THE OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION • CEBU CITY • PHILIPPINES THIRD QUARTER ISSUE • JULY - SEPTEMBER 2017
ISSN (Online) 2508-044X • ISSN (Print) 2508-0431 • Copyright 2017
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION INAUGURAL ADDRESS ATTY. PAULINO A. YABAO University President Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Lahug, Cebu City October 23, 2017 His Excellency, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu, MOST REVEREND JOSE S. PALMA, DD., the Regional Director of DEPED Region VII, DR. JULIET A. JERUTA, who is also representing the Secretary of Education, HON. LEONOR M. BRIONES, who sent her regrets for not being able to come due to her attendance in the budget hearing in Congress, the Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education Region VII, DR. FREDDIE T. BERNAL, the Chairperson of USP Foundation Board of Trustees, MRS. TERESITA VILLA PONCE, esteemed members of the Board of Trustees, Vice Presidents, Administrators, faculty, staff, students, presidents and representatives of other universities and colleges, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. [I wanted first to deliver this inaugural address extemporaneously. It was good I followed the advice of Madam Lourdes D. Jereza to write it down because I might be overwhelmed when the actual time would come. Good I followed her advice, because I am just so overwhelmed this morning by the ceremony, the inspiring message of Archbishop Palma and the solemn blessing of all the Mass celebrants that I don’t know if I could start or finish my address if this was not written.] Lest I forget, I like to begin this address by immediately thanking the priests who concelebrated in the Holy Mass, namely: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Roberto F. Alesna, PA, former vicar general of the Archdiocese of Cebu, parish priest of this Shrine; Rev. Fr. Christopher C. Maspara, OAR, the president of University of San Jose Recoletos; Rev. Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD, the president of University of San Carlos; Rev. Fr.
Jerome Mesina, OSA, the former Prior Provincial Superior of the Augustinian Province of Sto. De Cebu in the Philippines; Rev. Fr. Pacifico C. Nohara, OSA, the Rector of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu together with members of his community, Rev. Genesis Labana, OSA and Fr. Romeo Coronel, OSA; Rev. Fr. Jonas M. Mejares, OSA, parish priest of Sto. Nino Parish, Mohon, Talisay City; Rev. Fr. Vernil Q. Lopez, SDB, Vice President for Pastoral Animation of Don Bosco Technology College-Cebu; Rev. Fr. Bernard A. Monteron, MAfr, University Chaplain and Student Affairs Director; and the main presider, Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, Archbishop of Cebu. To you all, Reverends, thank you very much. I like also to thank the Investiture Committee chaired by Madam Lourdes D. Jereza and assisted by Dr. Lucio A. Pulmones together with the rest of its members, and the USPF Chorale under Maestro Nino Banares and the Department of Music symphonic orchestra for providing the solemn liturgical songs during the just concluded Eucharistic Celebration. I understand they will render another choral performance together with a friend, the former Rector of the Basilica and Dean of the College of Music, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, renowned for his inspiring and powerful voice, Fr. Jonas M. Mejares, OSA, after my speech. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, even for the sole reason of listening to their much awaited musical rendition later, please stay put until the end and don’t sleep through my speech, so that you will not miss their performances
Levity aside, I am humbled to have been chosen by the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Board of Trustees to serve as the 7th university president. I am also honored to be given this opportunity to deliver this inaugural address before this august body in this beautiful Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus which has been remarkably improved under the current leadership of Rt. Rev. Msgr. Roberto F. Alesna as parish priest and team leader. It was a privilege to have worked with Msgr. Alesna in the two Finance Committees of the San Pedro Calungsod National Thanksgiving Celebration and the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. Msgr. Alesna was then our Chairman in both finance committees, and we were together with the kindhearted and generous members, the likes of Atty. Augusto W. Go, Ambassador Frank Benedicto, SM Prime Holdings VP Marissa N. Fernan, and many others. Msgr. Alesna, we at USP Foundation are truly grateful for your having given us the university the privilege to use this shrine for this momentous occasion. What about a big hand for Msgr. Alesna and his Team of Pastors. It is with great hope that I accept the leadership of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation. I am honored to be granted the stewardship of this venerable institution, grateful for the trust of the USPF Board of Trustees. I will be your servant leader, and I will help shepherd the University to its future. This occasion reminds me of all those who have nurtured and supported me along the way. Allow me first to recognize my family. Behind every successful person is a partner who inspires. And that is my wife, Cora. Thank you for your unflinching support, friendship and love. And to our 3 children, namely, our daughter Katherine who cannot be present here because she just received notice she has to take her oath as a US citizen – that will make her eventually a dual citizen – just few days from now, and our two sons, Francis Andre and Roland. The three of you make Cora and me very proud parents. My parents though cannot join us physically, for they have already passed away. But they had been great influences for me and my siblings to pursue and finish our college education – despite their being unable to obtain their own college degrees due to poverty but who saw the value of a good college education for their children. I am sure though my parents are now both watching with joy from above. I am also grateful to my teachers and law professors, including my mentors in the practice of law, Dean and later Chief Justice and Senate President Marcelo B. Fernan and Dean Alicia E. Bathan, as well as the Salesians, the Augustinian Recollects, the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, the Augustinians, the Daughters of Saint Teresa, and University of Cebu and her corporate officials led by her President and Chancellor, for the invaluable training, experience and professional growth. They are all responsible for what I am today. For that I am truly grateful. I am filling in the huge shoes, so to speak, of my immediate predecessor, Dr. Alice Cabatingan, who
