Liceo de Cagayan University

Liceo U proudly congratulates her School of Teacher Education graduate, JUDILYN A. LUMAJANG, for placing sixth in the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. A holder of a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Judilyn graduated with the highest distinction – summa cum laude. She was also awarded a gold medal for her outstanding performance in practice teaching.

The University also congratulates her other 47 new licensed teachers and the School of Teacher Education for posting a high passing rate of 90% for first-time exam takers (elementary level).

Adelante, Liceans!

          Kudos to Liceo U’s basketball team, Titans, for finishing runner-up in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Escandor Cup 2023: Mindanao Finals. Liceo de Cagayan University faced off against Jose Maria College in the championship match played at Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym) last April 30, 2023. In the elimination round, the Titans outplayed Rizal Memorial Colleges, Southern City Colleges of Zamboanga, and Jose Maria College.

           In the team’s lineup were Clark John Abuhan, James Earl Laniton, Renz Gerald Jamago, Christiantly Perocho, Marben Anthony Fuentes, Jerald Orestes Abao, Jan Mervin Demata, Janaimer Cabañez, Wilkins Valiente, Ryner Ano-os, Evan Jose Agbong, and Jerico Glenn Ostrea. The team had James Clifford Racines as head coach and Jerico Racines and Lawrence Palabrica as assistant coaches.

Liceo de Cagayan University celebrated the National Internationalization Day with two highly significant events – MOU signing between Liceo U represented by Dr. Alain Marc P. G

olez, University President, and Utah Valley University represented by Dr. Baldomero Lago, Chief International Officer, on April 27, 2023; and MOA signing between Liceo U and Goethe – Institut Philippinen represented by Mr. Jens Rösler, Head of the Language Department, on April 28, 2023.

During the signing ceremony that was attended by high-ranking officials of the University, Dr. Golez underscored in his message the importance of the academic partnership between Liceo U and Utah Valley University, a world-renowned university in Salt Lake Utah, U.S.A. The partnership allows for knowledge exchanges that will facilitate student and faculty development, leverage research capabilities, promote cross-cultural understanding, open access to a range of educational resources and programs, and prepare students for global work. The President also expressed his excitement to work with UVU and his confidence that the partnership will bring many fruitful initiatives that promote excellence in education.

On his part, Dr. Lago assured the University leadership that he would be the voice of Liceo U, encouraging deans, faculty, and students of UVU to engage in the collaborative efforts of the two institutions.

Liceo U and Goethe – Institut Philippinen have entered into their 12th year of agreement that grants students and faculty of the University access to scholarships for language learning in Germany to promote intercultural understanding. Only PASCH (Schools: Partners for the Future) schools in over 100 nations are given such scholarships. In the Philippines, Liceo U is one of the only three PASCH schools having special link with Germany.

The contingents of the Goethe – Institut Philippinen to the signing ceremony included Ms. Jeane Arroyo, Exam Coordinator; Ms. Jennifer Azores, Administrator of Language Programs; Ms. Aiza Andersen, German Language Specialist; and Ms. Antje Margarete Regber, German Language Specialist.

See the photos below:

               Liceo de Cagayan University proudly congratulates five of her high school students for having been granted a scholarship by the Goethe – Institut Philippinen for this year’s PASCH Youth Course. As scholars, along with other scholarship holders from over 100 nations, MARIA CHRISTIANA LABIS, ZUELLA FELICI LEGASON, RYMAE SHANE CATAYONG, LOURDES MARIELLE ERMINO, AND LOUREIN REYANN CAPINPUYAN get the privilege to study Deutsch in Germany. Joining them in Germany for her advanced training in Deutsch is the Chair of the Languages Department of the Junior High school, FRAU ANJANET LABOR.

                In the Philippines, Liceo U is one of the only three PASCH schools duly recognized by the German Federal Republic. PASCH stands for “Schools: Partners for the Future.” For 11 years, the University has kept its membership in the global network of schools having special links with Germany. This network fosters German language learning and intercultural understanding.

