The new CIT University Seal was unveiled before a jam-packed crowd during the University Inauguration and celebration at the CIT gymnasium on July 22, 2010.

Vice-presidents Atty. Corazon Evangelista-Valencia (Academic Affairs) and John Gregory L. Escario (Administration), on behalf of CIT President Gregorio Escario, led the unveiling of the new seal to mark CIT’s elevation to university status.

The new CIT University seal retains many of the elements of the older one. The founding year, 1946, is now placed in the uppermost portion of the inner circle to reflect the long and remarkable history of excellence. The text ‘University’ replaces the portion originally occupied by the campus’ location.

The memorable unveiling was preceded by Atty. Valencia’s moving speech. Her presentation narrated the continuous resolve of the institution to blaze new trails, starting in 1946 as CIT became a significant partner of the Filipino community in the post-war reconstruction efforts, up to the recent decades, which was marked by the exemplary performance in instruction, research, and public service. She compared CIT to a wine better matured to perfection because it was left in the oak barrel. CIT, like the unbranded wine in the oak barrel, was quietly fermented with rich history and culture for many decades, and now ripened and better appreciated by the rest of the world.

The production numbers given by the different colleges were another highlight of the event.

Present during the event were Col. & Mrs. Rodolfo A. Lizares, Jr., GSC, Dr. & Mrs. Abdias Villamor, Mr. John Gregory B. Escario, Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, Engr. Rodolfo Luis S. Lizares III, Engr. Gretchen L. Tormis, Ms. Ria Villamor, other invited guests, school officials, faculty, and students.

Prior to the program, a thanksgiving mass was held in the same venue.

The university status privilege was given in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722 otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994”, and by virtue of Resolution No. 165-2010 dated July 7, 2010 of the Commission en banc.

Present during the formal conferment ceremony held at the CHED central office in Quezon City, Philippines were the following CHED officials and CIT University representatives: CHED Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles; CHED Office of Programs and Standards Director Dr. Felizardo Y. Francisco; CHED Office of Quality Management OIC Dr. Libertad P. Garcia; CHEDRO VII Director Dr. Amelia A. Biglete; CIT University Vice-President for Academic Affairs Atty. Corazon Evangelista-Valencia; and CIT University College of Commerce Dean and ETEEAP Director Dr. Alexander Franco A. Delantar.

The institution also submitted to CHED its new official name, Cebu Institute of Technology – University, which may be shortened to CIT University.

Name Retention

In an interview, John Gregory Escario, Vice-President for Administration, said that the decision to retain the name ‘Cebu Institute of Technology’ or CIT has been the result of careful deliberations with the institution’s stakeholders, especially with the Cebu Institute of Technology Alumni Association (CITAA).

“The school has decided to carry on with the familiar CIT acronym because of its strong recall and value,” Escario said. “The name is significant to the whole Technologian community because it symbolizes the continuing legacy of excellence, goodwill, and noble reputation.”

The designation ‘Institute of Technology’ as applied to an education of higher learning is commonly used in many countries, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) in Australia. Traditionally, institutes of technology refer to engineering schools or technical colleges.

Hence, to avoid redundancy in the terms ‘institute’ and ‘university’ which are both found within the formal long name, the title ‘CIT University’ will be used when referring to the institution in most press-related documents, billboards, and/ or external correspondences.

Immediate Plans

“Essentially, becoming a university translates to more visibility. This also means accepting a broader range of responsibilities beyond the four walls of the campus”, Escario said.

Escario mentioned the expansion and improvement of the trilogy of academic functions – research, community extension, and instruction – as the alma mater’s immediate plan. CIT University also plans to blaze new trails in the hard sciences and research as part of her core competency.

“We are grateful for this yet-another historic milestone as this serves as an affirmation of our vision of becoming a world-class academic institution continuously developing highly skilled, values driven, and competitive Technologians,” added Escario, “We will continue to deliver the same, if not improved, brand of education that CIT has always been known for.”

Other Awards and Recognitions

The Commission on Higher Education also conferred to Cebu Institute of Technology – University the Deregulated Status in 2009, Category A(t) – Mature Teaching Institution classification under the Institutional Quality Assurance through Monitoring and Evaluation (IQuAME) framework in 2008, and the Center of Excellence in Information Technology Education award in 2007.

In 1980, the Cebu City Government awarded CIT as the Most Outstanding Private Institution of Learning and, again in 2008, as an Outstanding Institution.

Last year, the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) recognized the institution as the member-school with the highest number of accredited programs in Region VII.

Events

A campus-wide University Inauguration and celebration was held on Thursday, July 22, 2010. Other celebratory events connected to the granting of the university status will follow suit in the next months.

Cebu Institute of Technology – University is located at N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City.

The successful Technologian examinees are the following: Nikki Marjorie M. Emboy, King G. Dabodabo, Vincent L. Labrador, and Nitzi A. Sinahan

The national passing rate as reported by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for the recent exam is at 45.9%, which is lesser compared to the November 2009 test wherein 52.94%of exam takers passed.

