Engr. Dennis V. Salboro

As early as fourth grade, Engr. Dennis V. Salboro, Chairperson of the College of Engineering and Design’s Electrical Engineering Department, already decided he would want to be an electrical engineer. He was greatly influenced by his older brother who was into Electrical Technology.

Electricity chiefly runs in his blood. His vessels are wires that carry power and passion that keep him going, even when – especially when – short circuits happen in life.

Born on September 2, 1969, Engr. Dennis is the youngest of nine. He recalled how life was financially challenging for his family, especially when his father passed on while he was still young. Before he took up Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in Silliman, he earned a diploma in Industrial Technology at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).

It was his older brother who encouraged him to enroll in Silliman. The same brother also supported him in his studies. But because he had to work to provide for his allowance and other needs, he had to take leaves of absence from his studies. “I had to work in Manila because I had to save for my other needs. My siblings also had families to provide for, so I had to learn to take initiative for myself,” he said.

Engr. Dennis recalls a memory that he will never forget. When he came back to the University after a semester of leave, he lost heart when he saw that he incurred an INC (incomplete) grade in one of his subjects. “When I saw it, I was depressed and discouraged. I told my mother I will quit studying because I was ashamed of the INC,” he added.

While walking towards the Business and Finance office to withdraw his down payment, Engr. Dennis met a familiar face that called out his name. It was his teacher who gave him the INC grade. His teacher remembered him and assisted him into getting the completion forms. He was relieved and considered it a turning point in his life. It taught him not to magnify obstacles and to finish what he started head-on. Looking back, he attributed it as “Divine Intervention”.

Had he quit school that day, he may never have been the University Electrical Engineer for 11 years now.

Engr. Dennis got his license in 1994; married the love of his life in 1996; and earned his Masters in Engineering at the Central Philippine University in 2007.

While pursuing his masters, he studied the revamping of the electrical systems in almost all of the buildings in Silliman. The University started implementing its electrical upgrading in 2007 – a new system which helped Silliman save an average of P130,000 for electrical consumption. The upgrade also paved the way for smoother additions of electrical loads and installation of air conditioners in almost all of the University buildings.

Engr. Dennis has been serving Silliman for 20 years and 10 months now. He considers his wife, Mrs. Hermosila E. Salboro, and daughter Julliene his own electric currents that make life spark, amidst everything that each day brings.

Describe yourself in three words.
Friendly, approachable, jolly

What is your motto in life?
Be the best in whatever you do.

What makes you laugh?
Many things. Anything under the sun, as long as it will not hurt others.

What makes you cry?
Family-related matters. 

What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Evening. Because I can watch the TV.

What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Monday. I like having a positive start of the week every Monday. But I also like Sundays. Sundays mean no work and the family can bond together.

What do you love doing when not working?
I tend to my chickens.

What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
The College of Engineering. My colleague and friends are there. 

Tell us a fact about yourself.
I get afraid sometimes. But I am brave when it comes to other things. To simply put it: I am human.

What’s your favorite game growing up?
Volleyball. But I didn’t have a talent for it.

What is your idea of a relaxing day?
A day when I just finished a big task. 

What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
Skyline Pigeon by Elton John

What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
I go to see and check my chickens.

What’s your idea of a family?
Working together as one, loving one another with a lot of understanding and sympathy.

At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To retire strong. To maintain a healthy life.

How do you like to be remembered as a teacher?
Someone who has stirred motivation and inspiration to my students.