The University Accreditation Team with the AACCUP accreditors and WMSU officials during the exit conference at the WMSU Social Hall.

“Today, we have proven that we are indeed united.” Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, University President.

AACCUP Executive Director Dr. Manuel T. Corpus, who was the Overall Coordinator of the Survey Visit, delivered the guidelines for presentation.

Western Mindanao State University, with its goal of achieving an Institutional Accreditation status by 2015, has once again welcomed accreditors from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) on April 24 and 25 for a Survey Visit of the Colleges of Teacher Education and Nursing which are currently on the Level III Phase II accreditation status.

Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, University President, welcomed the AACCUP delegation which was headed by Dr. Manuel T. Corpus, Executive Director and Overall Coordinator of the AACCUP team of accreditors. With him were Dr. Marcela T. Caluscosin of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Dr. Marylou B. Ong of Cebu Normal University, and Dr. Anita C. Sornito of University of Southern Mindanao.

For the 3rd survey visit of College of Teacher Education (CTE) and College of Nursing (CN), four areas were evaluated—two of which were mandated by AACCUP: (1) curriculum and instruction, and (2) extension while two were the areas of choice of both colleges: (3) faculty development, and (4) library. Selecting the programs to be evaluated is an agreement between CN and CTE. According to Dr. Susan P. Dela Cruz, Director of the Quality Assurance Office, the library has always been the weakest of all areas to be evaluated every survey visit, but this time, the accreditors commended the mentioned area, stating how well the presentation of the area was and how WMSU has complied with all the requirements for the library. “Now, we have the library as our strength,” Dr. Dela Cruz adds.

The University, through the Quality Assurance office with the University Accreditation Team prepares for the AACCUP survey visits by organizing an internal accreditation survey to assess the readiness of the different programs before they are submitted for accreditation to AACCUP. The internal accreditors are trained by AACCUP. They undergo series of training activities facilitated by the AACCUP after which they are granted a certificate of completion after passing a practicum and written examination. They are exposed to actual accreditation of programs in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) before they can join the roster of AACCUP accreditors by area of specialization.
WMSU is scheduled for the Institutional Accreditation mandated by the Commission on Higher Education and therefore at least 70% of all the programs of the University must be level I accredited or better.

The University is set to undergo another preliminary survey visit on May 21-24 and the colleges scheduled to be evaluated are graduate programs of College of Nursing, College of Teacher Education and College of Public Administration and Development Studies; and undergraduate programs of College of Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, College of Social Sciences, College of Communications and Humanities, College of Engineering and Technology, College of Architecture, College of Science and Mathematics, College of Agriculture and the College of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Another round of level I and level II accreditation is scheduled for the College of Home Economics and a Preliminary Survey Visit for the College of Criminal Justice Education, College of Social Work and Community Development, College of Asian and Islamic Studies and two more programs of the College of Science and Mathematics on September 22-27.
Dr. Dela Cruz added that once all the university programs pass the preliminary survey to be candidates for level 1 status, WMSU will then push through its application for institutional accreditation which the president, Dr. Ho plans to accomplish by 2015.

The Quality Assurance Office through its Director, Dr. Susan P. Dela Cruz, administers the survey visits of the AACCUP with the supervision of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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Dr. Lilibeth Taa, Senior Officer of SEAMEO-INNOTECH was the resource speaker of the training.

Instructors from ILS Elementary and High School and from different colleges of WMSU were the participants of the workshop.

Vice President for Planning, Administration and Finance-Dr. Ederlinda M. Fernandez delivered the inspirational message in behalf of the University President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho.

SEAMEO INNOTECH, a Thailand-based international organization that initiates and disseminates innovative and technology oriented educational programs has partnered with the Western Mindanao State University through the Center for Continuing Education in organizing the Instructional Materials Development Workshop on April 29 and 30.

Set at the Grand Astoria Hotel, this city, the training was attended by selected instructors of all levels in WMSU—from teachers of the ILS Elementary and High School to the faculty members of all colleges.

Dr. Lilibeth Taa, Senior Officer of the SEAMEO INNOTECH was the resource speaker of the two-day workshop. She imparted significant guidelines and tips in developing self-instructional modules where the participants took part in writing sample learning chunks.

SEAMEO INNOTECH (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Center for Educational Innovation and Technology) aims at identifying and solving common or unique educational problems and addressing anticipated needs with other SEAMEO member countries.

Presently, the resource speaker Dr. Taa is the Senior Officer of the Instructional Design and Materials Development Unit (IDMDU) of the Learning Management Office (LMO) of SEAMEO INNOTECH. She is an in-house Flexible Learning Tutor for the organization’s international online courses, resource person for various face-to-face trainings, and has also facilitated a workshop conducted using Open Space Technology.

In her lecture, Dr. Taa discussed the steps in developing self-instructional modules, maximizing the use of the senses using active learning, guidelines in developing self-instructional modules and the differences between typical textbooks and self-instructional modules.

In her speech, Vice President for Planning, Administration and Finance-Dr. Ederlinda M. Fernandez enlightened the faculty members present to break the limits they have set for themselves. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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WMSU President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho shared some points to consider in assessing Outcome-Based Learning.

Faculty members of the College of Nursing were the partipants of the 2-day seminar-workshop.

Prof. Ma. Lourdes Wee Sit of CN delivering the updates of the recent ADPCN Convention

The College of Nursing of Western Mindanao State University, in partnership with the WMSU Center for Continuing Education has organized a two-day seminar workshop on the Approaches in Teaching and Assessing Outcome-Based Learning from June 3 to 4 at the Grand Astoria Hotel with the President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho as the Guest Speaker.

The President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho in her speech, enlightened the faculty of the College of Nursing to revolutionize their learning resource units including syllabi, stating that all other learning resources have to be outcome-based. Furthermore, Dr. Ho added that all prescriptions that fall under Outcome Based Education (OBE) have to be mastered. The impact of the output must be measured and its presence in the community has to be documented. Clinical Instructors from CN who were present during the ADPCN (Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing) 2014 Convention related the topics that were discussed during the said seminar. Prof. Ma. Lourdes Wee Sit (Clinical Coordinator, CN), Prof. Rina M. Fernandez, Prof. Aileen E. Fernando, Prof. Cristeta D. San Luis and Prof. Evelyn N. Rendon delivered the updates of the ADPCN Convention to the rest of the CN faculty while Dr. Mary Joselyn C. Biong, on the other hand, talked on the OBE CHED Framework (OBE from Curriculum to Instructional Planning).