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from front page had assiduously led the University toward the path of academic excellence for many years, 12 of which as University President. Having initiated the accreditation process of 12 course offerings, with the unwavering support of the entire management team, faculty and staff, is in itself an outstanding achievement in moving toward higher academic excellence. I’m glad to inform you that Dr. Cabatingan will continue to be with us as a Graduate school professor and consultant on academic matters for some time. Kindly join me in showing our gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Alice Cabatingan by our warm applause. What is my vision for USPF? As I told you in my first message for the Charter Day celebration last July, I don’t have to invent one. The vision has been made by the Founder, Don Agustin Jereza, now expressed by the University in modern phraseology as posted in our website, e-board and manuals. But there is still a long way to go and many things to be done. Dr. Cabatingan has set the right direction toward academic excellence – that, we will continue to pursue with more passion to obtain Level 2 or 3 accreditation for all the courses within the next 5 years. We will also work on institutional sustainability and quality in tandem with academic excellence – both areas being vigorously required by CHED to be accomplished by all universities not later than 2022. Of course, the main focus of all these vertical and horizontal typological efforts would be the Students, School personnel and the University itself. Why the students? Because for us they are the most important treasures of this University. Students expect to learn the best they can to know not only what to think but how to think. But they cannot learn and foster valuable knowledge unless they study the best they can by doing the KRUM before going to class everyday -- KRUM which means: • KNOW what is the assignment or the topic, • READ thoroughly and critically all the textbooks and references of the assignment and topic, • UNDERSTAND what you read by underlining and making notes, and • MEMORIZE either verbatim or in summary form the most important definitions, concepts and doctrines – memorize not only for the next day, for the next week, but for the major examinations and for life. It will be useless to talk about academic excellence unless you, students – including our faculty members – will seriously work hard and do the KRUM everyday. Why the school personnel? Because they are the most important resource to be able to influence thinking, reasoning and research, and transform lives of students by inspiring them to learn for life and for what lies ahead. Why the university? Because the university must be able to sustain itself with excellence, now and in the years to come, to provide quality education to our most important treasures – the students, and quality way of life to our most important resource - the human resource or school personnel. As I told some of you in one forum few weeks ago, my commitment as university president is to see to it that everybody in the USPF educative community, from students, rank and file personnel to the top management, align themselves toward attaining the USPF vision. I will be one with you in that endeavor. This will be the cornerstone of what we are going
to do as a university as we think about the future sustainability of this institution. We will endeavor (1) to focus efforts toward brand development as a university and as a foundation, (2) to focus efforts toward improved quality of education, academic excellence and research, student success, strategic enrollment growth, (3) to focus efforts toward intensified institutional marketing to attract alumni engagement and philanthropic endowments and gifting from generous individuals and entities to fund scholarships for poor but deserving students; and (4) to focus on efforts to tell the local community and the world the great things that are going on at this University and about the successful graduates USPF has produced the past 9 decades – an endeavor which the external linkage, publication and marketing offices as well as the school website, Facebook and other social media accounts can help greatly spread the good news. Of course, we cannot compete with the more advanced universities in Cebu – what with their unlimited fiscal, human and structural resources. But we will advance more patiently but surely toward strengthening our college courses, enriching curriculum that will meet the needs and requirements of the industries, and offering new ones, including short term diplomas and certificates for those already with baccalaureate degrees and those without, to help members of our local communities acquire and further improve specific technical, vocational and professional skills to make them attractive to companies or make them more capable to become successful entrepreneurs and, as productive and responsible citizens, to contribute for the betterment of our country. But we cannot do this alone by ourselves. We need to benchmark ourselves with and learn the best practices from the best educators and educational institutions around us: • with the Jesuits who have various Ateneo schools like the one in Cebu; • with the Augustinians who have many schools like the USA in Iloilo; • with the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartes who have more than 39 schools, 6 of them universities, throughout the country like in Manila, Quezon City and Dumaguete, to name a few; • with the Augustinian Recollects who have several schools like the USJR in Cebu; • with the Salesians who have numerous technical schools like the Don Bosco Technical College in Cebu; • with the SVD Fathers who likewise have many schools like USC in Cebu; • with other leading institutions in Cebu; and, • with celebrated and renowned Cebuano educators. They all serve as our models for academic excellence and better quality education and institutional sustainability. We acknowledge their extraordinary and significant contributions to improving education in the Philippines, and we are willing to learn from them. Upon approval by the Board of Trustees of USPF, currently composed mostly by members of the Jereza and Villa Families – who are the successors of the late Spouses (Founder) Don Agustin Jereza and Dona Beatriz Villa -- and the former University President, Dr. Alicia Cabatingan, the University started last July 2017, on the day I came on board, the construction in its Lahug Campus of the new multi-storey school building
