By Lara Charmaine Lagorra
Heroism at Silliman University is not about dramatic rescues from falling buildings. It is ensuring that every flickering light bulb, broken doorknob, faulty air conditioner, tangled storm-damaged power lines, and historic corners on campus are maintained properly.
From the Office of Facilities Management and Administrative Services, these maintenance workers wear uniforms under the BBC Personnel and Allied Services, Inc. They work behind the flow of daily campus life, often unnoticed. However, their impact is seen in every corner of the university.
Marino Divino
A seasoned handyman and a father of two, is known for his leadership. He handles a wide range of tasks from fixing broken tiles, repairing ceilings, and welding waterlines.
His day begins early in the morning as he assigns roles to his coworkers, inspects their work for safety and quality, and then proceeds with his own list of tasks.
Though their duty ends at five in the afternoon, Divino and his team often work overtime, even on weekends or holidays. These include special events like Founders’ Day, handling urgent requests and helping with preparations such as decorating vehicles as floats.
“Overtime gud mi ana… naa guy panahon na medyo na kailangan sa [among] serbisyo, mu pili man kag trabaho. Bisag dinalian ka, basta [mu]ari ra,” he says.
[We really work overtime for that. There are times [that our] service is urgently needed, we have to choose to work. Even if it’s rushed, you have to be there.]
Divino also shared that most people only see the completed repairs, and overlook the hardship and exhaustion the workers endure. Even in hidden and risky areas, whether or not anyone is watching, they make sure to seal and secure every corner thoroughly.
“Wala sila kakita unsa na tawon among gibuhat, lisod jud, pero trabaho ra gihapon, mahuman ra. Mawala ra ang imong kakapoy pag naa kay kailangan paras pamilya,” Divino says with a smile.
[They don’t see what we actually do; it’s really hard, but it’s still work that must be finished. But our tiredness will go away, when it’s for your family].
Boy Colon Wolfie
An electrician for seven years who enjoys his work. With a routine of climbing ladders and troubleshooting campus electrical issues, often with limited tools, especially when working on fluorescent lights and lamp posts.
“Okay lang kay trabaho, maka serve rako sa university kung unsay ilang needs, adtuon rajud namo sila tanan,” Wolfie says.
[It’s okay because it’s work. I can serve the university and meet its needs. We will cater to them all.]
During major repairs, their team forms a “buddy system” to conduct inspections. They measure voltage ensuring everything is up to standard. One of the most challenging tasks, he shares, is changing circuit breakers—a risky job that cannot be rushed, requiring careful testing and adjustment.
“Tabanganay ragud, dli na makaya mausa ra, ” he adds.
[We really just help each other [because] one person cannot handle everything.]
He also shares his favorite task when their team took charge of setting up lights around the acacia trees in the areas of the Amphitheater and Silliman Hall every Christmas season. “Lami kaayo lantawon na amo na’ng trabaho, proud kaayo mi ana sige,” Wolfie beams.
[It feels so good. That’s our job, and we’re really proud of it.]
Edmar Gravador
An aircon technician for over 18 years and one of the few tasked with maintaining 2,700 air conditioning units on campus—including inspections, installations, and repairs.
His usual day starts with lines of tasks and requests from various departments to ensure an aircon is properly maintained. “Trabaho na dili madali—since gapa sunod ra ilang requisitions—dli tanan ma cater,” he explains.
[The work is not easy—since requisitions are always piled up—not all can be catered.]
Gravador expresses the need to be patient and understanding to those who do not see the delays and obstacles they face daily, as it often results from waiting for approvals, sourcing materials, or finding available maintenance.
At times, they would receive negative remarks, days with no greetings when they enter and leave, but despite this, they continue their work with dignity and a smile.
“Bisag unsa man gani gina pang kuan nila, trabaho gihapon kay kinahanglan tag kwarta para ang atong pamilya maka kaon. Imong antoson, imong dawaton tanan,” he says.
[No matter what they say, we keep working because we need to earn, for our families to eat. You endure everything.]
Resilience goes beyond capes and superpowers. Here at Silliman, it is embodied by those who carry toolkits, handle wires, and radios—those who are steadfast, brave, and committed to keeping the campus safe and functional every day.
So the next time you see them visiting a building, a smile and a simple “Thank you, Kuya” can brighten their day as a small appreciation we can show for these everyday heroes.
