Stronger & Bolder JHCSC for Quality Tertiary Education

The J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) proudly celebrates another significant research milestone as Dr. Starr Clyde Lumanta Sebial, Dean of the School of Teacher Education (STE), together with his international co-authors, published a scholarly article in the Q1 Scopus-indexed and Web of Science–listed journal Thinking Skills and Creativity. The study, titled “Applying the Torrance Test: Developing a Rubric to Evaluate Function Art in Educational Settings,” advances innovative approaches to assessing creativity in STEAM classrooms by providing a standardized and psychometrically validated evaluation framework.

Under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin B. Mangila, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS) student interns conducted their pinning ceremony on February 16, 2026, at the Main Campus Gymnasium in Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur. The event, themed “From Theory to Professional Practice: Preparing Future Language Professionals for a Dynamic, Technologically-Driven Workplace,” marked the students’ transition from academic preparation to professional readiness.

An Ash Wednesday service was conducted by Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church for the students and staff of the Pagadian City Extension Campus, under the leadership of Dr. Patricia D. Bahian, Campus Director, on February 18, 2026, at the Conference Room, 3rd Floor of the IT Building. The religious activity, held exclusively for baptized Catholics, brought together members of the campus community to solemnly observe the beginning of the Lenten season, a sacred time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Developed by J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) through its research and extension initiatives led by Dr. Jerry B. Superales, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Resource Generation, ePharian continues to serve as a digital marketplace that connects farmers directly to buyers. The application is funded by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research in collaboration with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management. Derived from the Subanen term “PHARIAN,” locally known as “Taboan” in Bisaya, the platform serves as a modern-day marketplace, empowering farmers with accessible digital marketing tools and strengthening the local agri-economy.

CHED Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III served as resource speaker during the Project Proposal Presentation on JHCSC Digitalization on February 13, 2026, at the JHCSC Hostel, Pagadian City Extension Campus. The presentation highlighted the institution’s strategic direction toward universityhood and its vision of becoming a research university.

JHCSC School of Business and Management (SBM), led by Dean Dr. Julito V. Mandac, Jr., in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 9, reinforced its commitment to community engagement and skills development through its participation in Project B.R.E.A.D at the Pagadian City Jail Male Dormitory. This partnership highlights the college’s dedication to impactful extension programs and the practical application of academic expertise.

J.H. Cerilles State College held its DILAAB 2026 celebration on February 13, 2026, at the Main Campus Gymnasium with the theme “Igniting Hearts, Love Unfolds, and Stories Begin.” The activity brought together students, faculty, and staff for a campus-wide observance focused on unity, kindness, and inclusion. The event was organized by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) Campus SSC Governor Mr. Kent Paulo R. Fernandez, under the guidance of SSC Adviser Sheera Mylen W. Luna, MAEd.

The Health Service Unit of J.H. Cerilles State College (Pagadian Extension Campus), under the leadership of Clinic In-Charge Niko Marie T. Casiñas, RN, conducted a Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) from February 10 to February 11, 2026, in response to a call for assistance from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Demonstrating its strong commitment to public health and community service, JHCSC answered the call with the support of Pagadian Campus Director, Dr. Patricia D. Bahian. The volunteering initiative was held in Barangay Tiguma, Zamboanga del Sur, to strengthen the government’s immunization campaign and ensure broader protection against measles and rubella, particularly among vulnerable community members.

J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), through its Main Campus and Canuto M.S. Enerio Campus, was recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Office of Zamboanga del Sur during the Tanglaw: Pagkilala at Pasasalamat & Provincial New Year’s Call held on January 30, 2026, at the SMC Gift Pavilion along Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City. The recognition highlighted the College’s continued partnership with TESDA in advancing quality technical-vocational education and training in the province.

The JHCSC School of Law hosted a Testimonial and Appreciation Night honoring the September 2025 BAR Examination passers on February 1, 2026, at Pavilion Hall in Dao, Pagadian City. The event celebrated the academic achievement and perseverance of newly admitted lawyers who successfully hurdled one of the country’s most challenging professional examinations. It was organized by the School of Law Supreme Student Council (SoL–SSC) under the leadership of its president, Warson I. Buen, and held under the guidance of School of Law Dean Atty. Romylyn O. Regidor, with the support of JHCSC President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, represented by his executive secretary, Ms. Prym Crio D. Postrero, and Provincial Governor Hon. Divina Grace C. Yu, represented by Hon. Michelle Espina-Villanueva, Board Member of the 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur.