November 7, 2024 – Aurora, Philippines. In a heartfelt tribute at the ASCOT Research Office Hall, the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) celebrated the retirement of Mrs. Rafaela “Nanay Elang” Aragon, a beloved figure who devoted 27 years of her life to nurturing the ASCOT community. Known for her green thumb and caring spirit, Nanay Elang’s legacy mirrors a garden in full bloom—cultivated with love, kindness, and resilience.Nanay Elang / Ka-Elang, began her journey at ASCOT as a job order worker, later serving as a casual employee for 18 years. Beyond her official duties, she became a mother figure to students and colleagues, especially during her years managing the campus canteen. Many recall how she ensured no student went hungry, offering a warm meal and even warmer support to those in need. Her love for gardening left a lasting mark on the college grounds, which she tended with care, bringing vibrant colors and life to ASCOT’s campus.
During the ceremony, Dr. Gerardo Rillon shared memories of Nanay Elang’s unwavering joy and positivity. ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes expressed his appreciation, “Kapag nagreretiro talaga lalong gumaganda. Masaya ako sa maikling panahon ng pagsasama namin ni nanay Elang. Mami-miss ko ang pagpunta niya sa aking opisina upang magdala ng bulaklak sa imahe ng Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Huwag magbabago, you served ASCOT for 27 years. Your culture of industry will surely inspire generations to come. Mahal ka ng ASCOT” he said.
Vice Presidents Dr. Oscar T. Barawid and Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan added heartfelt tributes, recalling her kindness and the familial bond she fostered within the ASCOT community. “Ate Elang has been like a family to me and wife. Naging saksi siya sa buhay naming magasawa. Kita naman natin ang kanyang dedication to caring for ASCOT’s plant. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Ate Elang—mahal ka naming lahat.” Dr. Cabatan added, “Hindi sapat ang pasinaya na ito para iparating namin sa iyo ang aming taus-puong pasasalamat. Si Ka Elang ay laging nandiyan tuwing kami ay may pangangailangan,wala siyang hindi nagagawa. Nagagawan niya ng paraan ang lahat ng idulog sa kanya. Maraming Salamat Ka Elang!”
The program included touching tributes from colleagues and friends, each recalling Nanay Elang’s selfless acts—such as ensuring students had water during a malaria outbreak—and her nurturing spirit that left no one behind. Dr. Ricardo Gonzales, her cousin, shared cherished memories of childhood adventures, while Godfrey Gudoy, President of the Association of Non-Teaching Personnel, expressed deep gratitude for her years of service and kindness. Cynthia Macose, another colleague, recalled Nanay Elang’s resilience and compassion during a malaria outbreak, saying, “dala niya mga timba-timbang tubig para may mainom mga estudyante. Malaki ang ambag ni nanay, hindi matatawaran ang kaniyang sipag. Parang Nanay talaga sa ASCOT.”
Members of the General Services Unit, including Mr. Jose L. Sanchez and Ms. Merly Balbuena, added to the celebration by sharing their own experiences, highlighting Nanay Elang’s nurturing and caring nature. One of the program’s most touching moments was a serenade by Ms. Maureen Nangitoy and Mr. Roger Venancio, who honored Nanay Elang through song.
Ms. Raly Theresa Bolivar, a long-time coworker in the canteen, recounted how Nanay Elang ensured that no student went hungry, whether they could pay or not. “Matagal kami nagkasama sa trabaho sa canteen. Sinisigurado niya na walang bata ang magugutom may pambayad man ito o wala, pamilya talaga ang trato niya sa lahat,” Bolivar shared.
In a show of gratitude, Nanay Elang’s children, led by her daughter Cristina Virrey, extended their thanks to ASCOT on their mother’s behalf. The program concluded with a Certificate of Appreciation presented by the Association of Non-Teaching Personnel and a farewell gift to honor her years of service. In her final words of thanks.
Nanay Elang expressed her love for ASCOT, her colleagues, and the students she had served. “Mahal ko kayo. Minahal ko ang mga bata, ang institusyong ito, at ang mga kasamahan ko. Sa kabila ng aking tungkulin, sinigurado kong lahat ay may makain, lalo na ang mga batang nangangailangan. Maraming salamat sa pagkakataong maglingkod, hindi ko kayo malilimutan.”
Nanay Elang’s legacy will forever be felt in the flourishing gardens and the hearts she touched. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her, like flowers that bloom year after year.