Intramuros, Manila — Colegio de San Juan de Letran recognized the dedication, excellence, and professional achievements of its employees during the Letran Employees Awards 2026, held on June 26, 2026. The annual recognition program honored faculty and staff whose commitment and service continue to strengthen the institution's mission of providing quality Catholic Dominican education.

Employees were recognized for their years of loyal service, academic and professional milestones, outstanding performance, perfect attendance, and exemplary contributions to the Colegio.

One of the highlights of the program was the inspirational message delivered by Dr. Ma. Nancy T. Balasan, who was honored upon her retirement by age. Reflecting on her years at Letran, Dr. Balasan shared that what made her journey truly meaningful was not only her professional growth but also the spiritual formation she received as a member of the Letran community. She emphasized that the Dominican values and faith-centered environment shaped both her career and her life, leaving a lasting impact that she will always carry beyond retirement.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Greg and Monsie Macalalad Outstanding Elementary Faculty Award, a special recognition established through the generosity of Letran alumnus Mr. Macalalad. Presented by Asst. Prof. Carlo O. Macasero, MBA, Director for Alumni and Public Relations, together with Mr. Lito Lampano, representing the donors, the award recognizes the elementary faculty member who achieved the highest rating in the Letran Performance Management Appraisal System for Academic Year 2025–2026.

This year's recipient was Mr. Mark Angelo V. Galaura of the Elementary Department, recognized for his exceptional professionalism, productivity, and commitment to excellence in teaching. 

The ceremony also featured the Dream Team Award, presented to the Research and Publication Department for its outstanding contributions to research, innovation, internationalization, and institutional development. The department was recognized for leading key initiatives, including the Letran Institutional Research Ethics Board (LIREB), Intellectual Property Unit, Microcredentialing Unit, Technology Business Incubation Unit, and the Research, Innovation, and Creation Hub (RICH), as well as for advancing global partnerships, securing recognition in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, and successfully registering institutional copyrights with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

In his closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, O.P., Rector and President, who was likewise recognized for his five years of service to the Colegio, reminded the community that every awardee has a unique story of beginning their journey at Letran. He expressed his gratitude to all employees for their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to serving the institution and the Letran community, emphasizing that their collective efforts continue to uphold Letran's tradition of delivering quality education and excellent service.

The Letran Employees Awards 2026 recognized the following awardees:

Service Awards

• 30 Years: Jocilyn D. Aserios; Jessie M. Mercado
• Retirement (Age): Dr. Ma. Nancy T. Balasan
• 25 Years: Marivic P. Asido; Antonino O. Guerrero III; Salve H. Coronel
• 20 Years: Enrico J. Calantas; Grace L. Mejia; Donna C. Serrano
• 15 Years: Winchell B. Palomeno; Jayson C. Peñaflor; Ian B. Dancel; Jobelle R. Gorubat; Rolando Pascual Jr.; Cristy Laine Red
• 10 Years: Zaida A. Nicdao; Jeffrey Argueza; Jimmy Macasilli; Jonathan Cortes; Marie Febie Lozano
• 5 Years: Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, O.P.; Roger Lamboloto; Niel Karl O. Gepanaga;

Once again, congrtaulations to the awardees! Arriba!