ADELANTE, LICEANS!

On March 28, 2023, Liceo de Cagayan University and Northern Mindanao Medical Center inked a Memorandum of Agreement officially renewing the partnership between the two institutions for the clinical practice of Liceo U’s medical students. The MOA has the NMMC as the base hospital of the College of Medicine. Held at the University’s New Board Room, the MOA was signed by University President Dr. Alain Marc P. Golez and Medical Center Chief Dr. Jose C. Chan, FPOA, FPCS, MHA, FCHA. In his speech, Dr. Golez remarked that the signing of MOA is a significant step towards the realization of a shared vision for excellence in medical education and healthcare delivery in Northern Mindanao. He expressed confidence that the NMMC, with its state-of-the-arts facilities, experienced staff, and vast resources, will provide the University’s medical students with exemptional learning environment that will prepare them for a successful career in the medical field. He also said that the partnership will not only benefit the University’s medical students but also the entire community and the country. Dr. Chan, in his message, thanked Liceo U for establishing the College of Medicine, encouraging students in the region to pursue a medical career and to contribute to the nation’s health system. University top officials and a team of NMMC physicians were in attendance at the MOA Signing Ceremony.

Hats off to the Liceo Law Moot and Debate Society for dominating the Mindanao-wide 2nd Inter-Law School Debate Competition held on March 19, 2023 at RMC Petro Gazz Arena, Davao City. The debate team, composed of Casan-Ali M. Limbona, Lyn Monica G. Flores, and Spencer P. Palen (team captain), won the championship while Mr. Palen emerged as Overall Best Debater. In the semifinal match, Ms. Flores was named Best Debater.

Following the modified Oregon Oxford format, the debate had for the final round the motion “This house supports Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 that calls for the creation of a constitutional convention to amend the Constitution.”

Kudos also to the team of experts for doing a great job of coaching the debate team – Judge Jerli Requirme (adviser), Atty. Jewella Tiu, Atty. Zed Abantas, Atty. Jedyl Jamaca-Uno, Atty. Mary Jerome Banaag, and Atty. Jose Elcid Ladica, Jr.

Adelante, Liceans!

Students of Liceo U’s School of Teacher Education emerged victorious in two competitions during the Association of Students in Teacher Education Region 10 Congress held on March 10, 2023, at Capitol University. Kindle Mae B. Arcaya (BSED English) and Kit Israel U. Eslapor (BSED Social Studies) bagged the 1st Place in the Quiz Bowl, while Hazel Jane M. Sumaylo (BEED) won 1st Runner-Up in the Teaching Demonstration Video.

Thirty-four higher education institutions in the region participated in the Congress, which was concurrently held with the Philippine Association for Teachers & Educators (PAFTE) Regional Conference.

Adelante, Liceans!

In the Licensure Examination for Physicians administered by the Professional Regulation Commission in March 2023, Liceo U obtained a passing rate of 100%. Out of 2,887 examinees, 1,573 passed or a national passing rate of 54.49%.

The new Licean physicians are DR. ROCHEL LOU F. CADUYAC, DR. ABDEL HAZZIEM B. DATUMOLOK, DR. AIWI GODDARD G. MURILLO, DR. MAUREEN ERICA T. POMADA, and DR. AL-NAJID M. SUMNDAD.

In the October 2022 Physician Licensure Exam, Liceo U got a high passing rate of 83.33%. These back-to-back impressive performances in the licensure exam demonstrate the University’s unwavering commitment to providing its medical students with excellent education.

Kudos to the College of Medicine headed by Dr. Jose Dante D. Estandarte.

Liceo de Cagayan University has made it to the roster of top performing schools in the March 2023 Medical Technology Licensure Exam. With an average passing rate of 97.01%, the University clinched the 5th spot, thus further establishing its long-time reputation as a high-caliber institution for Medical Technology education in the country.

