Sylmar), Maria Theresa ‘Tess’ Alicio-Trajeco, (Sacramento - representing my son-in-law Jerry & grandsons Angelo & Anthony); Jose Rey ‘J.R.’ Alicio and daughter Danica Jewel (from Pittsburg, Bay area -  representing our daughter-in-law Pearlshelline & granddaughter Lara Amber). Our eldest daughter Maria Carmen ‘Maricar’ is out of the country for now. Thank you for coming!

While the Holy Bible does not explicitly make reference to a smooth sailing and manageable post-career life completely free of responsibility, Proverbs 16:31 mentions: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.” When we hit that long awaited point in our lives, it doesn’t necessarily mean we can do whatever we want, whenever we want, however we want. There’s still work to be done for God’s Kingdom.  One thing is for sure: We’ve got too many gifts to let them be wasted away in retirement. The Lord will provide opportunities we need to continue to share. The bottom line is  that we will get a chance to relax a little in our retirement, but God isn’t done with us yet.

Retirement, as we know, is a time in our lives that all of us dream about. Isn’t it a joy to daydream about how we are going to spend our retirement? We’ve worked very hard for all these years. And when the time is right, we are going to go from employment to enjoyment, away from pressure and anticipate leisure, for being retired and not expired, and  say goodbye tension to hello pension! 

There is a universal truth we all have to face, whether we want to or not, everything eventually ends. As much as I’ve looked forward to this day, I’ve always disliked endings. Last day of teaching, reading the final chapter of a great book, or parting ways with colleagues and friends. But endings are inevitable. The law of gravity is universal. It admits no exception. Stars will fall. Leaves fall or we say goodbye. Today is one of those days for me. With retirement, we say goodbye to everything that was familiar, everything that was comfortable. We just have to keep on moving. But just because we are leaving, and that hurts, there’s some people who are so much a part of us. They’ll be with us no matter what. They are our solid ground, our North Star and those small clear voices in our hearts that will be with us…..always!

By the way, some of you may not know that what compelled me to retire was due to health reasons; that was after I underwent a foot surgery which has to a great extent affected my mobility, in spite of UCSD and SDSU granting my request to teach via the virtual modality for the past 2 years. However, with classes now being conducted in-person and for which I continue to commute ever since by public transport and the need to walk some distances to and from school, the option to retire was contemplated, weighed in, and eventually decided, with a heavy heart and mixed emotions on my part, but gladly with my family’s support and blessing!

Yes, I am here to express my sincere gratitude, foremost, to my family for always supporting and not complaining when I was consumed with work; to Kapamilyang CTFLC, to colleagues in the teaching profession; to everyone here today, including those who are unable to be with us. It has been a journey together and during these times, I have been able to survive and build myself.  

                                                                                                              

Just to share briefly and reminisce things….I  was posted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 11 years (teaching Spanish for 7  years & Filipino for 4 years) and it’s here in San Diego that I had the longest stint…. since Fall 2005 with UCSD and Fall 2006 with SDSU. Yes, there hasn’t been a day in 17 years that I didn’t go to work, because I loved my profession and I enjoyed working with you. What a joy and blessing to be able to say that!

I’ve always been asked why and how I became a teacher. I am very proud to say that I belong to a family of teachers (both my late parents and 4 siblings were, except for one). However, I never thought I would teach Filipino to Fil-Am students. I had been teaching Spanish all along in the Philippines and in Malaysia, so being asked to handle Filipino courses here in America was the last thing I could ever imagine.

But I am fortunate that I spent my best years teaching Filipino. However, I have a confession to make. I had misgivings about teaching Filipino in the beginning. I actually had a lot of WHAT IFs?… but soon they were changed to WHY NOT?  I wanted to empower the youth, especially the Filipino-Americans taking Filipino who probably were hesitant to be in my classes at first, but because of the interaction that ensued, turned out to enjoy it after all. Aside from teaching the language component, I needed to create awareness in them about our culture, their identity and appreciate their being `Fil-Ams'.

Anyway, and why do I find teaching an exciting one each and every day? Because I have great hopes that language learners are a unique group who deserve all the best attention we can give, mentor and nurture. This is a reaffirmation of what I recently read in a facebook posting which says in order to be an effective teacher, “you should enjoy and love what you teach, but always love who you teach the most.”  In reality, a teacher’s love of students is tantamount to parental love. For teachers to be happy and find their profession worthwhile and fulfilling, their love of students is a key factor. 

Indeed, throughout my years of teaching Filipino, I have seen the Filipino-American students go through tremendous growth and change. The mere idea that I have students who will make a great impact in society buoyed me up. Thus, if in my own little way I was able to broaden and strengthen their understanding of what it means to be Filipino-Americans, then I am so much honored and glad to be part of their journey.

