Western Mindanao State University, headed by its President Dr. Milabel Enriquez Ho and University officials, kicked off its Founding Anniversary celebration to commemorate its 112 years of glorious existence and excellent service last July 18, 2016 at the Dr. Juanito Bruno Gymnasium, this University.
The remarkable event started with a thanksgiving mass and a motorcade right after which was participated by the different offices and colleges. Honorable guests and the entire WMSU family was welcomed by the OIC VP for Research, Extension Services and External Linkages (OVP-RESEL) Dr. Chona Q. Sarmiento who has been with the University through its endeavors.
An audio-video presentation was also presented during the solemn event highlighting the memorable stages the University and its leaders have gone and is going through for 112 excellent and blissful years.
The Crimson community also celebrated the reappointment of Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho as WMSU President through a simple inaugural thanksgiving attended by representatives from the local government and partner agencies, to include: Cong. Celso L. Lobregat, District 1 Representative; Cong. Manuel Jose M. Dalipe, District 2 Representative; District 1 Councilor Hon. Cesar Jimenez, Jr. who represented City Mayor Beng Climaco and District 2 Councilor Hon. Jimmy Villaflores.
Present during the ceremony were the dignified members of the Board of Regents, Dr. Juanito R. Demetrio, CHED Regional Director; Hon. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos (NEDA Regional Director); Hon, Myl Johann R. Amsid (Private Sector Representative); Hon. Ramon M. Ochotorena (WMSU Alumni Association, Inc. President); Hon. Edgar R. Araojo (Faculty Union President); Hon. Robert O. Parcon (University Student Council President), Dr. Milavel D. Nazario, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology President; Dr. Rodelin M. Agbulos, City Health Officer; former Vice President for RESEL Dr. Roberto B. Torres, and former PAO Director and WMSU Retirees Association President Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-haj.
Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco through Hon. Cesar Jimenez announces the foundation of a stronger relationship between the local government and the University. He emphasized “the city government, under Mayor Beng, will continue to assist the University for the good of its students and faculty…On your reappointment, we are renewing as well our partnership, a much stronger partnership between the city government of Zamboanga and the Western Mindanao State University.”
During her first term, Dr. Ho was able to increase the University’s annual budget from P267 732 000.00 to P513 700 000 plus, the leveling of program accreditation also; she was able to revive the weakening University. “When I came in in 2012, our University was in the middle of breaking up in terms of our relationship, we tried to unify our University because we want our University to be strong,” says Dr. Ho.
In accordance with Republic Act No. 8292 and by virtue of Resolution No. 7, Series of 2016 of the WMSU Board of Regents, Dr. Ho was reappointed as WMSU President from April 17, 2016 to April 16, 2020. Dr. Ho also thanked the university officials, the members of the Board of Regents, and the entire WMSU community for working together for the growth and development of the university. (Liezel M. Parreño, PAO-WMSU)