that will house additional classrooms, and brand new and world class laboratories that will be completed toward the end of 2018. The VP for Administration, Engr. Tony Lapingcao Jr., signed the construction contract while I signed the bank loan with the funding institution. This has been initiated by the University in order to improve further its quality of education for the greater benefit of the faculty and the students who are the most important treasures of USPF. As I have said earlier, 5 years from now we envision USP to attain a community reputation in Cebu with much improved level of academic excellence. This is in line with what I have been tasked to do under my Oath of Office, that is, “to endeavor to raise the academic standards of scholarship of the University to the highest possible level.” We will also endeavor to improve some aspects of our institutional culture and be more disciplined in our studies, research, work, and character. We have to ingrain all these elements, foci and thrusts in our 5-year institutional plan and achieve its targets within the next 5-year period. But I cannot do this alone by myself. I need a community of collaborators and friends who have the passion to giving the best in themselves in the education of the young. Together, the entire USPF educative community must boldly aspire to achieve these targets in an impressive manner, not just on paper but in reality. This is only possible --• if all stakeholders are committed and remain true to their duties and responsibilities; • if administrators, staff, faculty and students will do the ordinary things they do every day extraordinary well; and • if all stakeholders will have a SENSE OF PURPOSE in achieving this mission, which is, according to Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, “that sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for. Purpose is what creates true happiness.” It is this sense of purpose that impels us to love and do things extraordinary well. It was also this sense of purpose that made me decide to accept the invitation of Dr. Romulo Romero and his national executive search company several months later after I received the first call to participate in the process of being considered among several candidates they have searched to fill in the Office of the USPF President. At first I was reluctant to join in the search process when I was first invited. I was content with my increasing income after resuming in full my law practice and from mentoring corporate officers after optionally retiring from the corporate world of direct school management and administration. I was happy with the new freedom to dictate my time so that Cora and I could go anywhere anytime we wanted to. Yes, I do have a strong sense of purpose when handling clients and their cases, attending to my advocacies, when coaching, guiding and working closely with school presidents and officials in making sometimes unpopular policies, resolving difficult corporate, management and labor issues, and implementing challenging policies and programs. But months later, I was made to realize by a friend-priest of the opportunity (if chosen) of doing
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again something as an officer of a university – yes, still with a purpose – but with a more meaningful purpose, something much bigger than myself, my family and my clients - that I am needed, that I, together with the rest of the USPF team, have something better ahead to work for which will directly benefit and touch the lives of thousands of young people and hundreds of personnel and administrators. After having been persuaded by my friend-priest just to give it a try, and being convinced of the rightness of his advice, and after consultation with my family, when Dr. Romero contacted me again in November 2016, I told him he could count me in, in the selection process, although being finally offered the position by the USPF in the later part of May 2017 was very far from my mind, considering the potentials of the other candidates. The rest is now history. With this occasion, it has dawned on me that the challenges of leading a university, and complying with the requirements of CHED’s typology and accreditation are formidable, not to mention the challenges brought about by the K to 12 program and the threats of the recently-passed law on free tuition for students in public colleges and universities. Despite this, I am hopeful that we can turn these challenges and threats into opportunities and achieve what we want to achieve, hopefully, in not so distant future. That is why I have committed to learn from and follow the best practices of other educational institutions and renowned educators I mentioned earlier. That is why I have committed myself to seek the help from and work with every member of the USPF educative community. I strongly believe all of us, administrators, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and the students of this University can do and achieve what has been envisioned for the University. As the University celebrates its 90th year of existence, we also begin this year another decade of her being an institution of higher learning. For us to cross this new frontier we need all the energy and talent of everyone in our educative community. We have to aim high and make big plans to reach even greater heights we and those who will follow us would be proud of. I am confident all this is attainable if all of us work together as a team with the full support from the USPF Board of Trustees. I am certain, however, that with the current state of things, all our human efforts would not be enough. It is for this reason, firstly, that I readily agreed with the plan of Madam Lourdes D. Jereza, the chairperson of today’s event, to have this installation and investiture ceremony to be held on a Wednesday commencing with the Solemn Mass, so that I can place the entire USP Foundation, her administrators, faculty, students, staff, the entire future of this institution, and my humble self under God’s grace and the mantle of protection and assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is our Mother of Perpetual Help. It is for this reason, secondly, that I am humbly asking all of you to continue to pray for all of us, administrators, educators and students of USPF, as well as all the other educational institutions in Cebu and their administrators and educators, so that we can all succeed in our common but privileged mission in accordance with our respective visions and goals to educate, shape and prepare the young for life, transforming their lives for a much brighter future, and
to provide the answers to the many issues and problems of our communities, of this country and of the world through application of knowledge, learning experience and research. I, therefore, hope and pray to our Almighty Father, thru His beloved Son, the Holy Child Jesus who is our Sto. Nino, together with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother of Perpetual Help and Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in whose honor this beautiful archdiocesan shrine has been dedicated, that in His bountiful goodness, loving mercy and eternal providence, He will continue to guide and bless us always.
