J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales delivered the State of the College Address (SOCA) on August 30, 2025, at the Pavilion Hall, Dao, Pagadian City. As the centerpiece of the 24th Founding Anniversary, it highlighted the College’s milestones, achievements, and future direction under his visionary leadership and the collective efforts of the institution.
The occasion was graced by CHED officials Dr. Desiderio Apag III and Dr. Joseph Lou C. Sta. Teresa, SUC leaders Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit (JRMSU) and Dr. Joseph C. Pepito (CTU), Dumingag Municipal Mayor Hon. Gerry Paglinawan, PTA officials, and the Zamboanga del Sur Coast Guard. JHCSC Board of Trustees members, key officials, faculty, and staff were also in attendance to celebrate the College’s milestones.
The celebration carried the theme “Carrying the Torch Forward in 24 Years: Honoring the Past, Sustaining the Present, and Committing to a Brighter Future.” It showcased the courage, vision, and resilience of those who built JHCSC’s foundation, highlighting three unified themes: honoring the past by carrying the torch of their legacy, sustaining the present with dedication and purpose, and building a future filled with hope, excellence, and opportunity.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂’𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Accelerating Growth: Through RIPE and Strategic Frameworks (MEASURES, TABANGE, SPEED UP, CARE, SMART, RESPECT, & BONDING)
𝐑esearch: Advancing a culture of innovation
𝐈nstruction: Elevating academic standards and empowering students
𝐏roduction: Promoting income, innovation, and sustainability
𝐄xtension: Transforming communities through TABANGE
Institutional Reforms and Strategic Milestones
As part of 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, JHCSC proudly stands as a SUC Level II institution with 32 academic programs. As of August 2025, all 27 undergraduate programs and 4 master’s programs have achieved 100% Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC). The remaining master’s program (MSERM) is scheduled for evaluation on September 15–16, 2025, completing compliance for all programs. The college also has nine Level III accredited programs, a PRIME-HRM application in progress, and is preparing for ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Looking ahead to Building Tomorrow, President Rosales outlined JHCSC’s journey toward becoming Zamboanga del Sur State University, guided by its new Vision, Mission, and Core Values. He presented the college’s Strategic Goals (RESILIENT), aligned with the 10-Point Legislative Agenda of Hon. Rep. Jude A. Acidre and Dr. Shirley Agrupis’ CHED national framework (ACHIEVE), highlighting the institution’s commitment to purposeful growth and excellence. He also unveiled the 2025–2030 Roadmap and the LUDIP 3D Model for the Main and Pagadian Campuses, charting a clear path toward the College’s future.
In his address, President Rosales expressed heartfelt appreciation to the faculty, staff, college officials, BOT members, CHED leaders, partner SUCs, and provincial government leaders of Zamboanga del Sur for their unwavering support, noting that their collective efforts enabled JHCSC’s achievements during his two-year leadership as comeback president.
As President Rosales concluded his State of the College Address, he left the community with a 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞, 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
“We may be a small college today, but we carry a big heart and an even bigger dream — to rise as a future leading university for quality tertiary education in the country. To every JHCSCian, stakeholders, and partner institutions, thank you. You are the heart and soul of this journey. Padayon ta, JHCSC. The future is ours to shape. Daghang salamat, Tulunghaan ko, mabuhi ka!”
This resounding message united the entire JHCSC community, sparking pride and determination to carry the torch of excellence forward and shape a brighter future together.
Soar high, J.H. Cerilles State College!
“Stronger and Bolder JHCSC for Quality Tertiary Education”
