2nd Batch of Teachers’ Orientation held by CSA-B HRMO by: James U. Sy Jr.

Karen L. Zamora, Ph.D., HRMO Director, and Paolo G. Hilado, RN, DRDM, MN, Research & Planning Office (RPO) Director, (seated) with Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) Senior High and College Instructors at the conclusion of the institution’s 2nd batch of Teachers’ Orientation on August 12, 2017 at A2-6 (James U. SY Jr./CMAS photo). The Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) of the Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) successfully conducted its 2nd batch of Teachers’ Orientation for 13 Senior High and College Instructors on August 12, 2017 at A2-6. Conducting the orientation on school background and policies as well as employee benefits was Karen L. Zamora, Ph.D., HRMO Director. Paolo G. Hilado, RN, DRDM, MN, Research & Planning Office (RPO) Director, gave the details on the various research grants given by the college to its faculty members. Riaf R. Tan, HR Associate, was also present during the proceedings.

Beauty and the Best: Charm Flowing like Silk, Grace Like a Butterfly by: James U. Sy Jr.

Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) Columnist/Feature Writer James U. Sy Jr. with Contestant no. 3 Nica Arroyo of Bacolod City College (BCC) during the cocktail competition of the Search for Miss Silka Bacolod 2017 last July 30, 2017 at the 888 Premiere Mall (NDB photo). The 888 Premiere Mall along Gatuslao St. was jampacked last July 30, 2017 when it hosted the swimwear and cocktail competition of the Search for Miss Silka Bacolod 2017. Since a picture tells of a thousand words and beauty is beyond any words any man can muster, I will just allow the pictures to talk for themselves and let you judge for yourselves.

Contestant no. 3 Nica Arroyo of BS Entrep, Bacolod City College (BCC) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Leonard Geraldes (right) won the Best Designer Award for contestant no. 11 (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo)

Merry Ann Casiple of Culinary-Senior High, STI-West Negros University (STI-WNU) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

One of the contestants of the cocktail competition (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Lailani M. Thoegersen (left) of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and Vina Marie Peña of BSOA, Bacolod City College (BCC) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Presentation of contestants during the cocktail competition of the Search for Miss Silka Bacolod 2017 last July 30, 2017 at the 888 Pemiere Mall (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Ella Mae V. Mercado of Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Edelyn G. Rencales of University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Some of the contestants during the cocktail competition of the Search for Miss Silka Bacolod 2017 last July 30, 2017 at the 888 Premiere Mall (NDB photo).

NEWSIM-Bacolod Celebrates Its 5th Year Anniversary By James U. Sy Jr.

NEWSIM officials and employees from four provincial branches together with (from left, seated) MARINA Region VI Director Engr. Rizal J. Victoria, NEWSIM CEO Capt. Ramil L. Limocon, and Bacolod CTO Engr. Edison T. Batalla, MMET, MSM, pose for posterity during NEWSIM Bacolod’s 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. Photo).

NEWSIM officials (from left): Bacolod CTO Engr. Edison T. Batalla, MMET, MSM, Ms. Christine Cardenas, CEO Capt. Ramil L. Limocon, Rev. Fr. Casimiro Batalla, and C/O Stephen Sampalucia during NEWSIM Bacolod’s 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. Photo).

Capt. Ramil L. Limocon (right), CEO of NEWSIM, and Engr. Edison T. Batalla, MMET, MSM, Chief Training Officer (CTO), NEWSIM Bacolod, awarding the Certificate of Appreciation to Special guest Engr. Rizal J. Victoria, Region VI Director, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), during NEWSIM Bacolod’s 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. Photo).

NEWSIM Bacolod CTO Engr. Edison T. Batalla, MMET, MSM, addressing the attendees during NEWSIM Bacolod’s 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. Photo).

NEWSSIM CEO Capt. Ramil L. Limocon addressing the attendees during NEWSIM Bacolod’s 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. Photo).