I have been asked what I’m going to do now. I’m going to do a lot of things and very few of them conform to the idea of retirement as a time of waiting for the imminent reality! 

How do I express and sum up something I have done over these years? How do I wake up now and not do the same routine I have done again and again since I started teaching at the age of 23.

As my family and I are geographically apart due to our respective job locations and for which we have been used to this kind of arrangement, CTFLC is my second family, thus I have never felt being alone because you were all always there with me and for me - supporting me in my career and in my personal life. You listened to my stories and you cared for me. My career was challenging and rewarding. I did my best and I was well rewarded in kind and in friendship. I am privileged and honored to be part of Kapamilyang CTFLC. Truly proud to be one!

With this retirement, I probably would have some lapses on days when I would wake up and wear my clothes to work thinking that I have a class to teach. I probably would miss preparing for the day’s lessons that I have done day in and day out. But no matter what, I have done my part and have taught my students with passion like you do. I hope that my teaching skills have made it fun and easier for my students to contribute actively not only in class but also in life.

I pray that the knowledge and skills that my students have gained are used well in building a greater nation and a healthy place for all to live. I just pray that my teaching efforts have instilled kindness, tolerance and patience to my students. 

I pray that I did not just teach the language, per se, in the  curriculum. I pray that I have also taught my students the language of devotion that can only be spelled as L.O. V. E. – LOVE!

Nang buong pagpapakumbaba, masasabi kong may alam ako tungkol sa buhay ng isang guro. Tulad ninyo, masasabi kong pamilyar ako sa ilang pasikot-sikot ng pagtuturo dahil ako ay nasa larangan ng hanapbuhay na ito. Ang pagtuturo ay aking kahalingán – ito ang buhay ko sa loob ng limampung taon sa akademya.

Tinitiyak ko na kailanman, hindi ako magkikimkim nang kahit katiting na panghihinayang sa mga pagpupunyagi at panahon na aking iginugol sa tungkuling ito na siyang pinakamalapit sa aking puso. Maaaring naging magaling akong guro sa pananaw ng iilang estudyante, habang isa namang tipong karaniwan lamang ako sa tingin ng iba. Ngunit ang katotohanan ay ibinuhos at ibinigay ko ang lahat ng aking dapat gampanan. Ramdam kong isinagawa ko ang aking makakaya para maging karapat-dapat sa propesyong ito. Alam kong hindi ako ulirang halimbawa bilang mahusay na guro, pero isinapuso ko itong napakarangal na trabaho at isinaalang-alang ang mahalagang papel na dapat isakatuparan ng isang mahusay na guro. 

Ipinagpapatuloy kong pinanghahawakan ang paniniwala hanggang sa ngayon, na bilang isang guro, kailangang subukang gawin ang lahat ng makakaya para magsilbing gabay na sundan at tularan ng mga estudyante natin habang sila’y ating sinasamahan tungo sa landas ng pagkatuto. Di ba sinasabing “Ang isang mahusay na guro ay parang isang kandila,” sa kadahilanang “kapag nakasindi ito, patuloy siyang nauupós upang magsilbing liwanag para sa iba.”  

Samakatuwid,  ito ang nagbibigay-katwiran sa makabuluhan at walang-katapusang paghahandog ng buhay at mga sakripisyo ng isang guro sa kanyang tungkulin. Sa madaling sabi, ang maging nangingislap na tanglaw na siyang nagbibigay liwanag tungo sa masalimuot na buhay para sa kanyang mga tinuturuan – sa ngalan ng edukasyon – isang edukasyong panghabambuhay na humuhubog ng puso’t diwa ng bawat mga mag-aaral para makamtan ang hinahangad sa kinabukasan at sa bandang huli bilang maging mga kapaki-pakinabang na mamamayan sa mundong ito na may pananampalataya at pananalig sa Dakilang Maykapal! Sila ang magiging bagong lakas ng pagbabago! Sila ang magiging magandang mukha ng kinabukasan! 

Yes, I have spent 17 years with many of you as a member and officer of CTFLC. It is delightful to acknowledge that you have given me the best collaborative and working conditions and environment to perfrom my responsibilities. This is equally true for having been with UCSD and SDSU where I received every and all the needed support, assistance, care, and love from administrators, colleagues, staff, and students. I couldn’t ask for more. The Fil-Am community and friends, as well, were there for me!