To the USPF Board of Trustees and the entire educative community and students, thank you very much for your trust, warm welcome and acceptance. To my beloved wife Cora, Family and relatives, thank you for your unfailing support and understanding. To the Regional Directors of DEPED and CHED, university presidents and school heads, my friends, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us this morning; and thank you again for your precious time, presence and attention. Once again, a pleasant and bliss-filled morning to one and all.
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USPF Founder’s Great Grandchildren speak at Memorial Lecture In celebration of the 129th Founder’s Day of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), the 2017 Don Agustin M. Jereza Memorial Lecture which underscored the University’s athletics and cultural legacies is held on the 24th of August at the Dr. Ronald R. Duterte Theater for the Performing Arts, USPF Lahug campus. Dr. Althea R. Arenajo, dean of the College of Pharmacy and EXECOM vice chairperson, gave the opening and welcome. She called to mind that, “Excellence for the University of Southern Philippines Foundation can be achieved only by the unified effort of all USPians. The talks today will remind us that we are one.” Thereafter, Engr. Antonio B. Lapingcao, Jr., Vice President for Administration, introduced the tribute speaker Mr. Brian de Dios Jereza whom he described as ”a role model of fairness, a man of distinction”, and “a true stand out” in the fields of sports and procurement programs of the University with a “total quality management kind of leadership.” VP Lapingcao Jr. also emphasized that the tribute speaker “enjoys dancing, a very funny guy who can crack jokes at any given time, a loving husband and a great father who finds quality time for his family in spite of his busy schedule, a great HOUSE band.” Mr. Jereza, USPian alumnus, procurement manager and corporate member, in his stirring Tribute Speech enumerated the numerous accomplishments of his great grandfather as a builder of buildings and as a builder of minds. He emphasized how Don Agustin managed to finish his education at the University of Iowa as a sprinter and cultivated this passion for sports in his vision for USPF, “Don Agustin Jereza loved athletics and athletic competition. He believed that building strong bodies of Southerners was as important as building their minds.” Mr.
In photo L-R: University president ATTY. PAULINO A. YABAO, EXECOM vice chair DR. ALTHEA B. ARENAJO, tribute speaker MR. BRIAN JAMES DE DIOS JEREZA, keynote speaker MISS KATHARINA SOLEDAD VILLA PONCE, EXECOM chair DR. VENUS M. EMPUERTO, and EXECOM vice chair MR. LESTER B. GASTALA pose for posterity at the awarding of certificates for the 2017 DON AGUSTIN M. JEREZA Memorial Lecture on August 23 at the DR. RONALD R. DUTERTE Theater for the Performing Arts, USPF Lahug campus.
Jereza ended his tribute speech by calling in on stage more than 150 athletic scholars who are recipient of his continued legacy of “providing good education thru sports. These are the bearers of his legacy, his love of Sports and Education.” Subsequently, Mr. Lester B. Gastala, Vice President for ICT and EXECOM vice chairperson, introduced the keynote speaker Miss Katharina Soledad Villa Ponce whom he described as “a sophisticated business administration professional, a self-starter, community builder, writer, photographer and corporate planning strategist” who finished her master’s degree in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management and her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science at Miriam College. Miss Ponce, USPian alumni legacy and corporate member, consultant for USPF institutional marketing, managing consultant for T1 Vision, and managing director of MAGIS Creative Spaces, delivered a rousing keynote address accentuating the legacy of the Founder, “The legacy of this university is something that I have experienced from a different vantage point compared to my family who live here. But because the legacy is strong, the experiences woven into the very fabric of my own upbringing has been something I have carried throughout my life as an individual and a professional.” Her keynote speech is focused on a culture of engagement which embraces two pillars: (1) a system of feedback; (2) a system of growth and motivation. She elaborated that a culture of engagement is “collaborative, is interested to hear insights that are helpful, and build on them instead of criticizing the genuine efforts of what is being brought forth into the experience.” She continued, “an engaging culture encourages this kind of discourse within individuals: across
teams, across levels of organization; and even broadens the reach of its process of appreciative inquiry to its external stakeholders and future partners. An engaging culture cannot operate in isolation with only one-track minds existing within it. An engaging culture is an inclusive one and an expansive one that seeks to embrace and nurture what is already working, and at the same time is flexible enough to adapt to new ways of doing and being so that growth is encouraged and espoused.” Miss Ponce further discussed that an engaged culture comprises “individuals highly motivated and involved in all aspects of what inspires, initiates, and innovates the growth in an organization. An engaged culture is what allows organizations and even communities to execute its fullest potential. An engaged culture begins with an engaged individual. An engaged individual is one who deeply resonates with the life of the organization and who feels that the organization resonates deeply with him.” She ended her speech with a Manifesto written by Brené Brown. Afterward, Dr. Venus Empuerto delivered her vote of thanks. The dean of the School of Business & Management and EXECOM chairperson, underscored gratitude as the completion of thankfulness and promoted a unifying note rooted on USPian values, “Together we share a legacy of connection, courage and compassion stemming from the values of the founder which cascaded from generation to generation.” The Don Agustin M. Jereza Memorial Lecture is an annual tradition of the University. This year’s memorial lecture is hosted by Dr. Odilon A. Maglasang, director for Research, Planning & Development and attended by the Board of Trustees, Corporate Members, University Council, USPian Panthers athletes, students, alumni, faculty and staff.