MARINA Region VI Director Engr. Rizal J. Victoria addressing the attendees during NEWSIM Bacolod’s 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. Photo).

Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) Columnist/Feature Writer James U. Sy Jr. with NEWSSIM CEO Capt. Ramil L. Limocon during NEWSIM Bacolod’s 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. Photo). New Simulator Center of the Philippines, Inc. (NEWSIM)-Bacolod Branch under the leadership of Engr. Edison T. Batalla, MMET, MSM, Chief Training Officer (CTO), formally celebrated its 5th year anniversary last July 21, 2017 at the 4/F LKC Bldg., Locsin-Burgos Sts., Bacolod City. The celebration was attended by officers and staff from New Simulator Center of the Philippines, Inc. (NEWSIM) Makati, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo Branches as well their seaman clientele. Rev. Fr. Casimiro Batalla conducted a Eucharistic rite for the opening of the anniversary celebration. Capt. Ramil L. Limocon, CEO of NEWSIM, a native of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, welcomed all employees, trainees, and guests and talked about the opportunities and threats of the seafaring industry. He reiterated the continued need for higher standards and stringent certification in training seafarers for the world market, and assured its clientele that NEWSIM is always in its toes to continuously improve its standards and training facilities to equip its trainees with global competencies and competitiveness. Special guest was Engr. Rizal J. Victoria, Region VI Director, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), who gave attendees updates on new trends and forecasts in the industry. Shipping consists of over 90% of world trade and the Philippines is the seafaring manpower capital of the world, supplying 30% of the more than 1.2 million mariners in the world and the top supplier of maritime officers in the world, with 86,636 Filipino maritime officers deployed overseas in 2013, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The Philippines has per capita income levels of less than US$3,000 per annum, but the income for maritime industry professionals is over US$13,000 in 2013, according to World Bank figures. NEWSIM, launched on December 8, 2000 with head office in Makati City, is among the academies in the forefront of training and equipping Filipino seafarers that makes them much in demand in the global market and is the first ever seafarer training center in the Philippines to offer simulation training in its maritime program. NEWSIM-Bacolod Branch alone has already trained about 16,000 seafarers in its first 4 years of its operation, two of which were under the management of Engr. Batalla. NEWSIM training and updating are classified into Safety Courses, MLC and OIC Courses, Tanker Courses, and Other Courses. NEWSIM-Bacolod offers the only simulation training courses recognized by MARINA in Bacolod City at this point in time. Employees who had served NEWSIM for 5 years were awarded with recognition, namely C/O Stephen Sampalucia, Chief Training Solutions Officer (CTSO) and Chief Training Officer (CTO) of NEWSIM-Iloilo, C/E Ronald Allan Gutierrez, C/O Ricardo Reyes, C/O Bertram Vilalestiva, and Capt Eugenio Ynion. Special Awards were given to C/E Enrico S. Niolar and OWWA, Appreciation certificates were given to TOP REVIEW CENTERS that have endorsed their reviewees to NEWSIM Bacolod, namely Cebu Gems, RMM, and Deck Man, and Appreciation certificates were also given to TOP COMPANIES that have endorsed their CREW to NEWSIM Bacolod, including Leonis, ODFJELL, and NEWFIL. The celebration was capped with a boodle fight for the officials, guests, employees, and trainees. Then an ISO seminar was conducted for all branches of NEWSIM. Interested parties may visit the NEWSIM website at http://newsim.ph/, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newsim.bacolod/, or contact NEWSIM Bacolod Branch through email bacolod@newsim.ph, mobile no. 0925-850-1790, or landline (034) 435-0701.

“Savings Mobilization & Entrepreneurial Mindset Seminar” for Housewives Conducted by CSA-B CABECS by: James U. Sy Jr.