With Kapamilyang CTFLC, it’s noteworthy to mention the times shared, friendships forged and the incredible successes (the enactment of AB 420 for CSET-Filipino in 2005; holding the 2nd International Conference on Filipino as a Global Language in 2010; the FLASP in 2019, the Rondalla in 2021, the Intercultural Exchange Program “Dalawang Baybayin” in 2021, the several Outreach Programs, Professional Development activities, the involvement with The Filipino School, collaboration with the General Consulate of the Philippines,  with entries like LARC, SDCOE, the various Filipino & Fil-Am Community Organizations, like COPAO, HOP, FILAMEDA, among others), have been an extraordinary part of my life.  I am very proud of what we have achieved and they have been moments I will never forget.

As a good friend said recently during a chat, “everything has a beginning and an end.” The timing to end this journey seems short as right as it could be. Thus, I now feel it’s the best time to retire and allow other young and energetic leaders to take over. Indeed, I got opportunities to learn several things that have helped me both in my professional and personal life. I met and made many friends who supported me throughout. Nothing would have been possible without the support, hard work, and dedication of everyone. It somehow saddens me because I will miss you all and this environment. 

Before I hang up my professional hat and put on my relaxation hat, I have to say:  What you do matters. Who you are  matters. You may not change the world, but you bring your own special uniqueness to the table and you’re the only one who can do that.  I hope that one day when you’re up here saying goodbye after a long, fruitful and productive career, you will feel the same satisfaction I am experiencing at this moment. I’ll miss the intellectual challenges you provided. Thank you for the years of fun, camaraderie, life-changing moments and for being exemplars of what it is to serve faithfully with humility. I will always remember our shared laughter, our joys, as well as our struggles. Thank you for the notes of appreciation, words of encouragement, sharing of resources, and time but mostly for your sincerity, trust, care and love. It’s an exciting journey. Thank you for being my traveling companions along an important and meaningful part of my way. I am forever grateful for the enormous collection of shared experiences indelibly printed on my mind.

Though our paths are changing now, it is my wish that you all be connected with me. I am considering this post-retirement phase as my vacation time now, and I hope that we continue to keep each other and our families in our prayers during this phase of our lives. Thank you for being a part of this journey. It feels honored to hear such great words for my family and myself!

Thank you for a wonderful time together. My family and I appreciate the efforts and energy that everyone of you put into making this occasion such a wonderful event..with all the various numbers and performances of our program today, the good wishes, including of course, luncheon later! You have truly made my retirement something to cherish! What an extraordinary gathering designed just for me and my family! It is clear that this occasion meant a great deal to each of you and we are grateful beyond words. 

I am glad to be retiring surrounded by colleagues and friends, for which my family and I will always hold a special place in our hearts! Your kindness in hosting this event is too generous; words cannot express how much it means to us that you would do this for me. It’s an occasion we will always treasure, full of memories that evoke warm feelings in our hearts. Thank you for being a part of this milestone in my life!

At this point in time, allow me to recognize with sincere thanks all the set of officers for their leadership and guidance in steering CTFLC under the term of office of its president starting from Dr. Cristeta Dumaran, Mrs. Rosalina Idos, Ms. Mary Rose Peralta, Ms. Jacquilin Lapid,  Ms. Myrna Ablana, Ms. Maria Fontimayor, Ms. Rizalyn Cruz & now Ms. Farah Mendoza, as ably supported by the various Standing Committees and conscientious members. I have full faith that CTFLC will continue to grow, prosper and scale great heights.  Keep going the same way; maintain the passion and zeal to achieve something bigger and better. Keep up the great work!

Allow me likewise to acknowledge, with thanks, in particular Dr. Nitz Nacu & Mang Florentino; Mang Ador & Ate Sally Idos; Digno & Myrna Ablana; Alex & Dolly Balane; Dr. Ofel Rayos & Dr. Letty Pagkalinawan.

To everyone and ALL,  THANK YOU so much for going above and beyond – please pass on our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring support, kind assistance, continued concern, care and love! You are the family who has made my journey so special. I am truly  overwhelmed and gratified!

Since I started this sharing with TGIF, let me end with a brief praise and thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. We pray for your guidance so that we will always walk fully in your blessing and goodness. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your bountiful grace in helping and serving mankind…for when we serve you, Lord, our life is a ministry to others! 

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me, care for me, and love me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions.

I know that our paths will cross again in the future and from the languages I have learned, it’s not Goodbye, but: Vide te mox (Latin), Jumpa lagi (Malay), Hasta luego (Spanish), Hanggang sa muli! See you soon!

Yes, I won’t get tired of saying….. maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong lahat! May the Almighty God abundantly bless you all! My family and I…. L.O.V.E. you!

PROF. ATILIO V. ALICIO, PhD.

Sharing at CTLFC Retirement Celebration

25 Feb 2023       10:00am – 1:30pm

Bay Terraces Community and Senior Center

7445 Tooma St., San Diego CA 92139