Lawbytes: The Oblation Award as a Privilege: Recognition for Dr. Atty. Ramiscal’s Public Service

The Bible says everything comes to pass. By June 2011, Dr. Atty. Noel G. Ramiscal has severed his connection with the University of the Philippines Los Baños College after three and a half years of teaching as Professor and serving as the University Prosecutor. But his pre and post departure from the university were marked by two highlights.

Dr. Atty. Ramiscal with the Plaque of Commendation given by Lt. Col. Dr. Vivian A. Gonzales last March 30, 2011

Last March 30, 2011, he was awarded a Plaque of Recognition for his “significant contributions in the advancement of student discipline and conduct”. Then in July 18, 2011, he was awarded the Oblation Statute by Lt. Col. Dr. Vivian A. Gonzales, for his pursuit of the values of “Prudence” and “Justice” in his public service.

Dr. Atty. Noel G. Ramiscal receiving his Oblation Award from Lt. Col. Dr. Gonzales last July 18, 2011

One of the trademarks and landmarks of the University of the Philippines and its constituent universities is the Oblation statue which had received a lot of praise and criticism over the years.

But the New Catholic Encyclopedia defined “oblate” as “one offered” or “made over to God”. Putting the awards in this context makes Dr. Atty. Ramiscal truly humbled and moved by the recognition given to him by the Office of Student Affairs Director, Lt. Col. Dr. Gonzales.

The awards are made more especial because the grantor, Lt. Col. Dr. Vivian A. Gonzales is locally and internationally acclaimed as one of the primary figures in the Philippines that have paved for the establishment and success of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) under Republic Act 9163. Lt. Col. Dr. Gonzales is the founder of the Student’s Transformation and Enrichment for Truth – Values Integration and Promotion Inc.(STET-VIP Inc.), a non-stock non-government organization that is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to administer the NSTP training modules which she practically wrote and pioneered in universities and learning institutions all over the Philippines. The focus of these programs is instilling values in the lives of students so they become responsible citizens.

The past years Dr. Atty. Ramiscal served were certainly some of the most turbulent years in UPLB history. Dr. Atty. Ramiscal successfully handled cases that ranged from the killing of a student, serious physical injuries, intellectual property violations, sexual harassment, theft, hazing, and other administrative offenses. He dealt triumphantly with the dregs of UPLB society, threats to his safety and academic position, and grievous absence of resources, armed only with his belief in God’s Justice and Order ruling over the disreputable elements that threaten to infect the core of this otherwise great University.

Dr. Atty. Ramiscal would like to acknowledge the fact that many wonderful things have happened to him in UPLB because of God’s Plan including meeting many wonderful people with undeniable integrity, moral credibility and spiritual values in the course of his journey at UPLB. A GREAT THANK YOU to all of them!

And to Dr. Atty. Ramiscal’s scores of wonderful students whom he taught in the four disciplines of Philosophy, Law, Humanities and Management, who have taught him important lessons in God Faith and Trust, it is ultimately for them, why he fought so fiercely for their legal rights and why he tried his best to impart to them some of the lessons he learned in life that can arm them as they seek their places outside the confines of the university.

The Oblation award is indeed a reminder that public service is a privilege that should be honored as one’s offering to God.

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