In 2017, the University ranked 7th among the top performing schools in Medical Technology nationwide.

Kudos to the College of Medical Laboratory Science for relentlessly pursuing excellence in Medical Technology education and to the new Licean registered medical technologists!

To strengthen the bond and solidify the sense of team unity among the Licean employees, the Human Resource Office headed by Vice President Dr. Edgar Romero facilitated the annual celebration of Employees’ Day on the occasion of the 68th Founding Anniversary of the University. Held on February 24, 2023, at the Liceo Civic Center, the event featured popular Pinoy games enthusiastically played by the employees in teams. Cash prizes and giveaways added excitement to the fun. The gathering did not end without a “salo-salo.” All were served with Filipino food in plenty.

            One highlight of the celebration of Liceo U’s 68th Founding Anniversary was the holding of the University’s community extension program, H.E.L.P.S., an annual event demonstrating the University’s social and civic engagement in the community and providing its students with opportunities to do service learning. Spearheaded by the Office of Research, Extension, Planning, and Innovation (OREPI) in partnership with Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, the program provides the University’s partner communities with free health, education, legal, and public services.

            Held on February 25, 2023, at the Main Campus, the program had the University’s health, legal, and education specialists attend to the different needs of over a hundred urban poor who received medicines, hygiene kits, and school supplies, among others. The beneficiaries came from four communities in the city – Kauswagan, Macabalan, Consolacion, and Carmen.

            In her opening message during a short program, Dr. Florecilla C. Cinches, vice president for OREPI, praised the University founders, Atty. Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez, for establishing a school that advocates holistic education and services and thanked the University’s personnel and students for exhibiting volunteerism to make the event successful.

See the photos below:

In celebration of the Liceo U’s 68th Founding Anniversary, the Office of Research, Extension, Planning, and Innovation headed by Vice President Dr. Ma. Florecilla C. Cinches staged the 15th RODELSA Lecture Series on February 23, 2023, at the Rodelsa Theater. Held annually in honor of the founders, Atty. Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez, the lecture series provides the academia with venue for scholarly gatherings for a range of topics relevant to education, research, and scholarship.

The Lecture with the theme “Happy Learners, Happy Minds: Building Emotional Well-being on the Road to Learning Recovery” had as virtual resource speaker Dr. Jesus Alfonso D. Datu. An assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Counselling of The Education University of Hong Kong, Dr. Datu is a well-being scientist with research programs in positive psychology, positive education, and inclusive education. Highly recognized for his expertise in his field, he received several awards and gets to serve as associate editor of several international journals in Psychology.

Preceding the lecture were paper presentations paneled by Dr. Ruth Love V. Russel, dean of the School and Business Management, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan; Dr. Charito G. Ong, faculty of the Department of Teaching Languages, University of Science and Technology in Southern Philippines; and Dr. Miguela B. Napiere, director of Research, Planning and Development, Lourdes College. The paper presenters were Arts and Sciences faculty members – Atty. David S. Almarez Jr., “Knowledge and Acceptance of Biological Evolution among College Students;” Dr. Judy Marie R. Zoleta, “GIS-based Assessment of Cagayan de Oro Riverscape for Sustainable Resource Utilization;” and Mr. Winston B. Gallinero, “Organizational Culture and Core Values among College Students.”

Setting the tone for the academic gathering, University President Dr. Alain Marc P. Golez, in his message, recognized the importance of prioritizing the emotional well-being of students, faculty, and staff in building a culture of positivity, resilience, and learning in the Licean community. He expressed his confidence that the scholarly discussions would lead to valuable insights and strategies to the benefit of the University.

Intellectual conversations between the resource speaker and the participants concluded the lecture series.

