USPFStarts2023withTraditional FiestaSenyorCelebration

Beginning the year on a profoundly spiritual note, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) marked the vibrant commencement of the 'Fiesta Senyor sa USPF 2023' last January 10, echoing across the university's grounds with drumbeats and reverberating prayers that filled the air.

From students to teachers, staff to spectators, a diverse crowd gathered at the Junior High School Building of the university to honor a historical and spiritual icon the Sto. Niño de Cebu.

The day started with a holy mass, setting a serene and reverential ambiance and laying the foundation for a day steeped in cultural pride and religious homage.

After the peaceful start, the celebration's tempo increased as the USPF Bidlisiw Dance Troupe entered. Wearing traditional outfits, the dancers performed the Sinulog Festival's dance routines to the beat of the drums, which added a captivating backdrop to their performance.

Crowning this spectacle was Atty. Paulino A. Yabao, who led the blessing of the Sto. Niño de Cebu exhibits at the USPF Main

Dan Glyde Chavez

Entrance. Atty. Yabao transported the crowd through time during his Halad Mensahe. He retraced the steps of history, bringing to life the significance of Sto. Niño in the history of Cebu and adding a layer of understanding to the ongoing celebrations.

As the event moved towards its close, it ended with a communal Sinulog dance. This collective performance was a symbol of unity and faith, joining participants from all walks of life. It was a moment of shared joy, marking the high point of this lively celebration.

The 'Fiesta Senyor sa USPF 2023' stands as a testament to Cebu's deeply embedded cultural and religious heritage. It's a festival that transcends the barriers of academia, bringing together not just students but also faculty, staff, and the broader community, highlighting the unifying power of shared history and faith.

By blending tradition with the modern, USPF shows its dedication to keeping cultural spirit alive while still evolving. As the sounds of the Sinulog drums fade, they leave behind a sense of a culture remembered in dance, music, and shared reverence.

Ending the 1st day of the productive event, everybody has gathered around for spiritual activities and fellowships facilitated by the Christ Youth in Action (CYA).

The second day was filled with more exciting activities, starting with a morning exercise led by The Southern Scholar (TSS). It was then followed by an Amazing Race physical activity, "Battle of the 9 Realms" facilitated by CYA and TSS where the leaders were tested on their skills, strategic planning, and unity.

After the physically engaging activities, everybody was once again gathered for another set of symposiums presented by two additional guest speakers: Mr. Juan Mike Deliman (Operations & Marketing Director Arttrephils): "Social Activity Organizing Events and Activities, and Mr. Seddy Gutang (UC-CAS Community Awareness and Relations and Extention Services): “PsychoEmotional Activity: Mental Health Aspect of Leadership."

At the conclusion of the fruitful summit, all participating student organizations were given a chance to present the takeaways they had gained throughout the event. Moreover, Jessa Mae L. Tayo, the NSBO Vice President External, received a special award from the USPF SSG for her dedication and exceptional performance in her role as master of ceremonies, which was crucial to the success of the event. To wrap things up, Hon. Dolorito, Hazel Hope Hyacinth, the USPF SSG President, delivered her closing remarks and officially declared the end of the Leadership Summit.

In celebration of World Water Day, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office (RO) 7 held an on-the-spot Water Color Painting Contest last March 20, 2023, at the DILG-7 Regional Office in Sudlon Lahug, Cebu City.

Cebu-based colleges and universities participated in the contest which revolved around the theme, “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis.”

Capturing the essence of the theme, Josh F. Almonte, a 3rd-year AB Literature and Cultural Studies student and the current Editor-in-Chief of The Southern Scholar, showcased his artistic prowess in the Water Color Painting Contest, securing the university's 3rd spot on the winners' podium.

The University of Southern Philippines Foundation participated in the 8th Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research & Development from May 10-12, 2023 which was hosted by the Siquijor State College.

Albert Samante and Daivee Maristhel Pantonial, 4th year BS Psychology students, and Carvel Collins Acabal, a 4th year BS Social Work student, presented their insightful studies in the cortium which served as a venue for knowledge exchange and collaboration among health research enthusiasts.

The presence of the deans of the two colleges of the university elevated the event's prestige, Dr. Janet A. Arcana of CTEAS, and Dr. Rosario Sequitin of CSW. Mr. Phillip Macugay, Director of Center for Research, and the esteemed Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernesto Alolor, also graced the consortium.

The USPF Supreme Student Government, in collaboration with the Cebu City Youth Development Commission and the VSMMC Blood Services Unit successfully organized the Blood Donation Barkada Challenge at the Agustin Jereza Building last May 10-11, 2023.

This remarkable initiative aims to encourage voluntary blood donations and raise awareness about the importance of donating blood. The USPF Supreme Student Government, along with their partners, have worked tirelessly to organize this event, providing an opportunity for individuals to become real-life heroes by donating blood.

"Do Not Collect if You Cannot Protect." This was the theme of the Data Privacy Conference on March 31, 2023, at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation. The said event was organized by the USPF SSG in collaboration with the USPF Data Privacy Office.

The conference graced by Mr. Joeriz B. Arnejo as the main resource speaker, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate, and a Certified Data Privacy Officer (CDPO), aimed to raise awareness among students on data protection, data subject rights, sensitivity, and regulatory issues embodied under R.A. 10173, also known as the DATA PRIVACY ACT of 2012.

USPF Student Organizations gets accredited Nationally–

As the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) paves a way towards excellence, the student organizations accredited by the University solidified the commitment with its accredited status by the Cebu City Youth Development Commission and the National Youth Commission.

18 Student Organizations became NYC accredited which will enable the student organization to be recognized nationally. With a national accredited status, the University and the University’s Supreme Student Government hopes to encourage more students to get involved in extracurricular activities that will contribute to their holistic development and ultimately, benefit the broader community. This feat is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the student leaders who are working tirelessly to promote youth development and community involvement.

A hubbub of excitement and curiosity echoed at the University Theater and Main Function room on May 11, 2023 as the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) conducted its University Campaign to offer the grade 12 students a multitude of course options that the university offers. The school faculties and staffs became the ambassadors to their respective department as they market their courses that the students might want to take in college. The students however, prepared their respective booth to showcase the vibrant life of each colleges.

USPF held a momentous graduation ceremony for its National Service Training Program (NSTP) students on June 1, 2023, at the Main Function Room. With the theme "Enabling Filipino Core Values Towards a Sustainable Resilient Community," the event served as a platform to acknowledge and honor the relentless efforts of NSTP students in supporting the university's mission of community development.

Dr. Janet Arcana, Dean of the College of Teacher Education, Arts, and Sciences, Dr. Juanito Galos, NSTP Coordinator, joined NSTP instructors, and National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) volunteers in congratulating the graduates for their dedication and commitment.

USPF proudly participated in the two-day Adelante Student Leader Congress 2023 (ASLC) held on March 25-26, 2023, at the University of San Jose - Recoletos (USJ-R) campuses. Representing the university were Shella Kathleen Dayday, President of the USPF Psychology Society, and Josh F. Almonte, Preident of the USPF Inkers.

Notably, Team Hulk, composed of Josh F. Almonte and Shella Kathleen Dayday, excelled during the congress, securing several prestigious awards. They clinched the 3rd Place for Best Presentation in Proyekto ni Jose: Project Pitching, the 2nd Place in AdelanTED: Mini Talk Series, and were honored as the Most Outstanding Team.