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UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE AT THE 68TH CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION July 8, 2017 Good morning! To all the members of the Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff and students, thank you very much for your warm welcome. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and its Chairperson, Mrs. Teresa Ponce, I would like to extend our sincerest welcome to all of you, especially the new students, to the newly opened academic year 2017-2018 and to the 68th Charter Day Celebration of USPF as a University. I am humbled and honored to have been chosen by the Board of Trustees as your University President. I am filling in the huge shoes, so to speak, of the just retired University President Dr. Alice Cabatingan, who had assiduously and diligently led the University towards the path of academic excellence the past 12 years. Having initiated the accreditation process of many course offerings, with the unwavering support of the entire management team, faculty and staff, is in itself a formidable achievement in moving toward academic excellence. Kindly join me in showing our gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Alice Cabatingan by our warm applause. What is my vision for USPF? I don’t have to invent one. The vision has been made by the Founder, Don Agustin Jereza, now expressed by the University in modern phraseology as posted in our website, e-board, ads and manuals. But there is still a long way to go and many things to be done to realize the University’s vision. Dr. Alice Cabatingan had set the right direction toward academic excellence – that, we will continue to pursue, this time with more passion to obtain Level 3 for all the course offerings of USP. We will also work on institutional sustainability and quality in tandem with academic excellence – both areas being vigorously required by CHED to be accomplished by all universities not later than 2022. Of course, the main focus of these vertical and horizontal topology efforts would be the Students, School personnel and the University itself. Why the Students? Because they are the most important treasures of this University. Why the School Personnel? Because they are the most important resource to be able to influence thinking and transform lives of the students. Why the University? Because the University must be able to sustain itself with excellence, now and in the years to come, to provide quality education to our most important treasures – the
students - and quality way of life to our most important resource - the human resource or school personnel - because this is who we are and what we aspire to be as a University and as a Foundation. My commitment as your university president is to see to it that everybody in the USPF educative community, from students, rank and file personnel to the top management align themselves towards attaining the University’s vision and mission. I will be one with you in that endeavor. However, there is one fundamental requisite to this: Let us do the ordinary everyday things we do extraordinary well, with passion. If we do this, we will certainly excel in many ways and in many areas of our personal, academic and community life. How shall we do it? For instance: 1. If before we studied and worked halfheartedly, let’s now study and work wholeheartedly. 2. If before we were not serious in our study, let’s now be truly serious. 3. If before we did not have time to study, let’s find time now. 4. If before we devoted only one hour of serious study every evening, let’s devote 2 or 3 more hours. 5. If before we take for granted the preparation of lesson plans or guides, let’s be determined to prepare the best lesson plans or guides. 6. If there were some duties and responsibilities we avoided to perform in the past, let’s do them now the right way. If we do this, then our life will have a purpose, this time with a greater purpose and meaning. If we do the ordinary things extraordinary well, we will then have quality; and if we have quality, we will have excellence, in many ways, one of them being academic excellence. Then living as a student, as a teacher, as a janitor, as a clerk, as an office head, etc. becomes a joy, the source of true happiness and fulfilment, despite the grades or salaries we earn. When US President John F. Kennedy went to NASA to inspect the huge propulsion rockets that were prepared to bring the first men to the moon, he passed by this janitor who was mopping the floor of the big hangar and he asked him what he was doing. The janitor replied with a smile, “Mr. President, I’m helping in the space program to bring the first men to the moon.”
We could be the janitor, the scientist, the engineer, the computer technician, the electrician, the statistician, the encoder, the supervisor, the program director, and the astronaut in our own vision for the University. Everybody plays a special and important role in our mission. Everyone needs each other. I, for one, need all your support so that I can be of help to the University. We need each other to make our team work, achieve and build something wonderful that we can all be proud of the rest of our life. I was told the USP motto is, “Build our tomorrow today at USPF”. Allow me to end this message by chanting together, “Build our tomorrow today at USPF!” (3x) We thank God for the 68th Charter Day celebration of USPF as a university. May God continue to bless USPF, all of us and all our endeavors. A pleasant morning to all, and thank you again for your warm welcome.
