Student days celebrations are meant to reinforce classroom learning. They renew mental vigor often depleted by intellectual calisthenics or perhaps the lack of it.

This was how the College Student Government (CSG) and Academy Student Association (ASA) days, September 19-25, 2011, were conceived as they ride on the theme: Kuaderno ug Pluma ibutang na. Tara, maghugyaw ta! (Lay aside our Notebooks and Pens, Let’s celebrate!)

Commencing on the eve of September 19, the Hugyaw 2011 rolled on! A torch parade at 7:00 was participated by the college and academy students and was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the SPAC school song.

The keynote was delivered by Dr Arceli H Rosario, college president, emphasizing on the essence of the event. “Success is going through failure to another without losing enthusiasm. Our CSG-ASA days are not about winning, but it’s about building character,” she said.

The Hugyaw 2011 was declared open by Dr. Rico T. Javien, Dean of Student Affairs.

A series of activities was lined up for this event which were participated by the entire school community. Among these activities were sports and parlor games, mind games, songs and yells, folk dances, show time, musical presentations, and faculty entertainment.

Kuya na Tepapepz and the Deep Green Veggies

For sports, basketball, volleyball, frisbie, table tennis, soccer, and sepaktakraw were played. On mind games, word factory and scrabble were foremost.  The nights were dominated by songs and yells on Monday, Asian folk dances on Tuesday, acoustic on Wednesday, show time on Thursday, and religious musical presentation on Friday.

The faculty and staff showcased their artistic talents on Saturday evening to the delight of the students and visitors. “This is a night we wouldn’t want to miss,” said one student who was voicing out the impression of many others.

After a week of contesting the championship trophy, the Unified Team was declared over-all winner. The Unified was a team of players from two departments: Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA) and the Bachelor of Arts in Theology. The first runner up was the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) department; Education, as second runner up; while Nars.com consisting of students from the Nursing and Computer Science departments, was third runner up. [Real Joy Revilla | Photo by Rhoen Catolico]

Week of Prayer plays a very important role in the life of the students. These are times when spiritual engagement subdues the overwhelming rigors of student life.  This respite, provided flavor to the 2011 Week of Prayer held at the La Sage Auditorium daily, September 5-10, for South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) students, faculty and staff.

On hand to provide the morning and evening messages was Mr Leonardo C Heyasa, director of Human Resource and Development at Valencia Sanitarium and Hospital in Valencia City.

The theme, “That God may Accomplish His Plan” took the students from both high school and college into a week of spirit-filled moments of contemplation and meditation that started on September 5 with the speaker’s ‘Failsafe” and “An Unlikely Candidate” topics, morning and afternoon, respectively. Sponsors for the day were the Education students led by their VP for religious affairs, morning session; and High School seniors led by their VP for religious affairs in the afternoon.

“Flickering Faith” and “When Fate is Bitter” were topics that emphasized on faith in God. These September 6 sessions were coordinated by the High School juniors (morning) and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) students, in the afternoon.

Leonardo "nonoy" Heyasa, Jr., shares his message in one of the sessions.

On Wednesday, September 7, “Deprived but never Deserted” was expounded by the speaker that focused greatly on the experience of the widow,Rizpah, over the death of her two sons. “Two lessons we can learn from this story,” explained Heyasa, “First,faithfulness to the Lord is not a guarantee that you will be death-free. And second, being faithful to the Lord is not a guarantee that you will be debt-free.” The afternoon topic was entitled “Working with Jesus.” The high school sophomore and nursing students coordinated the morning and evening sessions, respectively.

Following up the topics on Wednesday were the September 8 messages: “Working with Others” and “Working with Yourself.” This time the high school freshmen sponsored the morning activities while students from the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS), sponsored the afternoon session.

On Friday, September 9, the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA) students led out in the morning session as the speaker beautifully preached on the topic, “Total Makeover.” A choral reading prior to the preaching of the word was entitled “Mary and Joseph.”  The Vesper session delving on “New Beginnings” with the theology students spearheading, was heart lifting.

The finale message on Sabbath, September 10, “When His Plan Reaches its Fruition,” lifted every soul into a new experience. “A message that should remain in everyone’s heart,” said the students.

