More than a University Leader, He Was a Father

I’ve been serving Bukidnon State University for twelve years, with eight of those years spent at the Office of the President under the leadership of Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez. I started as office staff and eventually became his Executive Assistant until his retirement in 2022.

As the highest-ranking official of the university, Sir Oscar was widely regarded as a visionary leader, deserving of the highest respect and admiration. Working closely with him at the OP gave my co-workers and me the opportunity to know him on a more personal level. To us, Sir Oscar was not only a leader who guided BukSU towards academic excellence and intellectual growth but also a father figure to all of us.

Working at the OP placed us under constant pressure and stress, but Sir Oscar’s warm smile and kind words always put us at ease. I knew he genuinely cared about the well-being of both the students and his staff.

I am deeply grateful to Sir Oscar for believing in me and consistently offering advice, guidance, and support. During that period, I balanced my responsibilities as a faculty member of the university while also handling administrative duties at the Office of the President. Despite the challenges, Sir Oscar’s constant encouragement motivated me to complete my master’s degree. Looking back, I’m not entirely sure how I managed it all, but with his support, I was able to achieve it.

Every day before leaving the President’s Office, we would inform him that we were heading home. His response was always, “Okay, sige, thank you kayo.” If he happened to leave the office before us, he would jokingly say, “Una nako sa inyo kay mamalansa pa ko, bitaw, una nako sa inyo, salamat kaayo.” These were some of his simple gestures that reflected his humility. He always made sure to express his sincere gratitude to everyone for their efforts on behalf of BukSU.

Sir Oscar ensured that everyone had access to various opportunities in their respective roles. Equal opportunities were provided for both faculty and non-teaching employees to attend training, seminars, and other benefits. He would often say, “Kinsa’y wala pa kasakay eroplano, Shan, kay basin naay haom nga seminar para sa ilaha, atoa pud ipa-experience intawon.” Additionally, faculty members pursuing postgraduate studies in Cagayan de Oro and Davao City were given free transportation from Malaybalay City to their schools. This initiative from Sir Oscar significantly increased the number of faculty with master’s and doctorate degrees at BukSU. The faculty was grateful for the convenience, time, and money saved from the weekend commute, which further motivated them to complete their degrees on time.

He even encouraged utility personnel to continue their education because he wanted to empower them and help improve their lives. With his approval of flexible work schedules, they were able to attend classes while still fulfilling their work responsibilities. As he often said, “Unay na gud na sila og skwelahan, Shan, so dapat mahuman jud sila sa ilang pagskwela.” As a result, several utility personnel have now completed their studies and have been promoted to important office positions.

Sir Oscar would sometimes share his life story with us, recounting his humble beginnings and how he grew up in a poor family where his parents struggled to make ends meet for him and his siblings. This experience motivated him to study hard and complete his education. To support himself, he worked various jobs, including being a house help, shoe shiner, pandesal and brown bread vendor, farmer, and census worker. As a teenager, he was very active in religious activities and became a catechist, just like his mother. When he reached college, he acknowledged his struggles with mathematics. That’s why he chose to major in Education with a concentration in Mathematics. He once told me, “Dili man ko master og Math, Shan, mao nga kana akong gipili na concentration sa college para ma-master jud nako. Ang ending, naka-human ko sa akong kurso, diha pa jud nako naila akong asawa.”

As a sociable person, Sir Oscar loved to talk about anything under the sun. You’d never get bored in his company—he could effortlessly switch from serious discussions to lighthearted jokes. Everywhere we went, he would mention friends or relatives from that place, and he had countless friends from all walks of life. Each of them had fond memories of Sir Oscar; he knew personal details about them, often recalling their family trees. His extroverted nature brought joy to our workplace, and his positive attitude uplifted us all. His vibrant presence and warm personality radiated to everyone around him. Despite his achievements, he preferred to be called “Oscar” or “Sir Oscar” rather than “Dr. Oscar.” Whenever he called other offices, he would simply say, “Hello, good morning, si Oscar ni.”

He was a compassionate leader whose warmth, kindness, and support left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. His compassion knew no bounds, and he had a unique ability to connect with people on a personal level. His regular “kumusta” in our professional and personal lives was truly heartwarming. He was always willing to lend a listening ear, offer a helping hand, or provide comforting words. Sir Oscar had a heart of gold.

Whenever someone in the workforce faced a medical emergency or needed assistance, he was quick to offer help. The “pass the hat” tradition became a hallmark at BukSU, with Sir Oscar contributing monetary support and mobilizing personnel to find additional ways to assist. His empathy and understanding fostered a supportive and nurturing work environment where everyone felt valued and respected. His dedication to the well-being of the BukSU community was evident in his thoughtful gestures and assistance during challenging times.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sir Oscar was a person of exceptional character. His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor made him a beloved figure among everyone who knew him. As people would say, “Maghilak ang adlaw nga dili siya maka-joke o mang-prank sa amoa.” His down-to-earth demeanor made him approachable to all, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging.

He had a genuine interest in the lives of his colleagues and always went out of his way to make them feel appreciated. As a result, those around him felt at ease and comfortable in his presence, rather than anxious.

Sir Oscar was a devoted husband to Ma’am Ligaya and a caring father to his children. He was deeply family-oriented, ensuring that he could provide for his family and spare them the hardships he experienced in his own youth. He cherished the time spent with his family and took great pride in the achievements of his children, Ma’am Regie and Ma’am Jade.

We, the former staff of Sir Oscar—Shahani, Ma’am Annalou, Ma’am Beng, Sir Vince, Ma’am Virgie, Atty. Peerp, and Sir Arnel—are living witnesses to his kindness and generosity. Our gratitude and respect go to our remarkable boss.

Sir Oscar’s legacy will endure through the countless lives he has touched. His compassion, kindness, and leadership will continue to inspire us all to strive for a better world. (BukSU-Information Unit)