Part of the seminar-workshop was the refinement of objectives and the formulation of learning strategies to include (1) interactive lecture, (2) small group discussion, (3) brainstorming, (4) buzz groups, (5) Phillips 66 and snowballing, and (7) teaching in the clinical setting.

Outcome-Based Education is a competency based method of learning that focuses on the students’ performance (output)—contrary to the traditional method which provides the students all the resources that are available (input).

The Commission on Higher Education released its Memorandum Order No. 46 s2012 called “Policy Standard to Enhance Quality Assurance in Philippine Higher Education through an Outcomes-based and Typology-based QA.” Through a series of conferences with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), CHED has finally made a move to change the teaching method in the country from input-based to output-based. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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Dr. Brigida A. Roscom, AACCUP overall coordinator presents the criteria for evaluation during the opening program.

An accreditor evaluates the documents of one of the graduate programs of the College of Nursing.

Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, WMSU President, welcomes the accreditors from different State Universities and Colleges.

The Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) has once again visited Western Mindanao State University to assess various undergraduate and graduate programs from May 21 to 24.

20 accreditors from different State Universities and Colleges in Mindanao have visited the University with Dr. Brigida A. Roscom (MSU-IIT) as the over-all coordinator.

Among the programs that were evaluated are the following: (Graduate programs) College of Nursing’s Master of Arts in Nursing and Master of Nursing, College of Teacher Education’s Doctor of Education and Master of Arts in Education, College of Public Administration and Development Studies’ Master of Public Administration; (Undergraduate programs) College of Physical Education, Recreation and Sports’ BS in Physical Education, College of Communications and Humanities’ AB Journalism, AB Broadcasting and AB English, College of Social Sciences’ AB History, AB Political Science, BS Psychology, BS Accountancy and BS Economics, College of Architecture’s BS Architecture, College of Engineering and Technology’s BS Environmental Engineering, BS Geodetic Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Civil Engineering, BS Sanitary Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Computer Science and BS Electronics Engineering, College of Agriculture’s BS Agriculture, BS Agricultural Technology, BS Agricultural Engineering and BS Agribusiness and College of Forestry and Environmental Studies’ BS Forestry.

A series of internal accreditation surveys have been conducted to assess the preparedness of the aforementioned graduate and undergraduate programs and among the criteria for assessment are the vision and mission, goals and objectives, faculty members, educational facilities, the University administration and the students as well. The Quality Assurance Office under Dr. Susan P. Dela Cruz is in charge of the accreditation visits by the AACCUP with the assistance of over 30 internal accreditors of WMSU.

The accreditation process is but one of the many developmental initiatives of the University under the leadership of the President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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Dr. Felixberto C. Labastilla poses after the election of PSNEI officers on April29 at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College.

Dr. Felixberto C. Labastilla took his oath with the other newly-elected officers of the PASATAF at the Romulo Hall of Teachers Camp in Baguio.

Dr. Felixberto C. Labastilla, a faculty member of the College of Communications and Humanities and at the same time the coordinator for the Western Mindanao State University’s NSTP-Literacy Training Service was recently elected as the Vice President for Mindanao in the Pambansang Samahan ng mga Tagamasid at Tagapagtaguyod sa Filipino (PASATAF), Inc.
PASATAF is a national union of observers and supporters of the national language (Filipino) that has been established in 1956 through collaborations with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The primary goal of the association is to link with all the crusaders of the Filipino language so as to strengthen and enrich it through the conduct of annual conferences and thereby spreading new information on the field of education. The election of officers was held during the 42nd seminar on the “Gawaing Kapulungan sa Filipino” at the Romulo Hall of the Teachers Camp in Baguio City with the theme “PASATAF: Kabalikat sa Pagpapatatag ng Wikang Filipino Tungo sa Daang Matuwid at Patuloy na Pagpapatupad sa Bagong Kurikulum-K to 12.” Attended by Filipino instructors from all over the country, the convention aimed at sharing timely issues and imparting new strategies in teaching Filipino.

Moreover, Dr. Labastilla has also been appointed as National Board of Directors Member for Region IX of the Philippine Society of NSTP Educators and Implementers, Inc. (PSNEI). He has been the NSTP-LTS facilitator of WMSU for 11 years. PSNEI is the premier national alliance of NSTP educators from different institutions of higher learning and non-government organizations that support the program. The organization envisions the holistic transformation of the youth and other members of the society in empowering them for service to nation.

This is Dr. Labastilla’s second terms as one of the board directors. Prior to his election on April 29, 2014 at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, he was also elected in 2012 at Bohol Island State University, Tagbiliran, Bohol.

In an interview with the Public Affairs Office, Dr. Labastilla quoted his favorite Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu saying “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (center, seated) with Gabay-Guro scholars and foundation heads.

WMSU 2G Scholars with WMSU Scholarship Office Director, Dr. Edena C. Fernandez (center) and PLDT-2G Scholarship Pillar Head, Ms. Melanie A. Manuel (third from right)

Five scholars of the Western Mindanao State University-Student Scholars Association attended the Simpleng Handog 2014—an annual activity sponsored by PLDT-SMART’s Gabay-Guro (2G) foundation to pay tribute to the 2014 scholar-graduates.

Dr. Edena C. Fernandez, Director of the WMSU Scholarship Office accompanied the Gabay-Guro scholars namely Juvielyn Hazel Cañete, Mary Mitchell Mae Mundog, Michael Rodriguez, Mary Jane Yeban and Jinabel Viazon on May 12, 2014 for a Testimonial Dinner with PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.

Hosted by TV5 resident talent Edu Manzano, the Graduation Ball was held at the Lighthouse of Meralco Building in Ortigas, Pasig. 124 education graduates from different universities and colleges from across the country were recognized and awarded with certificates.