Attendees, student scholars, faculty members, and speakers at the conclusion of the CABECS "Savings Mobilization & Entrepreneurial Mindset Seminar" for mothers and housewives from Prk. Sagrado, Brgy. Estefania, on August 5, 2017 at the Mini AVR, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) (James U. SY Jr./CMAS photo). The College of Accountancy, Business Education and Computer Studies (CABECS) successfully conducted the “Savings Mobilization & Entrepreneurial Mindset Seminar” for 11 mother-housewives from Prk. Sagrado, Brgy. Estefania as part of the department’s Community Extension Program (CEP) on August 5, 2017 at the Mini AVR, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B). Featured speakers were former banker and CABECS Banking Instructor Rose P. De los Reyes, Ph.D., for “Savings Mobilization” and Ma. Theresa Garilao, MBA, Business Area Head, for “Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Organizing the seminar was Ma. Ines G. Lacson, MA.Ed, CABECS Outreach Coordinator. Faculty Members who were present to support the activity were Amelia Quingco, MBA, Tourism Area Head, Airyn Apale, Accountancy Area Head, Maricel A. Antiporda, and James U. Sy Jr. Jhoanna D. Guacana, CSA-B Bookstore In-Charge, was also in attendance. The seminar is a part of a series of activities aimed at assisting in alleviating and improving the standard of living for the less fortunate members of the community by educating them and giving them the conceptual tools that will help them start, build, and sustain their own small scale start up business. The next phase of the program is the Peanut Butter Making Seminar scheduled this coming August 19, 2017 to the same attendees. CSA-B’s Community Extension Program (CEP) is the institution’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which puts to action the values it teaches in helping and giving back to society for its welfare and betterment, in line with its motto Virtus et Scientia, which is Latin for “Virtue and Science.”

CSA-B CABECS Community Outreach Orientation Held by: James U. Sy Jr.

Dean Ma. Aurora Villanueva, Ph.D., addressing students of different courses under the College of Accountancy, Business Education and Computer Studies (CABECS) banner during the CABECS Community Extension Program (CEP) Orientation on August 2, 2017 at the Auditorium, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) (James U. SY Jr./CMAS photo). The College of Accountancy, Business Education and Computer Studies (CABECS) successfully conducted its Community Extension Program (CEP) Orientation on August 2, 2017 at the Auditorium, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B). Dean Ma. Aurora Villanueva, Ph.D., gave the opening remarks while Desiree D. Diel, RN, M.N., CEP Head, and Ma. Ines G. Lacson, MA.Ed, CABECS Outreach Coordinator, spoke on the updates on the institutional CEP and the departmental CEP respectively. Master of Ceremonies was Camille Hope Macabales of BSAct 3A. The orientation, which was attended by students of different courses under the CABECS banner, was to jump start the institution’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program for this school year. The previous years saw several highly successful projects undertaken by CABECS to help the community and its poverty stricken sectors, among them mangrove planting and peanut butter making for livelihood training for mother-housewives. CSA-B’s CEP puts to action the values it teaches in helping and giving back to society for its welfare and betterment.

1st PRFU ChildFund Pass It Back Cup to Explode @ CHMSC by: James U. Sy Jr.

Some of the rugby trainees for the first season of an innovative sport for development program managed by ChildFund and in partnership in the country with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) (PRFU ChildFund Pass It Back Cup photo).

