URS celebrates the enduring impact of two of its most dedicated figures: Dr. Namerod F. Mateo and Mrs. Marilyn SD. Asupardo, whose combined decades of service have significantly shaped the institution’s growth and academic environment.
Dr. Namerod F. Mateo: From Valedictorian to Visionary Leader
From a valedictorian to a revered educator and administrator, Dr. Namerod F. Mateo has dedicated four decades of his life to transforming the University of Rizal System (URS) and shaping countless students’ lives. His career is a testament to a deep commitment to education, research, and public service.
Dr. Mateo’s journey began with a strong academic foundation, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. He later earned a Master of Science in Forestry and a Ph.D. in Agriculture, driven by a desire to be a valuable asset to society. This passion propelled him through various leadership roles, including Campus Director, Vice President for Research Development, Extension and Production, and Dean of the Graduate School.
A pillar of the University, Dr. Mateo’s tenure at URS has been marked by significant contributions that have helped elevate the institution from a college to a prominent university. As the former Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, and Production, he was a key figure in creating enabling policies for research and extension and helped establish the RDEP Training Center. His work was pivotal in leveling up the university’s performance and operational processes.
Currently serving as the Campus Director for URS Tanay, Dr. Mateo continues to lead with a focus on enhancing facilities and operations. He has been instrumental in securing ISO recertification and the Safety Seal during the pandemic, ensuring the campus provides a safe and high-quality learning environment. His initiative to produce “Metamorphosis,” a coffee table book documenting the campus’s evolution, highlights his dedication to preserving and celebrating the institution’s history.
Dr. Mateo’s expertise extends beyond the university’s walls. He has served as a Senior Accreditor for the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP), and as a member of several national and regional committees, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Taskforce on Agroforestry Education. His involvement in these bodies underscores his reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable professional in his field.
A recipient of numerous accolades, including the “Gawad Natatanging Rizaleño sa Edukasyon” and the “Parangal sa Natatanging Anak ng Tanay,” Dr. Mateo’s work has been consistently recognized for its excellence and impact. These awards, alongside multiple URS Loyalty and Service Awards, reflect a career built on dedication, service, and a selfless commitment to advancing education and community development in the Philippines.
Mrs. Marilyn S. Asupardo: A Model of Administrative Dedication
For nearly four decades, Mrs. Marilyn SD. Asupardo has exemplified loyalty and administrative competence within the URS system. A proud alumna with a Master in Management from URS, her career is rooted in perseverance and discipline, values fostered in her early years at Tanay Elementary School and Morong National Comprehensive High School.
Starting as a Clerk II in 1985, Mrs. Asupardo steadily climbed the administrative ranks to her current position as Administrative Assistant V, which she has held with distinction since 2015. Her commitment and professional growth were formally recognized with the Outstanding Staff Award in 2019.
Mrs. Asupardo’s unwavering dedication, professional skills in encoding and filing, and commitment to continuous learning through professional seminars make her a vital part of URS’s administrative backbone. Her career is a shining example of how hard work, consistency, and “heart” build true success in public service. She is married to retired Army serviceman Danilo Y. Asupardo, and they have four children.
Both Dr. Mateo and Mrs. Asupardo stand as powerful inspirations, embodying a shared legacy of selfless service that will continue to benefit the URS community for generations. // abc/embr