On Sabbath afternoon, the students witnessed students as they gave their hearts to the Lord in baptism. [Real Joy Revilla/CampusMedia | Photo by Rhoen Catolico]

Aimed at evaluating South Philippine Adventist College’s performance in conformity with its philosophy, vision and mission, the Adventist Accrediting Agency (AAA) team came for a 4-day visit to the school, August 17-21.

The AAA evaluators of 11 members were headed by Dr Hudson Kibuuka, associate director of education for the Seventh-day Adventist world church (GC).

On the team and the criteria they undertook for evaluation were Dr Moises de Ocampo, from the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP), who dealt with Spiritual Development, Service and Witnessing; Program of Study of the Theology Department and its faculty. Mr German Lust, vice president for finance, Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), on Governance, Organization and Administration; and Ms Daisy Orion, GC associate treasurer, on School Finances;

Dr. Lawrence Domingo, SSD education director, took a careful look at the Programs of Study for the Computer Science/ Office Administration Department; while Mr Jacinth Adap, associate treasurer of the church in the southern Asia Pacific region (SSD), dealt with the Programs of Study for the Business Administration Department.

Looking at the other programs of study were DrPremaGaikwad, AIIAS Education Professor–Elementary/Secondary Education Department;  Dr Dolores Wright of Loma Linda University School of Nursing—Nursing; Ms Alva Albay of AUP Library and Resource Center—Library; and MrZubaid Khan, also of  AIIAS, on Academic Policies and Records.

The four other evaluators were DrYolandoQueruela, director of education for the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC)–Student Services; Mr Jesse Peñaflorida, education director for the Central Philippine Union Conference—Physical Plant and Facilities; while DrDiosdado Catalan, SPUC associate education director, who worked on Public Relations and External Constituencies.

During the welcome ceremony, Dr. Kibuuka stressed that “evaluation focuses mainly on the school’s performance whether it abides with the requirements in line with the school’s statement of philosophy, mission, and vision.”

Many months before the visit, the college administration has been doing extensive preparation for the evaluation visit.  “We have looked into the documents containing recommendations made by the 2005 and 2008 evaluation teams and checked whether these recommendations were accomplished,” said Dr Arceli H Rosario, college president.

“We also delved on the 10-point agenda that summed up our direction for the years ahead on the following criteria: Spiritual Formation, Organizational Stability, Academic Quality, Financial Viability, Relevant Student Services, Empowered and Effective Community, Partnership and Linkages Building, Campus and Physical Plant improvement, and Research Development,” added Dr Rosario.

“The efforts and time spent in the process of preparing for this evaluation event had paid off, though a lot more need negotiation to reach the ideal,” said school administrators, “and we will not content ourselves with what had been done.”

What participation is there for the students in the future? “Four things,” said Dr Rosario:First, documentation of all activities held by the students. Second, these activities are evaluated whether they conform to the philosophy, vision and mission of the college. Third, based on the result of evaluation, action plans are formulated to see to it that the recommendations are accomplished. And last, cooperation by all students is a must. In other words, there should be documentation, evaluation, incorporation, and cooperation.”

Heard from the members of the team were heart-warming comments. Foremost was on the high level of spiritually in the school, and one such comment comes from Dr Kibuuka himself: I have not seen a school with so many challenges and yet the students and faculty are extremely joyful living together in this academic community.”

Upon arriving at the world headquarters of the Church in Maryland, USA, Dr Kibuuka emailed: “We enjoyed very much the young people’s program on Sabbath afternoon. Please extend our appreciation and gratitude and our wish for a continued success as they grow to be good Christians, prepared for the service of the Lord.”

South Philippine Adventist College has been recommended anew to the Adventist Accrediting Agency for a three-year accreditation.  “We praise God for this accomplishment and for His glory we commit ourselves to doing His will in the education of our young people,” concluded the teachers and administrators. [Real Joy Revilla/CampusMedia]

Himamat 2011- the Southern Mindanao Academy (SMA) Alumni Homecoming, July 29-30, 2011 at South Philippine Adventist College, headed by Mr. Zacarias Escobidal, Alumni president; and Mr. Arwin Ranola, Alumni Relations officer.

South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC), formerly known as Southern Mindanao Academy (SMA), held a 2-day celebration of the Himamat 2011. The event was participated by the alumni from batches 1960-1994. Furthermore, the faculty and staff, including the students of the institution also joined the celebration.