Rugby trainees having fun in the the first season of an innovative sport for development program managed by ChildFund and in partnership in the country with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) (PRFU ChildFund Pass It Back Cup photo). The 1st PRFU ChildFund Pass It Back Cup will be hosted by the ChildFund Pass It Back on August 5, 2017, 9:00 A.M., at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC)-Talisay Campus. 25 teams represented by more than 250 athletes from Bacolod, Bago, and Talisay cities will see action in the event which is the culminating event of the first season of an innovative sport for development program managed by ChildFund and in partnership in the country with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU). Internationally, the ChildFund Pass It Back is in partnership with World Rugby, Asia Rugby, and Women Win. The program, which was launched for the first time in the Philippines in February 2017, trained 20 young adults, with no rugby or life skills coaching experience, to become PRFU coaches and deliver an integrated rugby and life skills curriculum that promotes young people’s health and well being, and provides important leadership and life skills learning opportunities. ChildFund is a global alliance of child-focused development organizations working in 63 countries to reduce child poverty and promote children’s rights. The ChildFund Pass It Back Partnership is led by ChildFund Australia, working closely with ChildFund Japan and other ChildFund Alliance members, to expand the Program’s impact across the region. ChildFund Japan leads the ChildFund Pass It Back program in the Philippines for ChildFund, with the support of ChildFund Australia. ChildFund Pass It Back, which is a part of the Rugby World Cup 2019 IMPACT Beyond program, seeks to grow and develop the sport across Asia, leading up to the first Rugby World Cup scheduled in the region. ChildFund Pass It Back's safeguarding practices won the UNICEF Safeguarding Children in Sport Award from the Beyond Sport Awards, according to PRFU Secretary General Ada Milby. Milby noted that the program met a 50% minimum participation target with girls, which is a very big win for the union and for women in sports. The Australian Government, through its Asia Sports Partnerships (ASP) initiative, supports the program in the Philippines. A press conference with Bacolod sportswriters has been scheduled by PRFU Development Officer Anne Sajorne for August 4, 2017, also at CHMSC-Talisay Campus. Sajorne disclosed that a delegation from the Japan Rugby Football Union featuring top level athletes is expected for the event. Rina Munsayac, ChildFund Japan Philippine Office Country Director, revealed that, “This partnership has been a learning experience for all stakeholders involved and we are looking forward to see all the hard work come together in such a special event.”

“From Banker to Baker,” “Pursue Your Passion” Entrepreneurial Talks Conducted @ Riverside College by: James U. Sy Jr.

BS Entrepreneurship 4A students with Course Instructor Jenette Lopez, Guest Speakers Andrea J. Syjuco and Vladimir M. Cebu, and Faculty Member James U. Sy Jr. at the conclusion of the “From Banker to Baker: The Realities of Start Ups” and “Pursue Your Passion” talks on July 28, 2017 at the Admin 2, Riverside College Inc. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Guest Speaker Andrea J. Syjuco receiving her Certificate of Appreciation and Token of Appreciation from Full Time Instructor Jenette Lopez for her invaluable insights during the “From Banker to Baker: The Realities of Start Ups” talk for Entrepreneurial Integration on July 28, 2017 at the Admin 2, Riverside College Inc. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Guest Speaker Vladimir M. Cebu receiving his Certificate of Appreciation and Token of Appreciation from Faculty Members Jenette Lopez and James U. Sy Jr. for his invaluable insights during the “Pursue Your Passion” talk for Entrepreneurial Integration on July 28, 2017 at the Admin 2, Riverside College Inc. (NDB photo). In its continuing quest to customize and align its courses to the realities of the business world and strengthen its industry linkages, the College of Entrepreneurship under Department Chair Leonor A. de la Cruz, MBA, hosted two entrepreneurs who gave separate talks for Entrep 4A for Entrepreneurial Integration under Full Time Instructor Jenette Lopez on July 28, 2017 at Admin 2, Riverside College Inc., Dr. Pablo O. Torre St., Bacolod City. Andrea J. Syjuco, a triple-degree holder in Business Management, Marketing Management, and Accounting and a former banker at the Makati Financial District who has extensive industry experience overseas, gave a lecture on “From Banker to Baker: The Realities of Start Ups.” She related how she had become an accidental entrepreneur and how it all started with puto. When she decided to go into artisan baking her biggest challenge was that she was not a trained baker and she had to learn by doing. Syjuco, who earned her Accounting degree overseas and the others from the University of St. La Salle (USLS), gave the genetic make up of an entrepreneur, the plus sides and flipsides of entrepreneurship, and some real world industry principles to get by as an entrepreneur, citing her own experiences as an entrepreneur. She emphasized the importance of accounting, which students dread the most, because it is a tool to improve profitability and minimize, if not eliminate, losses. Vladimir M. Cebu, another triple-degree holder from USLS (Marketing Management, Economics, and Law) and the proprietor of V. Cebu Creative Communications (VCCS), a marketing communications and ad provider for one of the top domestic malls, gave a lecture on “Pursue Your Passion.” Cebu was an achiever early on, having entered college at age 14, became President of the USLS Student Government, and topped the Civil Service Exams among his long list of accolades. This landed him highly sought positions at Unilever and West Negros University (WNU) and the opportunity to go overseas. But later, he wanted something more - the freedom to enjoy the little things in life. He decided to put his talents in building his own dreams and he came up with his own business. Cebu loves to draw so he also started his career as an International Book Illustrator for authors and clients in the US and Canada. He advised students to go into a business that they have a passion for since it will help them hold on in times of crisis. The speakers were invited by Faculty Member James U. Sy Jr., who was their classmate at USLS. The talks coincided with Riverside College’s Entrepreneurship Month Celebration.