College of Education UPDATES LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS SEPTEMBER 2017 PASSERS Elementary Education 1. Absin, Olive Girl D. 2. Arquillano, Jean Marie C. 3. Cardosa, Diosary Gill C. 4. Ceniza, Leo I. 5. Cono, Jesuel M. 6. Cornejo, Josephine E. 7. Dumagil, Mae Fatima V. 8. Gabutin, Nevita Sue V. 9. Jabol, Melani Joice B. 10. Navarro, Lorelyn T. 11. Opimo, Princess Anne O. 12. Taboada, Claudine Marie L. 13. Velasco, Ma. Rizaly D. Secondary Education 14. Arguilles, Maida P. 15. Ostria, Jessel C. 16. Saagundo, Arlene G. 17. Semblante, Letlie S. USPian September 2017 LET Passers 1. Abecia, 2. Adrias, 3. Amor, 4. Ampol, 5. Codoy, 6. Monteron, 7. Pugoy, 8. Tan, 9. Degamo,
Shenna Louise Cathy Ann (graduated AB-Music) Joelie May (graduated BS Nursing) Argie Joy Josiah Emmanuel (graduated AB-Music) Bernard (SAO, Director) Divina Graziella (graduated BS Nursing) Richy Lloyd (graduated AB-English) Victor (Faculty, College of Nursing)
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USPian plenary speaker, paper presenters at GEN TEFL Thailand Conference
in photo: Miss Charis Ajoc, Dr. Janet Arcana, Mr. Andy Cubalit, Dr. Kathleen Solon-Villaneza, and Dr. Elaine Patiño gather for a photo opportunity during the GEN TEFL hosted Welcome Dinner on July 1, 2017 at Cafe G, Holiday Inn, Bangkok, Thailand. (photo by Engr. R. Arcana)
University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) administrators and graduate school student participated as a plenary speaker and research paper presenters at the 2nd Global Educators Network (GEN) Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) International Conference held at Novotel Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on July 1-3, 2017. DR. KATHLEEN B. SOLONVILLANEZA, USPF director for alumni and external relations, led the USPian delegates as a plenary speaker on the topic “Cultural Malleability and Grit in the Age of Ubiquitous Technology” in response to the conference theme. At the morning concurrent session, USPian graduate school student MISS CHARIS G. AJOC presented the research paper entitled, “Lived Experiences of Filipino Educators: Enduring Differences at Foreign Academic Institutions through Cultural Pliability and Technology-Integration.” She also represented USPF as GEN TEFL affiliate University. At the afternoon concurrent session, USPF dean of the college of education DR. JANET ARCANA and USPF principal of the elementary school DR. ELAINE MAY PATIÑO presented their collaborative research paper entitled, “Language Anxiety and Oral Performance of Selected Pre-Service Teachers.” Both USPian administrators also represented the GEN TEFL affiliates Society of Professionals for English Language and Literature (SPELL) and Synergy of English Education and Development (SEED), respectively.
USPF, UP speak at DEBESMSCAT Masbate English Language Training-Workshop University of Southern
In Photo: DEBESMSCAT English Language Enhancement Training-Workshop participants with (seated L-R) DEBESMSCAT Graduate School dean Dr. Renee A. Lamela; plenary speakers Dr. Kathleen Solon-Villaneza of USPF Cebu, Miss Grace Saqueton of UP Diliman; DEBESMSCAT college of education dean Dr. Jessica M. Alcantara, quality assurance administrator Mr. Rodolfo B. Burac, Jr., and GS doctorate program head Dr. Ulysis Ferreras
Philippines Foundation (USPF) director for alumni and external relations Dr. Kathleen Solon-Villaneza and University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman professor Miss Grace Saqueton engaged the participants in the essential skills set for speaking better and writing better at the 2nd English Language Enhancement TrainingWorkshop for ASEAN Nationals organized by the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) Graduate School in Mandaon, Masbate.
The 2nd GEN TEFL International Conference focused on the theme “Rethinking ELT in the Age of Ubiquitous Technology” with 2 plenary sessions, 2 workshops, 2 demonstrations, 39 paper presentations including 1 virtual presentation at 4 categories: methodologies, listening and speaking, reading and writing, linguistics and literature. It gathered 90 participants from 16 countries counting Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Japan, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, UK, US, and Vietnam. With IATEFL as the mother organization, GEN TEFL Thailand is at the stage of gestation as an organization with a membership count of 35 countries all over the world. The 3rd GEN TEFL International Conference in 2018 is set in Malaysia. Seeing how the two organizations support each other’s vision-mission, USPF thru immediate past University president DR. ALICIA P. CABATINGAN and GEN TEFL Thailand thru founder and president MR. ANCY NOCES CUBALIT inked a memorandum of understanding back in February 2017. GEN TEFL Thailand also recognized SPELL and SEED as GEN TEFL affiliates at the same event. For more information on the University and the international organization, visit the official websites: USPF http://uspf.edu.ph and GEN TEFL http://www.gentefl.org. Stay socially connected thru Facebook https://www. facebook.com/uspfofficialpage and https:// www.facebook.com/GENTEFLTH.
The training-workshop, held on August 4-6, 2017 at the DEBESMSCAT Function Hall, is anchored on the theme Speak Better, Write Better. The activity is participated by graduate school students and guests from all over Masbate. Dr. Erwin H. Malto, SUC President II, who conveyed the president’s message on the opening day, actively supported the event. Enthusiastic administrators and officers also sustained the three-day human capability development activity, including DEBESMSCAT Graduate School (GS) dean Dr. Renee A. Lamela, quality assurance administrator Mr. Rodolfo B. Burac, Jr., GS doctorate program head Dr. Ulysis L. Ferreras, dean of the college of education Dr. Jessica M. Alcantara, research director Dr. Danilo L. Lamela, GS MAEd program head Mrs. Raiza M. Pasadas, Ms. Rea Suan and DAGS officers among others. Future collaboration and MOU between DEBESMSCAT and two affiliate academic institutions of the plenary speakers are in the works.