Also present during the testimonial dinner were some prominent personalities to wit: Gabay-Guro Foundation Chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Gabay-Guro Scholarship Pillar Head Melanie Manuel, PLDT Home Fibr/DSL Head Gary Dujali, PLDT President and CEO Polly Nazareno, PLDT-SMART Foundation President Esther Santos, Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation President Butch Meily, PLDT Home Business Head Ariel Fermin and PLDT Group Individual Business Head Charles Lim, Singer Jonalyn Viray and Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Ms. Mary Jane Lastimosa.

The day after the Testimonial Dinner, the scholars attended the seminar-workshop on “Communicating Brand Influence and Professional Presence for Teacher” where Branding Consultant Ms. Olen Juarez-Lim was the resource speaker.

The Gabay-Guro program, run by executives from the PLDT Manager’s Club Inc. aims to provide the best scholarship grants for aspiring educators. Aside from scholarship grants, the program also equips and inspires teachers to teach better, uplift the lives of teachers through livelihood programs, extend their support to teachers with computer donations, and provide better facilities to teachers and students via housing and educational facilities. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU/with information from WMSU Scholarship Office)

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Dr. William Dollente Dar, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) based in Patancheru

Dr. William Dollente Dar, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) based in Patancheru, Hyberabad in Andhra Pradesh, India will be this year’s Commencement Speaker for the Western Mindanao State University’s 69th Commencement Exercises.

For 14 years, Dr. Dar has served as the General Director of the non-profit, non-political and pro-poor institute that is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Consortium.

Dr. Dar holds the distinction of being the first Filipino and Asian to be Director General of ICRISAT. With his outstanding leadership as Chair of the Alliance Executive (2005), the Alliance of Centers was made the third pillar of the CGIAR system. He was Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 2007 to 2009. Furthermore, Dr. Dar was also Member of the UN Millennium Task Force on Hunger.

Prior to joining ICRISAT, he served as Presidential Adviser for Rural Development, and Secretary of Agriculture in the Philippines (equivalent to Minister of Agriculture), the first ever alumnus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to become one. Before this, he was Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and Director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) of the Philippines-Department of Agriculture (DA).

Serving for the governing boards of the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the CGIAR’s International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) as well as of ICRISAT, he was also Chair of the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) and the Coarse Grains, Pulses Research and Training (CGPRT) Center based in Indonesia.

Dr. Dar received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Horticulture from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and an MS (Agronomy) and BS in Agricultural Education from Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines. He taught at BSU for 11 years and rose from the ranks to become a full Professor and Vice President for Research and Extension.

He has been the recipient of several honorary doctorates – Doctor of Technology from Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA) and Doctor of Technology Management from Bohol Island State University (BISU) in 2012; Doctor of Humanities from Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) and Doctor of Science (Rural Development) from University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Philippines (2011); Doctor in International Agricultural Development from Central Mindanao University (2010); Doctor of Technology from Isabela State University (ISU) (2008); Doctor of Resource Management from Benguet State University (2007); and Doctor of Science from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippines (2003).
He has received a number of awards and honors, including the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines, Outstanding Young Scientist of the Year, Crop Science Society of the Philippines’ Achievement Award for Research Management and Outstanding Science Administrator given by the Philippines Department of Science and Technology. He was also awarded as Distinguished Alumnus of UPLB and the Most Outstanding Alumnus of BSU and the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC). In 2002, PCARRD honored him with its highest and most prestigious award, the Symbol of Excellence in R&D Management.

In 2003, the Vietnamese Government honored him with the “For the Sake of Agriculture and Rural Development in Vietnam Award” while the Philippine Bureau of Agricultural Research awarded him with a Plaque of Recognition for his outstanding performance as its First Director. He is also the recipient of the “Anahaw Leaf Award” for being the Most Outstanding Alumnus of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) High School Class of ‘69.
In 2004, the Central Luzon State University in the Philippines awarded him the Golden Grain Award, commending him for his “deep concern and intense advocacy for the promotion of a global yet equitable program for food security and reduction of poverty through pioneering scientific and technological innovations”.

In the same year (2004), he was given the Research Leadership Excellence Award, the most prestigious award of the Philippine Association of Research Managers (PhilARM). In 2005, he was given a plaque of recognition by the Philippine Department of Agriculture for his outstanding contributions when he was Secretary of Agriculture. In 2006, he was awarded the “KALSA: The Most Distinguished Alumnus Award” by the Benguet State University in recognition of his being the first Filipino and Asian to serve ICRISAT and for the heights he has reached in the management of research and agricultural resources, through Science with a Human face.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippine Government awarded him the 2007 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award in the field of Agriculture for displaying professional excellence in both private and public practice in the Philippines and abroad and for his noble advocacy of promoting a global yet equitable program of food security in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

In February 2009, he was conferred the Father Jose Burgos Award, Ilocos Sur’s most prestigious award, for his outstanding achievement in the field of agriculture. In recognition of his excellent and outstanding contribution to pulses research and development, he was recently honored with the Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development (ISPRD) Lifetime Achievement Award. In October 2009, the University of the Philippines Los Baños honored him with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. In November 2010, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by the PCARRD Scholars Association, lnc, (PSAl). In October 2011, he was conferred the 2011 Agriculture Administrator Award by the Philippine Agri-vironment Educators and Entrepreneurs Inc (PASSAGE).

In August 2012, Dr. Dar received the BAR Legacy Plaque of Appreciation for his invaluable contributions as the first Director of Philippine’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), setting its directions and bearing as the research and development (R&D) arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA). In April 2013, he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus by the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State Colleges (ISPSC) Federated Alumni Association.
In June 2013, Dr. Dar received the prestigious MS Swaminathan Award for Leadership in Agriculture for the year 2013, instituted by the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS).

In the same year—on November 2013, he was conferred with the prestigious “Excellence in Agricultural Leadership Award” by the Association of Agricultural Technology in Southeast Asia (AATSEA).

Since leading ICRISAT, Dr. Dar has intensively advocated a Grey to Green Revolution in the dry tropics of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa through Science with a Human Face. In pursuing the Institute’s mission, he has strengthened strategic partnerships with an array of stakeholders – NARS, ARIs, NGOs, development agencies and the private sector. These initiatives led to a stronger ICRISAT working for a food-secure SAT.