Business Plan Implementation Defense Conducted @ Riverside College by: James U. Sy Jr.

BS Entrepreneurship 4A students with panelists after their successful Business Plan Implementation Defense on July 28, 2017 at M202, Riverside College (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Leonor A. de la Cruz, Ph.D. in Christian Education (HC), Department Chair, College of Entrepreneurship, awarding the Token of Appreciation to panelist Dr. Jose Rene Gayo, College Consultant, RCI, during the Business Plan Implementation Defense of BS Entrepreneurship 4A on July 28, 2017 at M202, Riverside College (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Leonor A. de la Cruz, Ph.D. in Christian Education (HC), Department Chair, College of Entrepreneurship, awarding the Token of Appreciation to panelist Jose Warvin Ilalim, CPA, Finance Manager, RCI, during the Business Plan Implementation Defense of BS Entrepreneurship 4A on July 28, 2017 at M202, Riverside College (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Leonor A. de la Cruz, Ph.D. in Christian Education (HC), Department Chair, College of Entrepreneurship, awarding the Token of Appreciation to panelist Benjamin Araneta, CPA, Financial Report Head/College Accountant, RCI, during the Business Plan Implementation Defense of BS Entrepreneurship 4A on July 28, 2017 at M202, Riverside College (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Leonor A. de la Cruz, Ph.D. in Christian Education (HC), Department Chair, College of Entrepreneurship, awarding the Token of Appreciation to panelist Darlene Ponce Casiano, MBA, Check My School, Area Coordinator for Bacolod Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, East Asia and the Pacific Ateneo School of Government, during the Business Plan Implementation Defense of BS Entrepreneurship 4A on July 28, 2017 at M202, Riverside College (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). BS Entrepreneurship 4A students, grouped into 4 teams, successfully defended their Business Plan Implementation to a total of 6 panelists on July 28, 2017 at M202 , Riverside College Inc., Dr. Pablo O. Torre St., Bacolod City. Panelists were Samuel Z. Lee, MBM, President, RCI; Dr. Jose Rene Gayo, College Consultant, RCI; Jose Warvin Ilalim, CPA, Finance Manager, RCI; Benjamin Araneta, CPA, Financial Report Head/College Accountant, RCI; Darlene Ponce Casiano, MBA, Check My School, Area Coordinator for Bacolod Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, East Asia and the Pacific Ateneo School of Government; and Leonor A. de la Cruz, Ph.D. in Christian Education (HC), Department Chair, College of Entrepreneurship, RCI. Those who participated in the defense were Kevin Jamora (1st presentor), Jvon De Villa, Clyde Harris, Antonio Luis Nemenzo, and Aira Jane Tulmo (2nd), Vivian Francisco, Mary Ruth Patining, and Shara Mae G. Tornea (3rd), and Cara Shane Brodeth and Jennifer Carmona (last presentor). The course Business Plan Implementation is under the mentorship of Depart. Chair de la Cruz. Moderator of the activity was Full Time Instructor Jenette Lopez.

