“We have about 9 to 10 priests who will concelebrate with the main celebrant, the Archbishop of Jaro, Most Rev. Angel N. Lagdameo, D.D. in the Thanksgiving Mass for our 108th Foundation Anniversary”, a confirmation from the Chairman of the Thanksgiving Mass Committee, Prof. Sotero E. Fajarito. According to him, some of these priests who have responded to the invitation were graduates of the WVCST, like Rev. Fr. Ricky Soriano, the Parochial Vicar of St. John Parish in Dingle, Rev. Fr. Alfon Berbegal, the Parochial Vicar of Sta Barbara Parish and the Parish Priest of La Paz, Rev. Fr. Renato Cuadras just to name a few. “We are all set for this event and we’re hoping for a good turn out since this might be the last celebration of the Foundation Anniversary as a College.” He happily shared that some of the graduates of WVCST joined the priesthood which is also a pride of the College, a reason why they were invited to come home and join this year’s celebration.

Prof. Fajarito further announced that the 3rd, 4th and 5th year students, including the Laboratory School, won’t be required to join the parade, instead they have to proceed to the Multi Purpose Educational Center to prepare for the concelebrated mass. Some of the members of the faculty will also be joining the choir and the practice was already set. He also encourages a full participation from the extension campuses from Leon National College of Agriculture, Southern Iloilo Polytechnic College, Miag-ao, Don Jose Sustiguer Monfort Memorial National College in Barotac Nuevo and Doña Purificacion D. Monfort College in Dumangas and the Alumni as well.

The Thanksgiving Mass will be on September 2 at 7:30am and everybody is requested to join.

“Everything is almost in order now. Try outs and practices have started and I think everybody is looking forward to it.” Dr. Leomar de los Santos, Head of the P. E. Department and Chairman of this year’s Pahampang for the celebration of WVCST Foundation Anniversary reports. He announced that to complete the preparation, a Sports Clinic /Seminar will be conducted to orient and train student teachers, coaches, unit heads and sports enthusiasts to become good game officials. This will be held this coming August 23 & 24. In addition to that there will be a Solidarity Meeting on August 27 for the Unit Heads, coaches, team captains and tournament managers, to discuss the general rules of the games of the Pahampang.

According to Dr. de los Santos, during the previous committee meeting, they have agreed that freshmen varsity players could join the Pahampang for this year, unlike in the past years that all varsity players couldn’t and only the amateurs were allowed to play. Officers of the Student Republic or student leaders are not also allowed to play any game.The games for this year include team, individual and dual sports. For the team sports there will be soccer football, basketball, volleyball and sepak takraw. While the individual and dual sports include chess, table tennis, badminton, lawn tennis , combative sports and boxing. It is the first time that the Pahampang will have boxing, as a sort of introductory sport or exhibition that might be used for the preparation of the College for the SCUAA meet.

Judges for some of the games especially the soccer football will be coming from outside the College. Medals and trophies await the winners. They will be determined by their points. For the Team Sports, the 1st place should have 25points, 2nd is 15, 3rd place is 10 points and 4th place is 5 points. For the Individual/ Dual Sports, 1st place must incur 10 points, 2nd place is 6 points, 3rd should have 4 points and 4th place – 2 points. This year’s Pahampang will run for 2 days – September 4 & 5.

Academic Quiz and Skills Olympic 2013 Committees – 85% Ready

“I have already finished making the mechanics and criteria for the Academic Quiz both for Category A & B.” Dr. Ma. Asusina Asuncion E. Echaveria, Dean, College of Education and Chairman of the Academic Quiz Contest reported happily in a short interview. This year’s contest will have the pencil and paper challenge and the new category which is the Math & Science Challenge. According to her, the Academic Quiz Contest for the celebration of the Foundation Anniversary will be very challenging. The Quiz will send the contestants to critical and analytical thinking, decision making and a good working relationship among the groups. “Our goal is to determine the learning of the students not just by pencil and paper but also through their natural intelligence and ability to manipulate materials to achieve what is asked in a certain problem.” This is the reason why they can not reveal the details of the Math and Science Challenge though the coaches were oriented of the mechanics. However, for the pencil and paper challenge, it will involve information technology and general information. The two categories are both time – pressured. Winners will receive the following: first place will receive Php 4,500.00, Php 3,000.00 for the 2nd place and Php 2,400.oo for the 3rd place. All winners will also be given a certificate of appreciation. A consolation prize of Php 1,500.00 and Php 900.00n plus a certificate of participation await the non winners. The Academic Quiz Contest will be held on September 2 at 1pm.