On July 29, Friday, the registration and billeting started at exactly 8:00 o’clock in the morning, assisted by the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA) students of SPAC. Some of them were Sweet Elizanne Jugalbot, Al Ray Lazado, Rosaly Maratas, Famela Grace Balmera, and Angiely Ibot. At exactly 1:30 in the afternoon of the same date, the motorcade parade started with its route from SPAC campus going to Digos, then to Bansalan, going back to SPAC. It was participated by the seven departments of the college. Prior to that, teachers and students exerted efforts to make a float to represent their department. The parade lasted for almost two hours and at 3:30 in the afternoon, everybody arrived back at SPAC campus.

The opening ceremony commenced at 3:56 in the afternoon, a few minutes after the arrival. It was started by the invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by “My Redeemer’s Symphony” (MRS), a group consisting few of the faculty members of SPAC. Meanwhile, honorable Neri V. Obedencia, Barangay captain of Camanchiles, Matanao, and an alumnus batch 1983, welcomed everyone who joined the celebration especially the alumni. After, which the College president, Dr. Arceli Heyasa-Rosario stated her keynote address. She further emphasized that Himamat means “retracing your step from the present to the past”. The declaration of the opening of Himamat 2011 celebration was also done by her.

The vespers meeting on the night of July 29, started at 7:00 o’clock with hymns of praise led by Ms. Grace Pansacala-Jondonero of batch 1990. Afterwards, Dr. Wilepr T. Generato of batch 1984 delivered God’s Words.

On July 30, Saturday, the Sabbath school program started at 8:30 o’clock in the morning with the alumni as participants. Prior to that, a very special talk show was prepared to reminisce the past of the alumni and the unforgettable experiences at SMA. Furthermore, the show was hosted by Mr. Sioricar S. Ortizano, SPAC Boy’s dorm dean,alumni batch 1993; and Ms. Mauren Dumalaog-Banasing, SPAC instructor and alumni of batch 1993.

Former SMA principals: (l-r) Dr. Benonie Llanto; Dr. Rogelio Aguadera; Dr. Jimmy Faderogaya

In continuation with the Sabbath worship, the Divine service then proceeded at 10:15 am. Ms. Winnie Daugdaug-Tambalque of batch 1976 led the singing of the opening song. The special message in song was offered by the Advent Capelle. Meanwhile, the speaker for the hour was nonetheless one of the originals of Southern Minstrels, the official singing group of SMA then, Pastor Jimmy V. Adil Jr., batch 1982. In addition, the speaker finished his Bachelor of Arts in Theology at the Adventist Institute of International and Advance Studies (AIIAS). Furthermore, he was a professor of the Schools of Theology and became a part-time Guidance Counselor at Mountain View College (MVC). His message particularly focused on “remembering” with the key text found in Ecclesiastes 12:1-6. He further emphasized that “remembering makes us humane” and “forgetting is sin”. The program was closed with the benediction by Ms. Egie Mae Ofiasa-Suson, SMA-SPACAAA Auditor, batch 1982. (Real Joy Revilla/CampusMedia)

Note: Pictures of Himamat 2011 are available at www.facebook.com/SPACollege

The event had for its theme: “Isulongang Breastfeeding, Tama, Sapat, and Eksklusibo” and was participated in by the academy students of the institution, together with the faculty and staff.

On July 18, the academy instructors conducted a symposium regarding the importance of breastfeeding. On July 25, a quiz bowl was held with one student tasked to represent each home room.

The main celebration of the event was on July 27, Wednesday when the academy had a whole day activity. A devotional message was presented before the activities of the day.  Highlights of the celebration included poster making contest wherein an artist was required to represent each home room. Moreover, the contestants were given two hours to create a mental picture in line with the theme, and express it through drawing. Another activity was the table napkin contest, participated in also by a representative from each section. Other activities were: jingles (3-5 minutes), heaviest fruit with peelings, guess my ingredients, nutrition marathon, table skirting, and the search for Mr. and Ms. Nutrition.

The search for Mr. and Ms. Nutrition 2011 was judged based on the following criteria: Personal information: untilwhen breastfed, body weight, nutrition result, health condition, academic performance, fruits eaten since January 2011, junk foods eaten since January 2011, and meat eaten since January 2011.

