𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

The J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) officially opened its 25th Foundation Month Celebration and ASEAN Month Celebration on August 10, 2026, through a synchronous program held across its Main, Pagadian, Lakewood, and Dumingag campuses. Anchored on the theme “PADAYUN JHCSC @25: Pride, Achievement, Diversity, Advancement, and Youth Oneness into New Frontiers,” the celebration marked a milestone in the institution’s 25-year journey while highlighting its commitment to academic advancement, cultural diversity, unity, and its continuing pursuit of universityhood.

Leading the JHCSC officials in attendance were President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Vilma C. Grengia, Vice President for Administration and Finance Mr. Wilfredo M. Barnido Jr., Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension Dr. Mark Patalinghug, and Main Campus Director Dr. Trinidad C. Abapo. Faculty and Staff Trustee Hon. Glady C. Quirante, Alumni Trustee, Hon. Glendell I. Oyo-a, and Student Trustee Hon. Benjie T. Jimenez also joined the celebration, together with campus officials, office directors, faculty members, staff, and students from the different campuses.

The occasion also commemorated Dr. Rosales’s third anniversary as President of JHCSC. In her message honoring the College President, Dr. Grengia described the occasion as a convergence of meaningful celebrations and blessings for the institution. “Ang ating puso ay nagdiriwang,” she said, as she reflected on the series of milestones being celebrated. She further emphasized the importance of gratitude among members of the JHCSC community, saying, “Tayong lahat ay dapat magkaroon ng pusong mapagpasalamat.”

The celebration commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Fr. Leonard Realiza, OSA, of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Guipos, setting a reflective tone for the occasion. The Mass underscored gratitude for the institution’s achievements and milestones throughout its years of service. The opening activities also coincided with the launch of ASEAN Month, emphasizing JHCSC’s participation in promoting ASEAN awareness, cooperation, cultural appreciation, and regional solidarity among members of the academic community.

The event brought together government officials, institutional leaders, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders. Among the distinguished guests were Provincial Board Member Hon. Jaqueline Michelle S. Espina-Villanueva, representing Rep. Jeyzel Victoria C. Yu; Hon. Wilma D. Ocapan, Municipal Vice Mayor, representing Municipal Mayor Hon. Ex D. Ocapan; and municipal officials Hon. Mansueto M. Martinez, Hon. Jerry B. Din, Hon. Peter Jan P. Uro, Hon. Euprocena H. Amaya, Hon. Gerald Pole S. Alcomendras, SK Federation President, and Hon. Rosela E. Patigayon. Also present were JHCSC Parent-Teacher Association President Santiago O. Arig and other guests and partners of the College.

In his message, Dr. Rosales reflected on his leadership journey and said that his return to JHCSC as President was purposeful and a calling to continue serving the institution. He reaffirmed the College’s vision of eventually attaining university status, expressing confidence that the aspiration would be realized in due time as JHCSC continues working toward becoming the envisioned Zamboanga del Sur State University (ZDSSU). He also discussed the proposed direction of the institution, including its enhanced vision and mission, as JHCSC prepares for the transition and the broader responsibilities expected of a university.

Meanwhile, Hon. Espina-Villanueva highlighted JHCSC’s transformation from its humble beginnings into an institution moving closer toward universityhood. She related the College’s progress to the anniversary theme, particularly its emphasis on achievement, advancement, and the pursuit of new frontiers. The simultaneous celebration across campuses also featured other milestone activities, including the blessing of new physical facilities and, at the Lakewood Campus, the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the Conditional Utilization of the Mary Queen of Apostles Parish Boarding House as a Free Student Boarding Facility, an initiative led by Lakewood Campus Director Prof. Bobby Piscos in partnership with concerned agencies and stakeholders.

Closing the program, Dr. Patalinghug called on the JHCSC community to continue moving forward as the institution enters another chapter of its development. He acknowledged that new frontiers would bring new challenges, but stressed that these could also open opportunities for further growth and achievement. The opening celebration set the direction for activities throughout the 25th Foundation Month and ASEAN Month, reaffirming JHCSC’s commitment to honoring its history, strengthening partnerships, embracing diversity, and advancing collectively toward its vision of becoming a university.