On the other hand, Dr. Sergie Dominico Valenciana, Dean, College of Industrial Technology and Chairman of the Skills Olympics 2013, affirmed that his committee is 85% ready for the celebration. 20 participants are expected to join and 11 areas are covered by the Skills Olympics. They are as follows:

1. Architectural Drafting
   a. Architectural Manual Rendering b. Architectural Digital Rendering
2. Automotive Technology
   a. Engine Tune up b. Alternator Servicing c. Starter Motor Servicing
3. Construction Technologya. Plumbing
4. Electrical Technologya. Industrial Motor Control
5. Electronicsa. PCB Circuit Assembly b. Bread Boarding
6. Fashion & Apparel Technologya. Draping b. Conceptual Fashion Illustration c. Artistic Make-up & Hairstyling
7. Hotel & Restaurant Technologya. Bartending b. Fruit Carving
8. FCM Technologya. Joinery
9. HVACR Technologya. Electrical Wiring Connection of Split Type Airconditioner
10. Computer technologya. Computer Trouble Shooting b. Web Design c. Graphic Design
11. Mechanical Technologya. Welding

These contests will be done simultaneously within 3 hours. After the contest, the announcement of winners follows. Prizes are Php 500.00, Php 400.00 and Php 300.00 for the first, 2nd and 3rd placers. 22 judges outside WVCST were invited to grace the occasion. According to Dr. Valenciana, the committee will set up the equipment for the contest as early as 5:00 am. They decided not to have a guest speaker for the opening program to avoid delays that might create a domino effect on the other activities scheduled on September 3, at the covered gym.

“We are 70 – 80% ready for the celebration of this year’s Foundation Anniversary.” This is the confident assurance of the chairman of the steering committee for the WVCST Foundation Anniversary, Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, Dean, College of Engineering and Architecture. With only two weeks left, he reported that the budget for the said event has been approved by the College President, all committees have submitted their plan of activities and were already approved, and some of thesupplies were already purchased. “I’m happy to say that we are almost ready. All the committees are also busy preparing for this long week activity.”

The 108th Foundation Anniversary has a theme “WVCST @ 108: Pushing Through the Frontiers of Science and Technology,” which is carried on by the Academic Quiz as well as the Skills Olympics. According to Dr. Napud, aside from the one week event, there is a Pre-Foundation activity which is a 2-day Caravan, spearheaded by the Alumni. This covers the whole of Panay which will start on August 28, 2013 and ends the next day, August 29. The celebration starts on September 1, Sunday and finishes on September 7, Saturday. However, the Awarding Ceremony will be held on September 10, Monday.

This year’s event is a little different from what the College had last year, maybe a reason why the budget for 2013 celebration is much higher than last year. There are lots of new activities prepared for the 108th Foundation Anniversary such as the Literary Musical Contest and some new challenges in the Academic Quiz, as well as in the Skills Olympics. This year, the Pahampang will be introducing Boxing which is perceived to be a possible sport event for next year’s anniversary.

At present, Dr. Napud is only waiting for the specific program for each activity and though there may be some few problems in the procurement of supplies, he guaranteed that everything will be dealt with and won’t impede the affair.

Comes September, WVCST is celebrating its 108th Foundation Anniversary with the theme “WVCST @ 108: Pushing Through the Frontiers of Science and Technology.” This year’s foundation anniversary which will be on September 2 – 7, 2013, is a big opportunity for the College to showcase talents, skills, sports and academic competitions among the different colleges as well as the satellite campuses.

In preparation, a steering committee was formed to take charge of the activities for the whole week. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect on the College Foundation Anniversary:

1. Academic Quiz Contest
2. Field Demonstration
3. Skills Contest
4. Exhibits
5. Robotics Competition
6. Fashion Show
7. Literary-Musical Contest
8. Pahampang

The Pahampang will include team sports, individual and dual sports. Team sports include football, basketball, volleyball and sepak takraw. Individual and dual sports include chess, table tennis, badminton, combative sports, boxing and lawn tennis.

A thanksgiving mass will be held as well as a foot parade and caravan. The search for Mr. and Ms. WVCST will complete the celebration.

Definitely, this is something to look forward to and so goes our invitation to come join us and feel the fun and excitement as the College turns 108!

“A few of the infrastructure projects of WVCST are almost done and ready for the final evaluation.” This statement was given by Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., Director, Planning Development and Auxiliary Services. During a short talk, the Director mentioned that a number of its projects completed the construction on their target dates and are waiting for the formal turn over. Some needs a little of finishing touches but expect that anytime soon they will already be functional. Several of these are the College Library Phase 3, the HRT Service Center and the Teacher Education Building covered walkway which is expected to be finished by next week.

While some of the constructions are set to be completed this year, another set of infra projects will be also be started. The construction of the three-storey Hometel (TLE Center) Phase 1 has started on August 12, 2013. It has a budget of Php 7,655,426.75 in which 15% of mobilization was already paid in the amount of Php 1,148,314.01. The Hometel TLE Center is in the main campus and is still a part of the improvement and modernization project of the College.

WVCST employees took time out from work as they gave honors to Mr. Edgardo Esposo, who retired from office effective June 11, 2013. “Nonong”, as most employees call him, dedicated his life for the College as Administrative Aide IV for 27 years and 9 months.

