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.