Cosplay Craze 2.0 Invades Bacolod by: James U. Sy Jr.

The 5th leg of the Cosplay Craze 2017 took place at SM City Bacolod last July 8, 2017. The first four events took place at SM Seaside Cebu (May 13), SM City Cabanatuan (May 27), SM City GenSan (June 10), and SM City San Jose Del Monte (June 24). Upcoming Cosplay Craze for the rest of the year include SM City San Pablo, Laguna (July 22), SM Megacenter Cabanatuan (August 5), SM City Naga (August 19), SM City Molino (September 2), SM City Baguio (September 16), and SM City Marikina (October 19).

Starting Your Own Business” Seminar Held @ Riverside College

Department Chair Leonor de la Cruz, MBA, and Full Time faculty Member Jenette P. Lopez awarding the certificate and token of appreciation to Guest Speaker Romel L. Amihan, Ph.D., Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist (STIDS), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Occidental, for conducting the "How to Start Your Own Business" seminar for students of the College of Entrepreneurship on July 10, 2017 on the occasion of the Entrepreneurship Month Celebration at the Audio Visual Room (AVR), Riverside College Inc. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Riverside College BS Entrepreneurship students and guest Bacolod City College (BCC) Marketing Management & Entrepreneurship students with Guest Speaker Romel L. Amihan, Ph.D., Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist (STIDS), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Occidental, College of Entrepreneurship Department Chair Leonor de la Cruz, and Faculty Members Jenette P. Lopez and James U. Sy Jr. at the conclusion of the "How to Start Your Own Business" seminar on the occasion of the Entrepreneurship Month Celebration on July 10, 2017 at the Audio Visual Room (AVR), Riverside College Inc. (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The College of Entrepreneurship under Department Chair Leonor A. de la Cruz, MBA, successfully hosted Romel L. Amihan, Ph.D., Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Occidental, for the “How to Start Your Own Business” seminar on July 10, 2017 at the Audio Visual Room (AVR), Riverside College Inc., Dr. Pablo O. Torre St., Bacolod City. The seminar was part of the Entrepreneurship Month Celebration of the College of Entrepreneurship, which was formally opened by Elsa C. Streegan, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), on July 3, 2017. The theme for the celebration is “Gearing up to meet the challenges of the future with confidence, integrity and faith in God.” Dr. Amihan spoke on the entrepreneurial process, starting off with self analysis and environmental analysis and progressing through the different stages until the launching of a new venture. He reminded the students that at the cornerstone of every business is the satisfaction of the needs of the customer. “If you don’t take care of your custoemrs, others will,” Dr. Amihan pointed out, and “your sari-sari store” will beocme a “sira-sira store.” Dr. Amihan periodically conducts seminars on current business trends and developments, representing the DTI, or as a member of its presenting team. Overall Program Coordinator was Full Time Instructor Jenette Lopez, with assistance from Faculty Member James U. Sy Jr. A total of 31 BS Entrepreneurship students were in attendees, as well as three guest attendees from Bacolod City College (BCC).

CSA-B Celebrates 55th Foundation Anniversary by: James U. Sy Jr.

College of Accountancy, Business Education, and Computer Studies (CABECS) Faculty Members of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon prior to the start of the Unity Walk during the institution's 55th Founding Day Celebration on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

The Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) Unity Walk kicked off its 55th Founding Day Celebration on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

CSA-B students in Filipiniana outfits dance to the tune of Pit Señor during the opening program of the institution’s 55th Founding Day Celebration on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

Mass induction of the officers of the different campus organizations during CSA-B’s 55th Founding Day on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

The Augustinian community united in dancing “Agostino Ako” during the opening program of CSA-B’s 55th Founding Day Celebration on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

Team (Red) Rome “Gabaga-baga” composed of faculty members and staff prepare for the Pinoy Agostinolympics during CSA-B’s 55th Founding Day on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

An aerial view of the Augustinian community celebrating CSA-B’s 55th Founding Day on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo).