See photos below:

To mark its 68th Founding Anniversary, Liceo de Cagayan University held an intraschool oratorical contest on February 20, 2023, at the A.V.R. 3. Spearheaded by the Department of Languages and Communication chaired by Dr. Salvador C. dela Peña III and facilitated by the Communicators, Literati, and Performing Artists Guild (CLPAG), the contest showcased the public speaking prowess of select students from the different departments. The original oratorical pieces centered on the theme “Thrive. Triumph. Transcend.” The following students emerged as winners: Jannah Marie Reños (Senior High School, R.N.P.), third place; Carl Richie Cagas (College of Arts and Sciences), second place; and Jovie Ann Manpatilan (College of Medical Laboratory Science), first place. They were awarded a certificate and a cash prize.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Zenaida G. Gersana, who delivered the opening remarks, expressed her elation for the holding of the in-person oratorical contest after three years of the pandemic. Dr. Rosella O. Ortiz, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, closed the event. Dr. Linda Mondoñedo, library and IMC director; Ms. Sherlita Barrun, University registrar; and Francis John Calotes, training officer served as judges. Event host was Ms. Abigail Remo, English faculty.

See photos below:

In celebration of its 68th Founding Anniversary, Liceo de Cagayan University held at the Rodelsa Theater on February 22, 2023, the annual Service Awards to honor her faculty and staff for their years of commitment and loyal service to the University. The awarding of plaque and cash gift to the service awardees was led by Chair of the Board Dr. Rafaelita Pelaez Pelaez and University President Dr. Alain Marc Pelaez Golez. Presenters of the awardees were the University’s top officials – Dr. Denise O. Orong, Mr. Carlito T. Cabasag, Dr. Ma. Florecilla C. Cinches, Atty. Leo Paolo L. Perez, Dr. Zenaida G. Gersana, and Dr. Edgar V. Romero.

Service award is presented to an employee for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of employment with the University. For this year, Dr. Linda L. Mondoñedo, University librarian; Ms. Guillerma O. Nagac, Book Center in-charge; and Mr. Reynaldo J. Sual, faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences led the service awardees for having served the University the longest – 35 years. Below is the list of other service awardees.

30 Years in Service: Ms. Lilia P. Ballar, College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Mr. Nelson M. Daganta, School of Business, Management and Accountancy

Ms. Zacarlyn C. Tapal, Junior High School

25 Years in Service: Ms. Chrislyn T. Aprosta, Accounting and Finance

Mr. Zaldy D. Cabualan, Liceo Press

Ms. Noliveth L. Calunia, Junior High School

Ms. Maria Lourdes P. Camilotes, Senior High School (Main)

Ms. Maricar B. Macalam, College of Arts and Sciences

Ms. Daisy C. Magdua, Liceo Press

Ms. Elvy Q. Malabo, School of Teacher Education

Mr. Oliver N. Plaza II, ETEEAP

Ms. Roselie F. Rafols, Guidance Center

Ms. Grace V. Santos, School of Business, Management and Accountancy

Ms. Melody V. Sunogan, Senior High School (Main)

Ms. Cherly L. Yabo, Senior High School (RNP)

Ms. Julieta B. Tabamo, Senior High School (Main)

Mr. Elmer E. Labesores, Casa Blanca

20 Years in Service: Mr. Victor C. Caballero III, College of Engineering

Ms. Emma M. Dejarme, College of Nursing

Ms. Lailanie C. Go, Grade School

Ms. Catherine O. Hengania, College of Arts and Sciences

Ms. Jasmin C. Lagumbay, Junior High School

Mr. Abundol A. Nawang, Jr., (College of Arts and Sciences

Ms. Vergie S. Otig, College of Arts and Sciences

Ms. Myerna S. Ramos, Junior High School

15 Years in Service: Dr. Edwin M. Delos Santos, Jr., CPA, Accounting and Finance

Ms. Jeanette L. Noynay, Information and Communication Technology

Mr. Marlon A. Quider, Library

Mr. Jonathan Daniel A. We, College of Nursing

10 Years in Service: Mr. Gerald B. Ugbinar, Maintenance

Dr. Mercedita S. Aquino, College of Pharmacy

Dr. Alice G. Comahig, College of Engineering

Dr. Jolly D. Puertos, School of Teacher Education

Mr. Redemtor F. Santos, Jr., Quality Assurance Office

See photos below:

Today marks a momentous event for Liceo de Cagayan University – its 68th Founding Anniversary. It was on this day in 1955 when the visionary couple, Atty. Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez, founded the Liceo de Cagayan. With great love for Cagayan de Oro and for the nation and with deep passion for education, Rodelsa and Elsa braved those trying years of the new republic by establishing a collegiate school, which became a full university in the late 1990s. With a very long history of quality education in various program offerings evidenced by numerous recognitions and distinctions earned, Liceo U has become one of the earliest, most enduring, and most respected higher learning institutions in Mindanao. Liceo de Cagayan University is indeed the founders’ great legacy to the community and the nation – a legacy that Liceans now celebrate with festivities.

The celebration was formally opened early today with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Bobit Laroga, SSS at the Liceo Civic Center. Following the Mass was the laying of wreath before the founders’ life-sized monument laid at the iconic Rodelsa Hall. Chair of the Board Dr. Rafaelita Pelaez Pelaez and University President Dr. Alain Marc P. Golez led the wreath-laying rites. In attendance were the University’s top officials, the heads of all academic and non-academic departments, the faculty and staff, and the students.

In his message during the opening salvo at the Civic Center that featured several live performances and the candidates of the Liceo Student Ambassadors 2023, the University President expounded the celebration’s theme “Thrive. Triumph. Transcend.” saying,

“To thrive means to grow, to prosper, to reach our full potential. It is a fitting theme for our anniversary as we reflect on the many ways that Liceo de Cagayan University has flourished over the years. Our academic programs have expanded, our facilities have improved, and our reputation for excellence has spread far and wide. But even as we celebrate our success, we know that there’s always more we can do, more we can achieve.

To triumph means to overcome obstacles, to persevere in the face of adversity, to immerge victorious. It is a testament to the resilience of our community that we have weathered so many challenges over the years from natural disasters to global pandemic. But through It all, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to education, to service, and to each other. And we will continue to triumph in the face of whatever challenges lie ahead.

To transcend means to go beyond, to rise above, to reach new heights. It is a call to action, a challenge to strive for excellence in all that we do. We must push ourselves to be better, to learn more, to serve more, to make a greater impact on the world. And we must do so, not just for our own benefit, but for the benefit of all those around us, for our community, for our nation, for the world.”

>On a final note, Dr. Golez urged the Licean community to look to the past, present, and future as he remarked: “…let us look to the past, to our founders Atty. Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez, to the present with determination, and to the future with hope. Let us continue to thrive, to triumph, and to transcend, building on the legacy of those who have come before us and paving the way for those who will follow.”

Academic and non-academic events highlight the celebration of the 68th Founding Anniversary. These events include RODELSA Lecture Series, Atty. Rodolfo N. Pelaez Debate Tournament, Intraschool Oratorical Contest, Research Colloquium, The La Castilla Blue and White Ware: A Photography Exhibition (Ayala Mall), Opera Bonanza featuring CDO Symphony Orchestra, 17th Cultural Season (arts festival), Service Awards 2023, H.E.L.P.S (outreach program), Liceo Student Ambassadors Coronation Night, Rise Up: A Variety Concert, Employees’ Day, and REGRESSO 2023 (grand alumni homecoming), among others.

<

<

<

In celebration of the National Arts Month and to mark the 68^th Founding Anniversary of Liceo de Cagayan University, The La Castilla Blue and White Ware: A Photography Exhibition, which is part of the 17^th Cultural Season of Liceo U, formally opened on February 13, 2023, at Ayala Centrio (3rd Floor Foyer) in Vicente Roa Street, Cagayan de Oro City. The exhibition, which runs until February 28, features photos of select artifacts from the La Castilla Museum of Philippine Household Heirlooms collection and Antiques Repository of the Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez Family Memorabilia.