The result of the search, John Erick Joshua Millanes garnered the highest points for the personal information among the male and JD Dequinion, JtroseVchia, and Hannah Limbaro, gota tie for the female. The contestants were also judged based on the number of activities they joined and their scores they got from quiz bowl and guess my ingredients. Not only were the contestants chosen based on their intelligence and physical health but also on their conduct grade. The final winners who became Mr and Miss Nutrition were John Erick Joshua Millanes and Ms. Hannah Limbaro.

The tally of points decided the winners: Most Breastfed- Mars; Quiz Bowl-Pluto, Poster Making-Venus, Mr. Nutrition- Mercury, Ms. Nutrition- Jupiter; Guess my ingredients- Mercury, Table napkin folding- Mars and Venus, Heaviest single fruit- Venus, Garnished cooked food at 9:00 in the morning- Mercury, Table skirting- Venus, Jingle- Mercury, Nutrition Marathon- Venus, Term for points- Uranus (1st year), Pluto (2nd year), Mercury (3rd year),  and Mars (4th year).

The overall winner was Venus, followed by Mars, Mercury, Pluto, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn.(Real Joy Revilla/CampusMedia)

The election of officers for the College Student Government (CSG) of South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) for School Year 2011-2012 was held at the La Sage Auditorium, July 22, 2011. This was intended to provide leadership for the student body in their activities for the current school year.

The election was under the guidance of the SPAC faculty and staff; and participated in by the college student body, and the candidates.

The candidates for the following offices: President, Vice president for Social affairs, VP for Religious affairs, VP Finance, Records Officer, and Public and Information Officer (PIO) under  two partylists wooed the students’ votes were the Students’ Partner for Advancement, Reform, and Excellence (SPARE) and Leading Effectively towards Achieving Development” (LEAD).

SPARE standard bearers were Mr. Randy Leron, a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) student for president; Ms. Ermichelle Flores, 3rd year education student, VP for social affairs. Ms. Flores, who for two consecutive years was a representative during her first year, and a PIO, on her second year.

LEAD’s party nominees for the presidency were Mr Jeff Jeec Elliot, a 4th theology student who was VP for religious affairs the previous semester; Mr. Sanetodela Pena, VP for religious affairs; Mr. Jonas Batersal, VP for social affairs; Ms. HaremyBatersal, VP for Finance; Ms. Er-zephanieCuadra, records officer; and Mr. Jan Jude Bernal, PIO.

“We are committed to leading the SPACians towards excellence,” saidLeron, assuring “honest and trustworthy service to the students through transparency of liquidating records of the money spent for every activity.Leronfuther stressed SPARE’s advocacy of emphasizing active involvement of the whole student body in creating programs for the college through “putting a suggestion box, wherein students will be able to suggest programs and activities, and express their comments addressed to the CSG.”

On the other hand, LEAD’s Jeff Elliot promised the student body that there “will be no boring weekends.”
Right after the speeches of the candidates, the students were led to their designated precincts, each were manned by two COMELEC representatives as guides to assure a smooth flow of the voting process. These representatives were assigned at a precinct where they do not belong.

“We have done enough measures to assure that the election results would be credible and reflect the choice of the students,” concluded Mr. Al Ray Lazado, a COMELEC representative assigned to the BSBA department precinct. (Real Joy A. Revilla/CampusMedia)

MCITE has been a yearly activity of PSITE XI since SY2003-2004. On December 3, 2009, Mr. Arwin Ranola, South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) computer science assistant professor,  presented a research work done my Mr Keith Aaron Batal, a CompSci senior student of  SPAC entitled “Scene-changes Detection using Analysis of Image Sequence.” The MCITE, held at the Holy Cross of Davao College, in Davao City, was participated in by more than a hundred IT educators.

On December 4, the CompSci students of SPAC attended the MCITS. The conference showcased projects and researches of students and updates on the trends and development in IT. During the conference, Mr. Ryann Gilbert Micua, another senior CompSci student, presented his thesis entitled, “Automated Defect Detection for Green Mangoes using Machine Vision.” His presentation got very positive responses from the floor.

A total of 24 schools in Mindanao that offer IT-related courses, were represented by close to thousand students and teachers in the conference. [Alben Labajo]