The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Sofitel Hotel, Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on May 29. Registration for the oath-taking ceremony and for membership with the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PiChe) shall take place after the registration as professional with the Board and the Commission.

In Cebu City, CIT is one of only two institutions offering a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. CIT prides in being the first to offer the course in 1946, making it the oldest existing Chemical Engineering Department in the metropolis.

Metante visited CIT for a courtesy call with CIT President Mr. Gregorio L. Escario on April 20, 2010. Also present during the visit were Vice-President for Administration Mr. John Gregory B. Escario, Vice-President for Academic Affairs Atty. Corazon Evangelista-Valencia, Director for Management Information Systems and Student Personnel Services Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture Dr. Evangeline C. Evangelista, and Chair of the Department of Electronics Engineering Engr. Susana A. Tan.

Mr. Escario congratulated Metante for his commendable achievement. The President encouraged him to further hone his skills and knowledge by applying for higher studies and servicing to the needs of the competitive global industry.

The President also acknowledged the continuous dedication and effort of the ECE Department’s faculty represented by its Chair, Engr. Tan. During the October 2009 ECE board exam, CIT also produced a first placer, Engr. Rizaldo Fuentes.

Warm felicitations also go to the following successful examinees:

* Abao, Ivan Z.
* Alba, Lynette J.
* Aglibot, Butch Angelo A.
* Baldesco, Danie D.
* Babiera, Armando II P.
* Dadula, George Michael A.
* Dominguez, Dexter D.
* Joseph, Ryan Bernie L.
* Lebosada, Ricky O.
* Mondano, Ericson S.
* Mordeno, Jhasiel C.
* Naquila , Stephen P.
* Saramosing, Bryan J.

The complete list of other passers can be viewed at PRC’s official website: http://www.prc.gov.ph/examresults.

The Technical Panels composed of academicians, practitioners, representatives of professional organizations and appropriate government agencies serve as advisory and consultative bodies to the Commission. These groups of specialists/experts of the discipline assist the CHED to formulate policies and standards for higher education programs. Members of the CHED Technical Panel are chosen through nominations from educational association, professional association, business and industry sector, non-government organizations, and government organizations.

Dean Sta. Romana was nominated by the Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE). She is currently one of the National Board Members of PSITE and a prime mover in the founding of PSITE Region 7. She is also actively involved in the activities and projects of the Cebu Educational Development for Information Technology (CEDF-IT) and the Computing Society of the Philippines (CSP).

CIT considers the appointment of Dean Sta. Romana as another recognition of the institution’s contribution to the Philippine educational system being a Center of Excellence in IT Education.

(taken from CIT Update Vol. 4 Issue 5)

CIT garnered a passing percentage of 57%, with 31 passers out of 54 examinees. The national passing percentage of the said exam is 53%. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted the test in Cebu and in Manila on March 27 & 28, 2009 and released the result the day after, on March 29, 2010.

Warm felicitations go to the following Technologian passers:

* ABELLA , JAYSON M
* ALCOBA , JIMMY M
* AMANCIO , RICHARD B
* ANOG , JAY LAWRENCE E
* ANTIDO , JOHN DEXTER E
* BACORDIO , JERRY P
* BIATINGO , ANDREW A
* BITANG , RAY GREAGORY S
* CABONITA , NIEL D
* CAVADA , MERC NATHANIEL C
* FELISARTA , FRANCISCO A
* GETUTUA , NELSON Z
* GOMEZ , ALDRIN F
* JAGNA , MARK JAYCEL P
* JAVIER , FRANKLIN JR N
* LAWAN , ALJAMES G
* MARAÑON , DARYLL B
* MARQUEZ , WILSON A
* MELECIO , ARJIE T
* MIRA , RYAN ANTHONY C
* OAMINAL , KIRBY O
* PAUSAL , ROMIL A
* PON , JEFFREY T
* RICAMATA , JOHN BRAY E
* RICO , VICENTE ISABELO J
* RUELO , MICHAEL TOM G
* SOREÑO , JOEL A
* TORRES , MICAMEL Q
* VILLARINO , DEANMARTIN C
* YBAÑEZ , JORIC H
* YBURAN , CHARLITO C

During the October 2009 ME exam, Technologian Mark Cecil Tano placed fourth with a rating of 87.80% in the topnotcher’s list. CIT President Mr. Gregorio L. Escario personally congratulated Tano in a courtesy visit. (Please see related article here: http://www.cit.edu/v4/?p=319). CIT was also included among the top performing schools in the April 2008 and April 2009 ME board exams.

The oathtaking ceremony for the latest successful examinees will be held before the Philippine Board of Mechanical Engineering in Manila on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. This will also be attended by passers from the previous exams who have not taken their oaths as professionals.

Of Ice Cream, Ropes and Butterflies

Four days seemed too short for a time of learning, Eureka moments, unlimited ice cream, rope courses, interaction with Ayala executives, and the start of lasting friendships with the country’s 80 best student leaders. These four days however also seemed like forever, for this was the time I was at my happiest and most passionate towards what I always wanted to do with the life I am blessed with.