The Unity Lunch for employees capped the morning’s festivities of CSA-B’s 55th Founding Day Celebration on July 8, 2017 (James U. Sy Jr. photo). Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) under the leadership of Rev. Fr. President Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, successfully celebrated its 55th Foundation Day last July 8, 2017 with the theme “CSA-B @ 55: Encountering the Truth Within.” The festivities kicked off with the Unity Walk, joined in by the students and employees of CSA-B, at 6:30 AM from the Provincial Capitol Lagoon to the institution’s campus grounds via the Lacson-Benigno S. Aquino Drive intersection. A solemn Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Rev. Fr. Batayola at 7:30 AM. The officers of the various student councils were inducted, followed by the mass induction of the officers of the different campus organizations. The program was officially opened with the history of Sto. Niño, in remembrance of the introduction of the Roman Catholic faith by the Spaniards in the archipelago in the 16th Century and the eventual annual Pit Señor celebration, most notably in Cebu, where the Catholic Church was first established in the country. Students garbed in Filipiniana outfits danced to the tune of Pit Señor. The institution was founded by Doña Soledad Locsin as the Casanova School, which officially became Colegio de San Agustin de Bacolod on July 8, 1962. The school initially offered kindergarten, elementary, and high school education but today it has four colleges offering a total of 21 degree programs and courses as well as a Teacher Certificate Program for Second Coursers. CSA-B Executive Officers are Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA (President), Rev. Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA (VP for Augustinian Formation and Religious Affairs), Rev. Fr. Bernardo B. Coleco, OSA (VP for Finance and Administration), Rev. Fr. Imman Noel A. Abellana, OSA (VP for Student Affairs and External Relations), Gereon A. Cabarles, Ph. D. (Vice-President for Academic Affairs), Rev. Fr. Benjamin B. Gamos, OSA (General Services Director), Rev. Fr. Tito D. Soquiño, OSA (Campus Minster / Chaplain), Rev. Fr. Romanico O. Cañon, OSA (Sto. Niño Early Childhood Learning Center Administrator), and Fray Jose Z. Lopez, OSA (CSA-B Retreat House Administrator). Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod’s colorful history was presented by the various departments in dance form from the different decades of its existence - 1960’s (College of Accountancy, Business Education, and Computer Studies), 1970’s (College of Nursing), 1980’s (College of Arts, Sciences, and Education), 1990’s (ANTP/NTP/Maintenance), 2000 (Basic Education), and 2010-Present (College of Engineering). CASE won the dance competition. The exclamation point to the opening program was the Augustinian community dance “Agostino Ako” by all teams, led by the Kagayon Dance Troupe. The Pinoy Agostinolympics was held for all school employees, who competed in indigenous or Filipinized versions of foreign games, such as patentero (tubiganay), baleybol with a twist, luksong lubid, sunod-tunog/hampas-palayok, and dodge bol. Teams were the Tagaste (green), Madaura (yellow), Carthage (blue), and Rome (red). CASE, CABECS, and COE organizational acquaintance parties were held for their member-students at various locations in the campus. The Bingo Social/Bonanza was held for the NSO and and ESC Councils and employees. A Unity Lunch for employees capped the morning’s festivities. The celebration was concluded with the presentation of the Augustinian Model tudent and the launching of the Advocacy Project at the Open Court. The schedule of activities was prepared by Nvelle Radislao, MBA, Co-Curricular Activities Coordinator, and approved by Rev. Fr. Tito D. Soquiño, OSA, Vice President for student Affairs and External Relations.