The opening ceremony had as guest speaker Dr. Chona Echavez, president of the Research Institute of Mindanao Culture (RIMCU). Dr. Echavez talked about the history of pottery, shared her experiences with museum collections, and urged people to visit La Castilla. La Castilla curator Kelly Ramos-Palaganas gave an overview of the exhibition in her welcome address. Young instrumentalists (violin, viola, and cello) of the Liceo Conservatory of Music, Theater, and Dance delivered a musical performance.

Gracing the opening ceremony were government figures – City Councilor Suzette Magtajas Daba, Chairman of the City’s Committee on Education; Mr. Decius Esmedalla, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of Region 10; Mr. Nicolas Aca, Chairperson of the Cagayan de Oro Historical and Cultural Commission; and Mr. JC Salon, OIC of the Cagayan de Oro Museum and Heritage Studies Center. Also present to witness the event were local journalists, University officials and faculty, ZEALEP officials, Arts Appreciation students, and Liceo U’s student ambassadors.   

The two-week exhibit also features the La Castilla Lecture Series with experts in the Arts and Culture.  The talks range in scope from the academic to the economics and artistry of the collection on display.

The photo exhibit team is composed of Jeikko Gomez (photographer), Kelly Ramos-Palaganas (curator), Reynan Lacaba (graphic artist), Dr. Salvador dela Pena III (editor), and Roger Odron (project director).   

The holding of the event is in partnership with Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Office, Cagayan Historical and Cultural Commission, Ayala Malls – Ayala Centrio, Liceo Office of Cultural Affairs (LOCA), Liceo Press, and Liceo Office of Promotions and Communications. 

(Contributor: Kelly Ramos-Palaganas)

See photos below:

The Government of Canada through its embassy in Manila brought to Liceo de Cagayan University through the Office of Internationalization the Mcluhan Forum Series on Responsible Media. Facilitated by the Department of Languages and Communication of the College of Arts and Sciences on January 26, 2023, at the AVR 3 in the Main Campus, the forum themed “Democracy at Stake: How Media Battles the Disinformation Phenomenon” featured Mr. Christian Esguerra, a Mcluhan fellow and a multi-awarded multimedia journalist.

Mr. Esguerra hosts Facts First, a popular online political talk show that covers burning issues in politics and governance. As a journalist, he is committed to an advocacy that counters disinformation. He was the anchor and managing editor of After the Fact – a political talk program of the ABS-CBN News Channel.  As an educator, he teaches political reporting and journalism ethics at the University of Santo Tomas. Also, he is a researcher of UST’s Research Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities. 

Attended by media figures in the city, students from different schools, and Liceo U’s officials and faculty, the forum’s discussion centered on the importance of responsible journalism, the threats of disinformation to the country’s democratic processes, and media stakeholders’ role in battling disinformation. The public discussion was jumpstarted by two reactors who are both media practitioners and university educators – Dr.  Rhyndl Nephl-z Luczon and Dr. Ronnie Waniwan. 

Present during the forum were Mr. Carlo Figuroa, Public Affairs, Attaché, Embassy of Canada, who gave the opening message and introduced the speaker; Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Zenaida G. Gersana who delivered the welcome remarks; Dr. Teresita T. Tumapon, Liceo U’s consultant for Internationalization; CAS Dean Dr. Rosella O. Ortiz who gave the closing remarks; Dr. Quivido Oregines, director of Internationalization and event chairperson; and Dr. Salvador C. dela Peña III, chair of the Department of Languages and Communication.

Through the Mcluhan Forum Series, the Canadian Government recognizes excellent work in journalism and supports journalists in their critical role in upholding democracy and freedom of speech. The McLuhan Forum is named after Marshall McLuhan, the Canadian media theorist who coined the term “global village” in his critique of a media-connected world as early as the 1960s.