In April 2010, ICRISAT led by Dr. Dar won the CGIAR’s Science Award for Outstanding Partnership together with the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), for improving the lives of women and children in West Africa. In 2008, it had won for the fifth time the King Baudouin Award (the most prestigious in the CGIAR) along with eight other Centers. This was made possible through its involvement in the Collaborative Research Program for Sustainable Agricultural Production in Central Asia and Caucasus. Earlier in 2004, it had won the award together with CIMMYT, IRRI, IWMI and other national systems in the CIMMYT-led Rice-Wheat Consortium for the Indo-Gangetic Plains. In 2002, the Institute together with ICARDA had bagged the award for developing new chickpea varieties with higher tolerance to drought and heat, greater resistance to pests and diseases that provide stable and profitable yields. ICRISAT is the only CGIAR Center to have bagged this award five times.

Dr. Dar’s astute and decisive leadership was repeatedly manifest in the Institute’s surplus budgets in the year 2000 and from 2003 to 2009. In 2009, a very positive Sixth External Program and Management Review (EPMR) pronounced that “ICRISAT today is a thriving research institute with a unique capacity to address poverty alleviation, food security, and natural resource protection in the semi-arid tropics”.

There were more research outputs and impacts created by the Institute during the last ten years as well, both in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The turnaround for the Institute was possible because of Dr. Dar’s effective and human-oriented management, big-picture decisions and innovations and the positive attitude and high morale he infused in the staff. He led the Institute in mapping out a new Strategic Plan to 2020, a road map to empowering the poor in the drylands.
As a demonstration of the strong faith in his outstanding leadership, the Governing Board awarded Dr. Dar a third five-year term in office, starting 2010.

Dar’s transformational leadership has turned ICRISAT into a forward looking institution, which has been ranked ‘Outstanding’ consecutively in 2006 and 2007 among the CGIAR centers. A man on a mission and a champion of the poor, Dr. Dar has made a big difference and continues with conviction his mission of helping alleviate the conditions of the poor people living in the drylands of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

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City Health Officer, Dr. Rodelin Agbulos lectured on the harmful effects of smoking to the faculty and administrative personnel of WMSU.

City Health Officer, Dr. Rodelin Agbulos (left) turns over Anti-Smoking posters to the WMSU President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho (right)

A faculty member of WMSU drops a cigarette into a plastic bottle as a symbol of quitting smoking

Zamboanga City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin M. Agbulos on Monday, June 16, has visited Western Mindanao State University to lecture on the Effects of Smoking to the faculty and administrative personnel of the university.

The forum, which was held at the lobby of the WMSU Executive Building, is in line with the City Health Office’s campaign against smoking. Dr. Agbulos discussed pertinent topics such as the burdens of smoking, the constituents of tobacco, smoking-caused diseases, social effects of smoking, tobacco-related diseases, poisons in tobacco fumes and the short and long term effects of smoking.

WMSU President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho has also graced the event and inspired the listeners to be examples to the students since WMSU has long been advocating the No Smoking campaign.

By the end of the forum, Dr. Ho initiated the ceremonial soaking of the cigarette to mark the faculty and personnel’s commitment to finally quit smoking.

Among the City Health Office’s campaign against smoking includes the conduct of seminars to disseminate the detrimental effects of smoking not only to the smoker but to their families and the people around them as well. Moreover, CHO has also passed an ordinance to the local government of Zamboanga advocating the anti-smoking movement in the city.

Dr. Agbulos challenged the WMSU Administrative Personnel Association President-Mr. Richard Hamja to establish an institutional support system called Smoking Cessation Program to finally eradicate smoking in the campus.
The month of June is observed as ‘No-Smoking Month’ nationwide. Republic Act 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003) states that smoking is “absolutely prohibited” in preschools, primary, secondary and tertiary schools in the country. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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The Grade 9 MAPEH teachers performed a mini-recital during the week-long training-workshop.

Araling Panlipunan teachers contextualized new techniques in teaching the subject.

Grade 9 teachers from all over the region presented their outputs before the moderators.

Over 1,000 Grade 9 teachers of the Department of Education (DepEd) were participants to the Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum Regional Training for Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH organized by Western Mindanao State University’s College of Teacher Education in partnership with the Center for Continuing Education—an enhancement training in line with the K to 12 program of DepEd.

The participants came all the way from the divisions of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte for the week-long training where they were clustered into three different venues: LM Metro Hotel at Tetuan, Danielle’s Pension House at Tumaga and Cecile’s Pension House at Tumaga Porcentro. To accommodate all the participants, the training was divided into two sets: the first batch was from May 4 to 9 while the second batch was from May 18-23.

This academic undertaking is basically aimed at orienting Grade 9 teachers with curricular revisions and updates, to introduce the latest approaches in teaching the aforementioned subjects and to welcome insights from the participants that would be of use to other participants.
During the kickoff program, WMSU President-Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho inspired the teachers to say goodbye to mediocrity, to adopt the new trends in teaching and think out of the box instead of stagnating in the traditional teaching methods.

DepEd Secretary Dr. Armin Luistro, via an audio visual presentation expressed his support to the teachers, stating how these unsung heroes can help mould the society by educating the youth.

A total of 490 participants registered for the first batch, while 598 for the second batch. They were clustered according to their area of specialization (MAPEH and Araling Panlipunan).

For the MAPEH group, the Grade 9 teachers indulged in musical and artistic activities such as watching opera concertos as inputs, drawing caricatures of a 21st century learner, role playing various topics and themes of inspiration, learning proper breathing via recitals. Moreover, topics such as ‘how children learn’ were discussed. It focused on some features and characteristics of a 21st century learner. As for the Health component of MAPEH, the participants were lectured as to the issues on substance abuse or drugs and many other health education matters.

Like the lectures and activities in MAPEH, the Araling Panlipunan group was also lectured on the essential concepts of the K to 12 curriculum. Some classroom practices and disciplinary methods were also discussed. The participants furthermore brainstormed on the video clips, pictures and texts related to Araling Panlipunan that were showed to them.

