(by Gino Antonio A. Rivera III) In every school community, there are individuals whose work often happens quietly in the background, yet whose contributions help sustain the rhythm of daily life. They may not always stand in front of classrooms or appear in official programs, but their dedication forms part of the very foundation of the institution.
Among these quiet pillars is Mr. Ireneo Mayote, who has faithfully served the San Beda College Alabang community for 32 years.
Now 60 years old and a father of two, Mr. Ireneo is a man who does not often speak about himself. When asked how he would describe who he is, he simply said: “Normal lang (I’m just a normal person).”
Yet behind that modest answer is a life marked by perseverance, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. For more than three decades, Mr. Ireneo has shown up to work with the same quiet dedication—doing his part, fulfilling his duty, and contributing to the life of the school in ways that many may not immediately see.
In many ways, his story reflects the quiet strength of service that keeps a community thriving.
Roots of Hard Work and Family
Mr. Ireneo hails from Negros Occidental, where he grew up surrounded by the values that often define life in the provinces—hard work, resilience, and a strong commitment to family.
When he eventually moved away from his hometown in search of employment, his goal was simple but meaningful: to provide a better life for his family.
As a father of two children, every responsibility he carried at work was closely tied to the responsibilities he carried at home.
“Para sa pamilya ang lahat ng ginagawa ko (Everything I do is for my family),” he shares.
Like many parents, his motivation has always been rooted in love and duty. Even when work extended beyond regular hours, he remained committed to finishing what needed to be done.
For Mr. Ireneo, work was never just about completing tasks. It was about honoring his role as a provider and fulfilling his responsibilities with integrity.
A Lifelong Journey That Began in 1993
Sir Ireneo’s journey with the school began in March 1993, when he was given an opportunity to work through the support of Fr. Silvestre Lacson, who recognized the value of hardworking individuals, especially those who came from the provinces seeking better opportunities.
His first role in the institution was as a gardener.
For more than a year, he took care of the school’s plants and surrounding environment. While the work was often unnoticed by many, it played an important role in maintaining the beauty and order of the campus.
Looking back, he remembers his first impressions of the school fondly.
“Maganda ang kapaligiran at maayos ang pakikitungo ng mga tao (The environment was good, and people treated each other well).”
That sense of respect and community became one of the reasons he would remain in the institution for decades.
Learning and Growing Through Every Role
After his time as a gardener, Mr. Ireneo served as a janitor for about three years. His work involved maintaining the cleanliness of classrooms and ensuring that school facilities were in order for students and teachers.
Although he described the work as manageable, he also encountered moments that made him reflect on changing times and attitudes.
“May mga pagkakataon noon na may nahuhulog na pera ang ilang bata, pero hindi na nila kinukuha. Para sa iba maliit na bagay lang iyon, pero para sa akin, doon mo makikita ang disiplina at kung paano nagbabago ang panahon (There were times before when some students would drop money but would no longer bother to pick it up. For others it might seem like a small thing, but for me, it reflected discipline and how times were changing).”
Eventually, he transitioned to the role where he would make some of his most lasting contributions—carpentry.
Because he already had prior experience in carpentry, the transition came naturally to him. Over the years, he repaired desks, chairs, and other parts of the school’s facilities, ensuring that classrooms remained functional and safe for everyday use.
Through his hands, broken furniture found new life. Small repairs helped classrooms remain spaces where students could continue learning without interruption.
Many students may never know who fixed the chair they sat on or repaired the desk they used—but Sir Ireneo’s work has quietly supported their educational experience.
Thirty-Two Years of Unwavering Loyalty
Remaining in one institution for 32 years is no small feat.
Within those decades were countless early mornings, physically demanding tasks, and the inevitable challenges that come with long-term service. Yet through it all, Mr. Ireneo remained.
When asked why he never sought work elsewhere, his answer was simple:
“Maayos ang pakikitungo ng mga tao dito. May respeto sa isa’t isa (People treat each other well here. There is respect for one another).”
In a time when many people move quickly from one job to another, Mr. Ireneo’s story reflects a rare kind of loyalty. With every change in his role, he never complained nor questioned why he was transferred.
“Tinanggap ko ito bilang pagkakataong matuto at maglingkod. Para sa akin, ang tunay na paglago ay nakikita sa kakayahang umangkop (I accepted it as an opportunity to learn and serve. For me, true growth is seen in the ability to adapt),” he added.
His 32 years of service represent not just the passage of time but a consistent choice to remain committed to the community he serves. Rendering over three decades of service is an achievement in itself.
The Importance of Mr. Ireneo’s Quiet Contributions
Mr. Ireneo may not describe his journey in terms of achievements or milestones. Yet his contribution to the school is woven into the daily experiences of countless students and colleagues—the desks students write on, the chairs they sit on, and the classrooms that remain functional day after day.
Behind many of these everyday details is the steady work of people like Sir Ireneo.
His humble dedication as a carpenter reflects a kind of service that is both practical and deeply meaningful. It reminds us that the life of a school depends not only on visible leadership but also on the efforts of those who quietly ensure that everything runs smoothly.
These are the individuals often described as the community’s unsung heroes.
An Example of Humility and Perseverance
Mr. Ireneo’s story offers a powerful reminder that true impact is not always measured by recognition or titles.
Sometimes, it is measured by consistency—the quiet decision to show up every day, to do one’s work well even when no one is watching, and to serve with humility without expecting applause.
His steadfast loyalty to the school and humble dedication to his craft stand as qualities worth emulating—not only for members of the San Beda community but for anyone seeking to live a life of purpose and integrity.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of the SBCA Community
Mr. Ireneo’s journey also reminds us of the many individuals who quietly help shape the life of the school. From administrators to faculty members, and from maintenance staff to other rank-and-file employees, every member of the community plays a role in sustaining the institution.
Their contributions may not always be visible, but they are essential.
By recognizing stories like Mr. Ireneo’s, the community also honors the many unsung heroes whose quiet service continues to strengthen the school year after year.
After all, a school is not built by buildings alone. It is built by people—by their dedication, their character, and their willingness to serve.
And in that quiet, faithful service, individuals like Mr. Ireneo leave a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