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Elementary School NEWSBITS ES ROCKS NORTH DISTRICT 7 MEET 2017 August 30, 2017 was another day of success for University of Southern Philippines FoundationElementary School (Lahug Campus) for bagging the title Mr. and Ms. North District 7 Meet 2017 as one of the highlights of the opening ceremony. The representatives of the said quest of beauty were very confident in showing what true USPians can be in the stage of pageantry. The event was held at Barrio Luz Elementary School Sports Complex and was participated by the different members of the North District 7, DepEd Cebu City Division. It was a huge victory for the University of Southern Philippines Foundation - Elementary School because it has been its 3rd year for bagging the crown since 2015. Not only in the world pageantry that USPians shine but also in sports. The USPFElementary Girls Volleyball team was able to bag the supernova moment in bringing the trophy as the champion for the event. In addition, in chess for girl’s category, Cindy Somontan bagged the 2nd place award while Oscar Sagales bagged the 3rd place award for boy’s category. The motivated USPians wait for the Unit Meet wherein they will compete again to qualify for the Cebu City Olympics 2017. Kudos to all the winners who are dignified, honored, and proud to represent University of Southern Philippines Foundation! God bless your new journey! (Harvey B. Tanudtanud)
ES JOINS SILOY CAMPUS JOURNALISM The Siloy Campus Journalism lectureworkshop was held on August 30, 2017. It aimed to strengthen meaningful journalism in the campus. Manuel Angelo Gicos, the 10-year old pupil who loves to read and write stories, plus nine USPian ES pupils participated in the highly academic activity. Looking forward to seeing these aspiring journalists to make waves! (Mardeline P. Miller, MAEd) ES CELEBRATES NUTRITION MONTH Smells great! Looks appetizing! Are these foods nutritious? Proper dieting consists of balanced diet. It includes the go, grow and glow food groups. Last July 2017, USPF Elementary School -Lahug campus celebrated Nutrition Month. The teachers and pupils from kindergarten to the 6th grade decorated their display areas, showing information on proper nutrition. At the food exhibit on culmination day, students displayed delicacies which are served to the invited guests from other departments and offices for a salo-salo. (Aiza B. Obenza) ES PTA ACTIVITIES. The opening of the Elementary School Intramurals in Lahug Campus was held last July 22, 2017. One of the highlights of the said ceremony was the Oath taking of the new set of ES PTA Officers and Representatives 2017-2018. The newly elected PTA officers are as follows: President Ms. Emmalou Hayag; Vice President Mrs. Wilma Sabaldan; External Secretary Mrs. Annie Pacquiao; Internal Secretary Mr. Leo I. Ceniza; External Treasurer Mr. Erich P. Andea; Internal Treasurer Mr. Francisco C. Potot, Jr.; External Auditor Mr. Pablito Dolenzo, Jr.; Internal Auditor Mrs. Pascuala T. Superable; PROs Mrs. Teresita Liwa, Mrs. Joan Racho, Mrs. Farah H. Andea and Mr. Sotero dela Cruz, Jr. GMA News Balitang Bisdak covered the event and a short interview was done to the new PTA President, Ms. Emmalou Hayag, and to the ES Principal, Dr. Elaine May S. Patiño. We, the USPF Elementary School - Lahug Campus PTA, aim to raise funds and help the school provide extra resources for the children. We encourage activities that bring parents and teachers together and work toward a common goal, run social events for parents and children, and provide support for school activities and other special occasions that converge people to get to know each other and have fun. (Ms. Emmalou Hayag, ES PTA President)
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS DOMINATE NOWADAYS Personally, I was amazed at the technology we have available at University of Southern Philippines Foundation. Election system and software boom the modern Electronic and Automated Voting System nowadays. It’s astounding to have the power to communicate in a thousand different ways. Thus, there’s always something new on the horizon and we can’t help but wait and wonder what technologies are coming next. As an IT enthusiast, I believe that technology is a useful tool in our everyday living. Last August 11, 2017, the Elementary SchoolLahug Campus in collaboration with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through the help of the ICT Vice President Lester Gastala and the System Developer Mr. Archievald Boy Ranay conducted and installed the Automated Election System of the Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) at the ES Computer Laboratory Room. The software was utilized during the election with votes carried out and recorded electronically. Its system has a beautiful User-Friendly Interface where most of the pupils enjoyed clicking, navigating and choosing the deserving candidates while voting. The election was actively participated by the Grades 4, 5, and 6 pupils who honestly casted their votes to the deserving candidates running for the major positions