According to Dr. Jaliha A. Diwalay, the mass training for DepEd teachers will motivate the mentors to practice the three A’s doctrine: Awareness, Acceptance and Application. Moreover, Dr. Diwalay has also pointed out the concept of ROLE which, according to her, is becoming a teacher who is Responsive to change and has the Obligation to Lead the implementation and Empower the learners’ lives.

The mass training was accomplished through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Education-Region IX represented by Dr. Jaliha A. Diwalay (Chief of the Secondary Division of the Department of Education-Region IX); Dr. Visminda Q. Valde (Education Supervisor II, DepEd IX) and Western Mindanao State University represented by the President herself, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, Dr. Nolan S. Iglesia (Dean of the College of Teacher Education) and Dr. Raquel Tomasa R. Ho (Center for Continuing Education).

The K to 12 program of the Department of Education covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education—six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School and two years of Senior High School. Implemented in 2012, the Philippines has now become at par with other countries in terms of the education system since the concept of this curriculum has been widely adopted all over the world. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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It was a judicious move for the Western Mindanao State University to recreate its roadmap as a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in collaboration with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). This is anchored on the premise that the key to the success of any endeavor is rooted on logical, systematic and rational planning strategies. And the University is first HEI to partner with DAP through its enhancement program for SUCs to effect strategic planning and team building in Tagaytay City, last May 26-27, 2014.

In full force the University planning team headed by its president Dr. Milabel Enriquez Ho, painstakingly went through the process and single-mindedly met the conditions that reshaped plans for the University. Rigorous steps were taken to concretize plans for WMSU. The three-tiered planning steps zeroed in on the following questions: “where are we now”, to illustrate the regional situation for external analysis and highlight domestic concerns for internal analysis; “where do we want to go” to clarify its vision, mission and goals; and “how do we get there” to draw the strategy formulation for the implementation stage given its current status.

Dr. Corazon Lopez, Associate Dean GSPDM-DAP set the context for the planning sessions by generating expectations from the stakeholders. Crucial concerns on employment, competition and collaboration from other schools in the region, education trends on “SUCs amalgamation” and other outside factors to include the peace and order problem for environmental analysis. In addition, the Zamboanga City Development Plan, economic profile and information on opportunities in science and technology in the region were presented by Prof. Claro R. Potenciano of the University Planning Office, Dr. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos regional director of the National Economic Development Authority and Dr. Brenda N. Manzano, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology region 9, respectively. The internal analysis part was tricky in the sense that it prompted the team to draw an objective assessment of the status of its programs, projects and finances which it did.

It was a tough act for the team to have established a direction in the second phase taking into account unique factors essential to the positioning and branding of the University in Western Mindanao. Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Performance Indicators (PI) were further delineated in line with the University’s new vision, mission and goals (VMG) that synchronized with the different colleges and special offices’ respective VMGs.

Strategy formulation included identification of the University strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) deliberated earlier during the team’s external and internal analysis. The recognition of the University’ SWOT served as a “reality check” that would pave the way for responsive enhancement programs in the future. This part of strategy formulation shall be undertaken by the planning team in a separate session with DAP trainers together with the finalization of plans through negotiation with WMSU stakeholders and the evaluation of its implementation in the final stage.

The role played by Dr. Ho, the University President, the Board of Regents, college Deans, officials and the rest of the members of the strategic planning team was crucial to keep the University in the right track. The efforts put forward in the entire training for WMSU with DAP excellent mentors namely: Mr. Mario “Mayo” Lopez, Mr. Jonas George Soriano and Dr. are truly immeasurable if only to remind us that good deeds are not lost to people who believe that good governance is public service before personal interest.

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“Bien Memorable… Con Ancias Ta Desea. Volve y Celebra!” Western Mindanao State University invites all Golden and Silver Jubilarians to take part in the university’s 94th and 95th Grand Alumni Homecoming from July 18-20 at WMSU.

All WMSU alumni are welcome to participate in a series of fun-filled activities to wit:

July 18
• Registration of Jubilarians and Alumni (7:00-12:00 PM),
• Thanksgiving Mass (8:00-9:00 AM),
• Alumni Welcome Program (9:30-11:00 AM),
• Motorcade around the city (4:00 PM),
• Alumni Grand Fellowship Night (6:00 PM);

July 19
• WMSUAAI General Assembly (8:00 AM),
• Election of WMSUAAI Officers (8:30-3:00 PM);

July 20
• Alumni Bonding Time by College(8:00-12:00 PM),
• Registration for Testimonial Dinner (4:00 PM),
• Testimonial Dinner (5:00 PM).

Class of 1963 & 1964 (Golden Jubilarian) and Class of 1988 & 1989 (Silver Jubilarian) will be the honorees for this year’s homecoming. These outstanding honorees will be recognized during the Testimonial Dinner set on July 20 at the Grand Astoria Hotel.

This significant event will be spearheaded by the Alumni Association, Inc., headed by Atty. Eduardo F. Sanson, in partnership with the Alumni Relations Office of Western Mindanao State University, represented by Dr. Roberto B. Torres, OIC-VP for Research, Development and Extension. (AJ Dalugdug- PAO, WMSU)

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Western Mindanao State University on Tuesday, July 15, opened its doors to representatives from various print and broadcast media outfits in the city for its annual press conference dubbed as the WMSU Kapihan.

The Kapihan is held in line with the celebration of the week-long founding anniversary of the university. Organized by the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the university, directed by Dr. Lea Usman Laput, this year’s press conference was held at the lobby of the Executive Building, WMSU which was attended by notable media practitioners in Zamboanga.

The President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, answered various queries raised by the press people which centered on the programs offered by the university including language programs that not only cater to Zamboangueños, but to foreign students as well.

Present also in the event were the directors and deans of different offices and colleges in WMSU, as well as the Vice Presidents: Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena (VP for Academic Affairs), Dr. Ederlinda M. Fernandez (VP for Planning, Administration and Finance) and Dr. Roberto B. Torres (VP for Research, Development and Extension).

