"Ang retirement ay hindi 'the end' – ito ay bagong simula, pagkakataon, at pagdiriwang!"

The Pre-Retirement Orientation for UP Diliman Employees (PROUD) 2025 successfully equipped 56 soon-to-be retirees with essential transition knowledge during its two-day program held last June 17-18, 2025 at the National Engineering Center Audio Visual Room.

Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II opened the program with a message, likening retirees to "the foundation posts of every hall in the university – enduring pillars that have upheld UP Diliman's legacy." He emphasized, "You will always remain part of the university's story."

During the first day, the HRDO Separation Unit provided comprehensive guidance on step-by-step separation procedures, university clearance requirements, necessary documents, and benefit claim timelines. Mr. Ronel S. Clariza from SPMO delivered a crucial session explaining the proper turnover process for university property and how to clear equipment accountability.

The second day featured partnerships with key institutions to ensure comprehensive post-retirement support. Dr. Oliva S. Basuel from the University Health Service discussed the medical benefits available to retired employees. Representatives from the UP Credit Cooperative and UP Provident Fund explained the financial benefits for retiring members.

The program's latter half featured presentations from government partner agencies. The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Quezon City branch and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG DHSUD Branch) detailed the retirement benefits and application processes available to participants.

In her closing remarks, Vice Chancellor Adeline A. Pacia reflected: "Ang inyong sipag at tiyaga ay naging pundasyon ng tagumpay ng UP Diliman... Habang nagbabago ang inyong papel sa Unibersidad, hindi magbabago ang aming pagpapahalaga sa inyo." She urged retirees to carry forward UP's spirit into their next chapter – one filled with "saya, kalusugan, at personal na katuparan."

The orientation successfully served 56 retiring employees, providing them with both practical knowledge and the assurance that their UP family will continue to support them in their new journey.