                A small party was given by the employees’ association headed by Mr. Bonnie S. Arenal, Jr. in honor of “Nonong” Esposo as well as to his family who has always been very supportive to him. At the said event, a plaque of recognition was awarded to him by VP for Admin and Finance Dr. Nehema K. Misola and Mrs.Enieda G. Corona, Chief Admin Officer.  In addition, his colleagues from the Administration Office represented by Mrs. Elbe J. Sotito, Admin Officer V, handed him a portrait showing his love and dedication to his job.

                On the other hand, the newly job hired employees were also introduced at the party.

Pictures Gallery of the Event

            A lecture on coping strategies and awareness on learning deficiencies was conducted today by the College of Education and the Guidance Center to help the students improve their performance in class, to cope up with their different problems in their studies and to avoid having failing grades, INC OR dropped subjects.

                Mrs. Bernadette F. de la Cruz, COE Guidance Counselor clarified before the lecture and forum started that as the Guidance Counselor of the College, she is just concerned about the grades of the students  and they were called to know their problems about their subjects and not to condemn them for getting Incomplete or failing grades. She wanted to help them before it becomes too late for them to  resolve or improved their performance in class.

                The College Registrar, Dr. Leah P. Montinola emphasized that the administration is very vigilant in monitoring the class standing of the students considering that WVCST is a government school and it caters to competent, unfortunate but deserving students. She reminded the students that the College had its curriculum review, giving a list of subjects which are necessary for the students’ courses and at the same time a schedule that is suited for everybody. Therefore she believes that there is no reason for anyone to get a failing grade.

                Dr. Ma. Asusina Asuncion E. Echaveria added that her office is always open should there be any questions or problems regarding their grades.  The Dean said that they should be more aware of the status of their grades because it might be the cause of delay in their practice teaching. She advised them to coordinate with her office when they have problems with their professors especially if the professors are not from their College. In addition she appealed to them to try their best to finish, comply and enroll the subjects in which they have failing grades, failures or even subjects that they dropped. She expects everyone to finish their courses in 4 years with no incomplete grade nor a 5.0 grade.

                On the other hand, Dr. John Eric Juaneza, Head of the TLE Dept. asked the students as well as their parents about the problems they encountered which were considered the reasons for getting failing grades and INC.  He pointed out that it is important for the parents to know their children’s problem in school so that they can also assist their needs. It is also expected that the students tell their parents of the same. The school including the professors, have high hopes that before graduation the students have already resolved all of these grades-problem.

                Also present in the lecture was Dr. Susan Marie R. de la Cruz, Director, Office of the Student Affairs and Dr. Merlinda T. Tucar, Head H.E. Department.

To empower more the faculty and staff of the College in giving the quality service, a seminar on Work Ethics for Educators was conducted on July 31 at WVCST Board Room. Participants were members of the faculty and staff of different Colleges who were randomly selected.

This seminar is the third part of the workshop conducted by the Quality Assurance Management Office headed by the College Administrator, Dr. Manuel A. Sanchez, Jr. The trainer of the said seminar was Ms. Cynthia R. Ramirez, an Associate Management System Senior Lead Auditor of Certification International Philippines Inc. (CIPI). She is also a freelance Trainer and Consultant of ISO 9001 Management Systems.

According to Ms. Ramirez, a person has good work ethics when he works hard and exhibits a great deal of pride in his work. She emphasized that work ethics is a system within oneself, which means we define our own meaning of work ethics based on how we deal with our work.

Other topics discussed were the definition of work ethics, the rationale of work ethics and what should be possessed to have good work ethics (Inter-Personal Skills, Dependable, Initiative, Devotion/ Dedication).

To be able to deliver good services to customers, an institution or company must be able to satisfy them by having a quality management system. This is just one of the many things discussed in the training “How to Become an Effective Quality Management Representative”, that was conducted by the Quality Assurance Management headed by Dr. Manuel A. Sanchez, Jr., College Administrator, on July 30, 2013.It was attended by Campus Administrators, Directors, Deans, Department Heads and Internal Auditors of WVCST.

Topics discussed during the training were Management system requirements for the Quality Management Representative, Managing the MS Documentation, Implementation and Improvement, Facilitating Management Review, Liaising with Certification Body and the Competencies of the QMR. An Open Forum was also conducted in the afternoon and was followed by the awarding of certificates to the participants.

In her lecture, Ms. Cynthia Ramirez expressed that an institution that delivers education services, everybody should get involve in giving a satisfying customer service. The success of one department is the success of the whole College and it also follows the reverse. It was emphasized that the role of the Management Representative is crucial for an effective management system and its success rests on the leadership management and communication skills of the Quality Management Representative. It demands attention and commitment but needs everyone’s help in the organization for the QMS (Quality Management System) to be truly effective.

Ms. Cynthia R. Ramirez is an Associate Management System Senior Lead Auditor of Certification International Philippines Inc. (CIPI). She is also a freelance trainer and consultant of ISO 9001 Management Systems.