Prof. Ali T. Yacub, former PAO Director presided over the press conference. It was during his time as the PAO Director that the annual WMSU Kapihan was founded to welcome partners from the media who have helped in boosting the publicity of the university in its 110 years of existence. (Mandy Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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One of the representatives from the WMSU ILS presents her piece before the other participants.

Two of the participants from the WMSU ILS prepares for the debate proper during the Be My Voice debate contest.

Western Mindanao State University’s Integrated Laboratory High School students outshone participants from six other secondary schools in the city as they bagged several awards in three different categories in a literary contest sponsored by the Be My Voice Foundation Inc. and the WMSU League of Debaters.

For the essay writing contest, WMSU conquered the 1st and 3rd spot through Dayang-Dayang Shanaya U. Baliah (Grade 10) and Fatima Raiza B. Hussin (Grade 9). Shaima M. Salim, Grade 10, was the 2nd placer for the Public Speaking in Tausug. The WMSU High School Department has also clinched the 4th and 5th award for the Debate. The debaters are as follows: 4th place: Chaudri Ameer Jumurin (Grade 9), Dayang-Dayang Shanaya U. Baliah (Grade 10) and Theo Jay M. Sanson (Grade 9); 5th place: Fatima Raiza B. Hussin (Grade 9), Jhaynaiza Napii (Grade 8) and Gayle Lao (Grade 8). These students were accompanied by Coach Olga T. Victorio.

The competition was held last June 21-22 at the Jehada’s Restaurant and Astoria Plaza. Apart from WMSU, the other participating schools were the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Pilar College, Maria Clara National High School, Zamboanga City High School Main, Filipino-Turkish Tolerance High School and Arturo Eustaquio Memorial Science High School. (AJ Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU / with information from ILS HS Department)

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“Thank you for returning home!”

This was Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, Western Mindanao State University President’s heartfelt remark to the WMSU alumni during the opening program of the Grand Alumni Homecoming of the region’s premiere university.

The honorees for this year’s joint 94th and 95th homecoming are the Golden (Class of 1963 and 1964) and Silver (Class of 1988 and 1989) Jubilarians who were all warmly welcomed at the Multipurpose Covered Court of WMSU on Friday, July 18, 2014.

Hon. Celso L. Lobregat, Zamboanga City-District 1 Representative, was the guest speaker of the historic event as he is also an alumnus of the university, having conferred as a Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) in 2012. In his speech, Rep. Lobregat inspired the alumni and the students to make an addition, instead of making a difference. “Many graduates of WMSU has made a difference, however when you make a difference, you subtract,” says the Congressman, pertaining to mathematical jargons. Instead, he added “Together, we will make an addition.”

The alumni and the WMSU family who were present during the event participated in a community singing initiated by the former mayor. They sang to “No te Vayas de Zamboanga” (Don’t Leave Zamboanga)—an advocacy of the local government.
In return, alumni representatives of different colleges and batches responded to Rep. Lobregat’s message, saying that it indeed feels good to be back to the university where they shared priceless memories they had with their classmates and friends, walking along the halls of the historic Social Hall of the old Normal School.

Following the kickoff program yesterday, a motorcade around the city is scheduled today at 4:00 PM where the assembly will be at the WMSU Parking Area at 3:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, a Grand Fellowship Night will follow at the WMSU Grounds.

And to formally conclude this year’s homecoming, a Testimonial Dinner is set on Sunday, 5:00 PM at the roof deck of the Lantaka Hotel and Restaurant for the honorees where the Most Outstanding Alumni will be recognized. (Mandy Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, University President (standing, 5th from left) with this year’s golden jubilarians.

University President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho (left) awards a plaque of a Lifetime Achievement Award to WMSU’s former VP for Corporate Affairs, Prof. Clemencio Bascar (right)

PCSupt. Ramon M. Ochotorena, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award was the speaker during the dinner.

Princess Sitti Djalia Hataman (center), Anak Mindanao representative, received a Presidential Award during the ceremony.

To formally wrap up the week-long founding anniversary and Grand Alumni Homecoming of the Western Mindanao State University, a Testimonial Dinner was held to honor the awardees for the Most Outstanding Alumni of this year—an awards night that annually recognizes WMSU alumni whose remarkable contributions in their fields of specializations and services to humanity have brought pride and credit to the university.

The century and a decade year-old university, through its president Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, cordially welcomed home the alumni of class 1963 and ‘64 and class of 1988 and ‘89 at the Lantaka Hotel, this city on Sunday evening of July 20, 2014.

About 20 golden and 170 silver jubilarians were awarded with certificates of recognition by the WMSU President-Dr. Ho, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension-Dr. Roberto B. Torres, who was also the officer-in-charge of the Alumni Relations Office, and the outgoing President of the WMSU Alumni Association, Inc. (WMSUAAI), Atty. Eduardo F. Sanson.

Prior to the tribute dinner for the jubilarians, an election was conducted a day before where PCSupt. Ramon M. Ochotorena was elected President of the 2014 WMSU Alumni Association Inc. As the guest speaker, he conveyed his gratitude to the university for how it has shaped him into becoming a great leader. He furthermore recounted the days he spent during his college years in the university as the Editor-in-Chief of the University Digest and how, through WMSU, he met his wife, current Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena.

The general was among the awardees of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. He was awarded for being the first ever general that is a product of WMSU (AB Political Science 1982).

Also awarded with the same recognition were Prof. Clemencio Bascar (BS Elementary Education 1964), former Vice President for Corporate Affairs who termed the award as a grace from God; and Dr. Brenda Nazareth-Manzano (BS Chemistry 1983), Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology IX who has contributed a great deal in the field of science and technology in the region.

As the first ever graduate of WMSU that has become a member of the House of Representatives, Princess Sitti Djalia Hataman, Anak Mindanao representative, was conferred with a presidential award. A graduate of BS Biology in 1998, the congresswoman stated that WMSU’s role during the siege of last year has made her proud of being an alumna of the university.