of the SPG. After the election, the winners are automatically announced and these are the official list of the Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) for S.Y. 2017-2018: IZZIAH RAMIL M. ROSAL (Mayor), EDLY MAE I. SALEGO (Vice-Mayor), MIKAELA THERESE T.ANGUSTURA (Secretary), MANUEL ANGELO M. GICOS (Treasurer), KAYE B. GABISAY(Auditor),SOPHIA VERA B.PULMANO (Peace Officer), EURICA L. ANGAN-ANGAN (Public Information Officer), and the 6 (six) Councilors, ADREA KAMILAH C.RESO-OR, ALIYAH MAE AMOR D.FELICILDA, RHYCER PAUL P.DOLENZO, QUIMBY LEI K.ECO, DANIEL BRENT L. GAJUDO, BARBIE NICE C.PANTORILLA. The result of the election process was witnessed by the SPG Comelec Representatives who unselfishly volunteered to have a fair and honest election. Another advantage provided by the automated election system and software is the easy count. Results are quick, comprehensive and accurate. When there was no such machines/software, pupils have to write their vote on a slip and have it submitted to the box present in the voting booth. You can imagine the difficulty of work in the absence of election software and technology. (Arjay R. Pascual, SAS Coordinator)
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Panthers Sports News
CESAFI 2017 : PANTHERS ON TRACK USPF Panthers dominate the world of Track and Field during CESAFI (Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.) games dated last September 23-24,2017 held at the Cebu City Sports Complex. The Athletic Panthers managed by Coach Timothy Margaha, have always been consistent in clinching victory at all times for every Track and Field Competition. For the individual Men’s Division, Mark Anthony Batiancila secured gold in the 400-meter hurdle and triple jump, and got the bronze medal for the 110-meter hurdle. Elton Padilla won silver medals for the 400, 200, and 100-meter run. Mark Eljohn Castañares got bronze for the 400 and 110-meter hurdle. Jessie Resaba won bronze at the Javelin throw, and got a silver medal for the shot put throw. John Cliff Debolusan won 2 silvers for the 800 and 1500 meter run while Klin Julianne Selma secured
USPF Athletic Black Panthers (L-R) Coach Timothy Margaha, Kevin Torremocha, Mark Eljohn Castañares, Elthon Ratilla,Jesie Klien Resaba, Mark Anthony Batiancila, John Cliff Debulosan, Ernesto Villarba, Klint Jolianne Selma, Liez Irene Debulosan, Lovely Fee Andrin, Rhea Garrucho, Ma.Fatima Deo, Mary Joy Rosos, Jay Ann Luaña, Rovie Larestan, Charina Areja
the silver for the walkathon. Batiancilla, Ratilla, and Debolusan won gold for the 4x400 meter relay while getting silver for the 4x100 meter relay category. Villarba Jr., on the other hand got the gold medal for the 4x400 meter relay while silver medal for Resoba for the 4x100 meter relay category. In the Girl’s Division, Charina Areja secured gold for the second time making herself the reigning queen for the Javelin throw while also winning silver for Shotput. Jay Ann Luaña won second for the 400-meter run while Mary Joy Rosos won 2 silvers for the 200-meter run and 400-meter hurdle. Lovely Fee Andrin placed second in the 3 000 and 5 000 meter run while Fatima Deo got 3 bronze for the 100 and 200-meter run, and 400-meter hurdle. Next in line is Liez Irene Debulosan who won third
place for both the shot put and Javelin Throw category followed by Rovie Larestan who got the silver medal for the walkathon category. Rosos and Luaña both got silver medals for the 4x400 meter relay, and silver for 4x100 meter relay category. In addition to their achievements, comes Larestan and Garrucho who both got silver medals for the 4x400 meter relay, and silver medals for bothAreja and Deo for the 4x100 meter relay. Overall, the untamable Panthers poured 1 Gold, 9 silvers, and 3 bronze for the women’s division. Against the 11 formidable schools, the USPF Black Panther Athletes remains resilient and conformable. The 4 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze medals proves that USPF is a consistent powerhouse university that serves as a home for the ceaseless talents of the panther-like athletes. (Sarah Mae Abuhan)
Head & Editor-in-Chief KATHLEEN B. SOLON-VILLANEZA, PhD │ Associate Editor JANET ARCANA, EdD │Managing Editor ALVIN E. ZAMORA, EdD │ Alumni Editors Across Continents JEFF B. VASQUEZ (New Zealand) ● JOSEPH ENRIQUEZ (United Arab Emirates) ● JUVILYN DILAO-ASILO (United Arab Emirates) ● RAE JESSICA ENRIQUEZ (Singapore) ● MARIA JANET DAJAO (Canada) ● KARREN BANDAJON (United States of America) ● JOSEPH FRANZ LANZADERAS (Brunei Darrusalam) ● LORDSON OBRE (Malaysia) ● ARLENE BUANJUG-ROLDAN (Philippines) │Resident Writers & Contributors Elementary School AGNES GUMANDOY (Mabini campus) ● FRANCISCO C. POTOT, JR. ●RUBILIN B. CHAVEZ ● HARVEY B. TANUDTANUD (Lahug campus) PTA GEORGE D. ULGASAN (Lahug campus) High School MARY JANE MUAÑA (Lahug campus) ● EMELIA OBANER (Mabini campus) College of Arts & Sciences ROWENA NERVES ● ROSARIO ESTRADA-SEQUITIN College of Education JANE EVITA NGO, EdD ICT Department LESTER B. GASTALA │Layout Artists EDIK DOLOTINA ● RYAN BEJER │ Administrative Staff SARAH MAE ABUHAN