Paying tribute to the founders of Foundation University in Dumaguete City as the institution celebrated its 76th founding anniversary last Friday, July 4 is the most propitious thing to do.
Founded by lawyer Dr. Vicente Guzman Sinco, eighth president of the University of the Philippines and dean of its College of Law, in 1949, the university has, indeed, gone a long way since it started as Foundation College initially in Santa Ana, Manila until it was established soon after in Dumaguete City.
The occasion, which started with a Eucharistic celebration at the Science Wing of the North Campus, likewise became an avenue to honor and appreciate the steady presence of President Emeritus Dr. Edelmira “Mira” Dragon-Sinco.
At 91, she exhibits dedicated, unfaltering support, keeping the university concertedly as the legacy of her father-in-law and later, her husband, Leandro, lives on today through their older son, Victor Vicente, who is the current university president.
But, who can best shed light on the diverse and volatile landscape of education, but an educator herself? Such is the notable and noteworthy story of Mira Sinco, which is a classic case of “gi-dagit” (to capture), reminiscent of the city of Dumaguete’s tagline, “DumaGETme.”
From being an English instructor in the University of the Philippines, she was offered a teaching position at Foundation University located in a place she has not even heard of. That was in 1956 and she has persisted and stayed on 70 years hence and counting.
Her leadership style was enduring as she was determined to defy conventional expectations to conform to what people may have been used to. After all, Mira Sinco is her own woman.
Her years as an administrator in the United States impacted her perspectives on fairness and equality. She may have been perceived by the faculty, staff, and students to be wielding an iron hand on campus, but such is certainly not the case. It is her approach of concepts and content from multiple perspectives that is her significant contribution in the field of education, allowing learners to deepen their conceptual understanding of a subject.
Throughout her profession and career in education, she did not waver in her dedication to advocating new ways of teaching and remained true to the vision set forth by the university’s founder, her father-in-law, Dr. Vicente Sinco, who envisaged education to be accessible and available for all, helping children of underprivileged families gain admission to basic education and to university level.
The generations of teachers and students who have gone through the pillars of Foundation University would remember her purposeful, stringent, uncompromising, but yet, compassionate demeanor, when they see her on campus. When she strikes a conversation with anyone, be it a student, parent, teacher, visitor, or alumni, trust that she would give the listener valuable nuggets of wisdom, true to her being the Grand Dame of Foundation University.
Mira Sinco’s mantra is work, work, work – and, she has been doing that since she set foot in her adopted city she has learned to love until today.
As she looks back on her incredible journey with pride, she hopes that education continues to improve in the years to come. Her perseverance, determination, strong moral character, and ability to bounce back from life’s setbacks have served her in good stead as she resolves to witness her legacy among Foundationites far and wide.
Mira was presented with a plaque of appreciation bearing her photo and another framed photo of her 90th birthday celebration last year. To celebrate her being a green thumb, she was gifted with a living terrarium, which as her son, Luis Leandro, would say, “Anything that my Mom touches, grows.” Also present were Karina Sinco Dichoso, a niece and member of the university Board of Trustees, who came with her husband and other friends of the family.
Also recognized on that same occasion were members of Foundation University High School Class 2005, calling themselves The Pathfinders, which commemorated their 20th reunion by donating a television set for use in the University Chapel and an air conditioning unit. They were also given a tour of the main and the north campus, seeing for themselves and reveling at the changes in infrastructure around the university. | NWI