Seven other Most Outstanding Alumni awards were granted to WMSU graduates who have exceptionally excelled in their fields: Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales (Bachelor of Elementary Education 1991), former Dean of the College of Teacher Education who is now President of the Josefina H. Cerilles State College; PCInsp. Vivian M. Abogada (BS Criminology 1996), currently Chief of the Finance Department of the PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Crame, Quezon City; Hon. Myra Paz V. Abubakar (ILES 1978 & ILHS 1982), District 1 City Councilor; Engr. Armando A. Arquiza (BS Mechanical Engineering 1981) for his invaluable commitment in engineering education; Dr. Eugenio B. Penales, current Chief of the Elementary Education Division of the Department of Education Region IX; Dir. Zenaida B. Arevalo (BS Social Work 1973), Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX; and Ms. Maria Martha E. Asuzano (AB Mass Communication 1988), an exceptionally accomplished Advertising and Public Relations Executive who won numerous Top Anvil & Quill awards.

The newly elected officials of the WMSU Alumni Associations, Inc. were also presented during the testimonial dinner: PCSupt. Ramon M. Ochotorena, President; Dr. Joselito D. Madroñal, 1st Vice President; Dante E. Corteza, 2nd Vice President; Dr. Nora D. Lai, Secretary; Dr. Ronald F. Aba-a, Treasurer; Prof. Ricardo G. Elizalde, P.I.O.; PSI Helen L. Galvez, Business Manager; and Mr. Cecil P. Diones, Business Manager.

This year’s homecoming was accomplished through the joint efforts of the Alumni Relations Office, currently directed by VP for RDE, Dr. Torres and the WMSUAAI through President Atty. Sanson. (Mandy Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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Mr. Valente at the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, India

Mr. Valente together with the beneficiaries of World Vision India

Mr. Valente at the Symbiosis Studios in Symbiosis International University

The Philippine delegation with representatives from Singapore and students of Symbiosis International University in Pune, India

Mr. Valente with Ms. Indrayani Mulay, Deputy Director of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Mr. Jordan L. Valente, a graduate student pursuing his Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) degree at the College of Public Administration and Development Studies (CPADS), this university, was among the 24 delegates who represented the country in the 2013 ASEAN-India Students Exchange Program held in India last November 17-26, 2013.

Valente, who finished his Masters of Public Administration in 2012, is the former Editor-in-Chief of the University Digest, the official student publication of WMSU. He graduated Cum Laude in 2008 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Physics.

The National Youth Commission (NYC) was tasked to select Filipino graduate students from universities in the Philippines and abroad to comprise the Philippine delegation to the 10-day students exchange program organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The program is composed of interactions and tours which included historical, cultural, leadership and economic components, enabling ASEAN students to learn more about India.

The Philippine delegation together with representatives from Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, explored the cities of Chennai, Pune, New Delhi and Agra. They also met with top government officials, leaders of non-government organizations, heads of premier corporate houses, members of prestigious academic institutions as well as Indian students and youth. Among the places they visited were Brakes India, Ltd., Maruti Suzuki, Bharat Forge, Department of Technical Education of India, SRM University, Symbiosis International University, World Vision India, Cochlea Pune for Hearing and Speech, Film and Television Institute of India Fortis Hospital in Gurgaon, Foreign Service Institute of India, and prominent heritage sites such as Humayun’s Tomb and Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The Philippine delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Philippine Embassy in India where they met with the Philippine Ambassador to India, H.E. Benito B. Valeriano and discussed the Philippine-India relations which has been in place for 60 years since 1952.

The ASEAN-India Students Exchange Program serves as a familiarization tool to build greater cultural and economic understanding between the two dynamic regions of Asia. Its primary objectives are: to build closer people-to-people links between India and ASEAN; to inculcate greater awareness and knowledge of India among ASEAN youth and bridge information gaps; to create next-generation connectivities between Indian and ASEAN youth that will facilitate increasing mutual understanding of the two vibrant and dynamic Asian regions; to apprise ASEAN youth about fast-growing sectors of the Indian economy particularly in the knowledge industries in order to foster mutually beneficial future interaction; to enable greater economic and academic cooperation between businesses and entrepreneurs of the two sides in preparation for meeting emerging imperatives of closer Asian partnership; to highlight the rich and ancient cultural heritage of India and the historical symbiosis between civilizations of the two sides as reflected in age-old travel, trade and cultural interchanges; and to provide Indian youth an opportunity to learn about ASEAN member nations through direct interaction with ASEAN students on multimodal platforms.

This is the 6th batch of graduate students sent by the Philippines to participate in the ASEAN-India Students Exchange Program which started in 2007. Mr. Valente represented Region 9 in this batch and is the very first graduate student from Zamboanga Peninsula to attend the said exchange program.

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Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena (VPAA) inspired the visiting lecturers to walk an extra mile for the university.”

Speakers during the training were WMSU officials (L-R) Mrs. Pilar Encarnado (University Registrar), Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena (VPAA), Engr. Elsa Saavedra (Curriculum Development Director), Dr. Milagros Tan (Distance Education and Open University System Director)

Atty. Eduardo F. Sanson (Dean, College of Law) talked on the law on the liability of teachers in the care and custody of students.

“Be willing to walk an extra mile.”

This was Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena’s strong statement during the Training on Duties, Rights and Privileges of the New WMSU Visiting Lecturers on Wednesday, July 23 at the Grand Astoria Hotel, this city.

About 70 Visiting Lecturers who have been installed this semester were the participants to the training.

University President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho inspired the new instructors as she arrived, saying “I came because I’d like to make you feel that you are important and you are welcome in WMSU.” The lady president further stated that “Commitment is not raising your right hand and saying oaths or promises to the university. Commitment is between you and yourself.”

Several officials from the university discussed vital topics to equip the instructors with additional knowledge of their craft and the protocols to follow now that they are already absorbed in the academe.

Ms. Ma. Teresita J. Rodriguez (Human Resource Management Officer) articulated the HRMO functions and the requirements to comply; Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena (VPAA) talked on dress code and codes of behavior; Ms. Pilar S. Encarnado discussed how to comply with the registrar-related requirements; Atty. Eduardo F. Sanson (College of Law Dean) lectured on the law on the liability of teachers in the care and custody of students; Dr. Milagros C. Tan (Distance Education and Open University System Director) talked on the intricacies of the syllabus infusing outcomes-based education; Engr. Elsa Saavedra (Curriculum Development Director), on the other hand, showed the new VLs how IDPs are filled up and further discussed the WMSU grading system. Director for Administration, Dr. Joselito D. Madroñal’s topic was centered on professionalism and work ethics. Prof. Simeona L. Damin, a College of Teacher Education faculty member lectured on the qualities of an effective teacher and innovative teaching strategies.

