VSU recognizes utility worker for upholding integrity

For upholding honesty, integrity, and civic responsibility, Mr. Christopher A. Urate, a messenger and utility worker of the VSU Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering (VSU-DABE), received recognition from the VSU administration during the flag-raising ceremony on March 2, 2026 at the Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Hall, Visayas State University, Baybay City.

The administration commended the exemplary honesty of the awardee after he found and safely turned over a lost wallet containing cash and important identification documents last February 24, 2026.

The wallet, owned by Mr. Hilki Hosoya, contained a driver’s license, other essential IDs, and cash amounting to ₱12,163.00. 

Mr. Hosoya is an Ormocanon who is currently enrolled at VSU taking up Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. 

Upon discovering the item at the parking area of the Engineering Building, Mr. Urate immediately brought it to the authorities without hesitation. He promptly turned it over to the personnel of the Baybay City Police Sub-station 2, located near the exit of the VSU Market, to ensure its safe return to the rightful owner.

In a brief post on their official Facebook page, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Baybay City lauded Mr. Urate for "his act of integrity... and serves as an inspiration for the community."

Mr. Urate, a resident of Brgy. Guadalupe, Baybay City, demonstrated that honesty remains alive and well in the community. 

This marked the fourth time he has turned over valuable items to authorities to ensure their immediate safekeeping and proper return to their rightful owners.

“Dili ko ganahan mag gunit og dili ako, ug naa ang Ginoo naglantaw pirmi sa atong binuhatan,” Mr. Urate said.

[I do not want to keep something that is not mine, and the Lord is always watching us.]

University officials underlined that such a noble act reflects the core values upheld by VSU which include integrity and service, among others.

Mr. Urate joined Visayas State University in 2016 as a Job Order employee at the Quality Assurance Center. In 2019, he was appointed to a regular position and reassigned to VSU–DABE, where he currently serves as Utility Worker I.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

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