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs under Dr. Ochotorena spearheaded the seminar with the Center for Continuing Education under Dr. Raquel Tomasa R. Ho and Dr. Mario R. Obra Jr. as the partner organizers. (Mandy Dalugdug – PAO, WMSU)

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Mohammad (background, center) with the rest of the facilitators of the 10th National Youth Parliament.

Mohammad (extreme left) facilitates over the participants of the ASEAN Youth Council One Asia Forum.

Fharnieza Mohammad (foreground, center) with other Zamboanga City representatives during the Malaysia International Youth Exchange Program.

Fharnieza Mohammad with Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

Fharnieza S. Mohammad, a Biology student from the College of Science and Mathematics has brought pride to the university as she represented Western Mindanao State University in various youth programs of the National Youth Commission.

She was among the 216 young leaders from all over the country who were chosen to be part of the 10th National Youth Parliament. The NYP serves as a platform for totally driven young leaders who are mostly young professionals from all over the country to discuss issues that address most pressing youth concerns today in connection with health, education, participation and employment. It also serves as a venue where the youth can draft policy recommendations and remedial actions through resolutions that will be lobbied to government and non- government agencies and other concerned stakeholders.

Mohammad also took part in the Malaysia International Youth Exchange Program: an advocacy that aims to strengthen youth participation in preserving culture and heritage. According to Mohammad, this international exchange programme enhanced and strengthened her appreciation of the mutual understanding on cultural diversity and similarity, friendship and co-operation among fifteen ASEAN countries including Russia, Japan, Maldives, Yemen, and Somalia. As the Philippine delegate, she highlighted the beautiful culture and heritage of Zamboanga through dance and song performance. MIYE 2014 gathered these representatives to showcase together different cultures and traditions, to preserve them from extinction and also build smart partnership among youths in the region.

On May 18, 2014, Mohammad was chosen as a facilitator in the ASEAN Youth Council One Asia Forum where she dealt with foreign delegates. This event was a preparation for the post 2015 commitments for Asian Youth Development. The prospects and challenges would serve as the initial input towards the identification of Asian Youth Policy Agenda and proposed action plan post-2015.

As one of the Regional Lead Convenors of NYP9, Mohammad was also invited to attend a 2 day summit organized by the National Youth Commission, Department of Health and World Health Organization with Inter-Agency Group on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH). It aimed to bring together local government agencies, civil society youth organizations and other concerned stakeholders to evaluate the situation and craft programs to address the pressing issues concerning the youth today. They had panel discussions and workshops on adolescent sexual health and behaviour, best practices and current initiatives, and opportunities for cooperation. (CSM Press Release)

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The Western Mindanao State University family would like to extend its warmest gratitude to the generous the WMSU Alumni for their donations and pledges to the 100 DOLLAR CLUB–an alumni fund-raising advocacy of the university for the WMSU Centennial Alumni Homecoming Project 2019.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
― Khalil Gibran, The Prophet

Donations :
Hon. Celso L. Lobregat
Virgo Engracia (CET)
Danny Uy (CET)
Golden Jubilarians 2014 c/o Prof. Clemencio Bascar (CTE)
Generoso Celerio (CTE )
Batch 89 (CE)
Dr. John Magno

Pledges:
Gen. Ramon M. Ochotorena
Dr. Carla A. Ochotorena
Atty. Eduardo Sanson
Dr. Ederlinda M. Fernandez
Dr. Roberto B. Torres
Dr. Zion F. Morte

and more will come……..

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Gen. Ramon M. Ochotorena, Alumni Regent

Prof. Edgar R. Araojo, reelected Faculty Regent

Engr. Aldrin B. Abdurahim, reelected Student Regent

The WMSU Board of Regents, the governing body that enacts rules and regulations to carry out the purposes and functions of the university, has installed a new member of the board in the person of Gen. Ramon M. Ochotorena, Alumni Regent—now president of the WMSU Alumni Association, Inc. (WMSUAAI) after emerging as the victor of the recent WMSUAAI elections held on July 19 during the celebration of the 94th and 95th Grand Alumni Homecoming of the university.

Two more regents have been reinstated to their posts this year namely: Prof. Edgar R. Araojo who was once again elected as the Faculty Regent during the WMSU Faculty Union General Assembly held on July 16 at the Grand Astoria Hotel and Engr. Aldrin B. Aburahim on his second term as the student regent, having been elected as the President of the University Student Council during the July 25 USC election.

WMSU’s Board of Regents is composed of the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, Com. Minella C. Alarcon who sits as the Chairman; WMSU President, Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, Vice Chairman; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts & Culture – Hon. Pia S. Cayetano, Member; Chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education- Hon. Roman T. Romulo, Member; NEDA IX Regional Director – Dr. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, Member; DOST IX Regional Director – Dr. Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, Member; Private Sector Representatives – Hon. Myl Johann R. Amsid and Hon. Edwin G. To, Members; reelected Faculty Regent, Hon. Edgar R. Araojo and Student Regent, Engr. Aldrin B. Abdurahim, Members; and newly-elected Alumni Regent, Gen. Ramon M. Ochotorena.

The BOR is responsible for (1) adopting and implementing a socialized scheme of tuition fees and school fees for greater access to poor but deserving students, (2) authorizing the construction or repair of buildings, machineries, equipment and other facilities, (3) appointing, upon the recommendation of the president, (4) fixing and adjusting salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and employees, (5) approving the curricula, institutional programs and rules of discipline, (6) setting policies on admission and graduation of students, (7) awarding honorary degrees, and (8) absorbing non-chartered tertiary institutions in coordination with CHED. These are among the functions of the governing body that convenes at least once every quarter and/or whenever necessary. (Mandy Dalugdug –PAO, WMSU)

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