As I first stepped into the hallways of the congress venue, the San Miguel Training Center in Alfonso, Cavite, I went into anticipation mode, piqued by the congress theme, “Ako: Pagbabago!” For juxtaposed with it, the wry old lament came to my mind: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but nobody thinks of changing himself.” Sure enough, promising to be more than a breath of fresh air from days of staring at calculators, books and computers, the 12th Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) came as a kind of truly life-changing opportunity. It became for me a vehicle for better directing my mind and spirit toward a long-felt calling: making a positive contribution to my community, to my country and to the world at large. And this only meant that I had to start with making a change in myself.

Ironically, I had almost given up joining. I remember that very day when I had to rush the papers and requirements to beat the deadline for application. I had to run to the nearest LBC outlet mere minutes before it closed on the day of the deadline. I knew how much I wanted this, but in life I had long tempered my hopes with the realization that some things just are not meant to be mine. I also recall being frustrated long before, for I thought I could no longer have the chance to apply, considering that, for the longest time, the organizers had, for some reason, stopped accepting applicants from our school. Still, perhaps the drive behind every Technologian — to always do ordinary things extraordinarily — pushed me not to give up on this dream. Surprisingly, just when I had one year left before graduation, which was the first requirement (one had to be in his or her junior year) to join the congress, AYLC opened its doors again to CIT. Coincidence? No, I say it was meant to be.

In CNN Hero Efren Peñaflorida’s talk about how he personified change came that momentous event, and practically every second of it was life-changing. He fueled the burning passion in us and exhorted us to step out of our comfort zones and of the four walls of our classrooms. He called on us to dream dreams that are larger than life, and to hold on to those dreams. He showed us what it means to lead by example and how to lead with impact. He told us that we are heroes ourselves, and that one can always aspire to be the best hero that the world deserves to have. Nationally known personalities also gave us a different perspective about the society we are in, and that meant remaining idealistic while recognizing the realities along the way. These change champions shared the best examples of their genuine servant-leadership in their respective spheres of influence and proved that one does not necessarily have to move mountains in order to effect positive change. One only needs to have the heart to lead and serve, recognizing at all times that one can always do something and do his or her share. “Dream big, but do it little by little.” Eventually, making a difference will not only be a fragrant expression but also a phenomenon that, like a caterpillar waiting to turn into a butterfly, is coming to reveal its wonder and beauty.

The entire experience has led me to the realization that in order to witness concrete change in the world, one really needs to be the change he or she expects the world to become. On the last afternoon of the congress, I wrote this in my personal covenant: “…a different Alan was revealed — someone who isn’t afraid to take risks, who leads and follows, who speaks and listens, and who recognizes his strengths and weaknesses best.” The congress also sparked in me the gratitude for how blessed I am with the life I have today, along with the commitment of helping others who do not live lives as blessed as mine. This event signified to me that unity and camaraderie among Filipinos is indeed possible, breaking biases of race, religion, age, or ethnicity. We may be divided by water and land, but as long as we envision one goal, we can always work toward the greater good.

The congress was an experience I would be hard put to exchange for anything else. But some things have to end for others to begin. The culmination of those four days only meant the beginning of us 81 student leaders finally throwing our starfishes, realizing our butterflies, and making change our way of life.

BANYUHAY (Bagong Anyo ng Buhay) — this was what we coined as the name of our batch, for the term symbolizes the metamorphosis we all have to go through individually and as companions of each other’s leadership stories. Now I have learned to look at a butterfly not in the simple way I used to as a child. The sight of a butterfly already serves as a reminder of my life’s greatest passions and of what I have committed to do in the coming years. Likewise, I now look at my life in a different manner — that it is for a bigger, brighter, and more meaningful purpose. The challenge for me is in how to be a living testimony to this congress, how to be a change champion myself and how to be a hero in my own way.

I also pay tribute to every person who has believed in me, who has been and will continue to be a part of my leadership story, and who, in one way or another, has done his or her share in shaping me into who I am at present. What I can offer in return is the assurance that I will continue to strive to become a positive factor to the school and to the community.

Today, as I recall all the wonderful memories, I know life has just created an important milestone for us 81 young and dedicated individuals who now share the same commitment and responsibility to see a better country, a country that all Filipinos deserve and take pride in, filled with understanding and mutual respect.

Alan Angelo Llevares
BSCpE-4
Cebu Institute of Technology
Delegate, 12th Ayala Young Leaders Congress

The 2010 Asian Designers Collection is a showcase of nine fashion designers from Asian countries and four designers from the New Designer Fashion Grand Prix of Japan. It is part of the week-long celebration of the 10th Japan Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010 from March 22- 28, 2010.

“The Japan Fashion Week committee reviewed my portfolio early last year, visited me here in Cebu by mid-November, then confirmed my participation in the event,” narrates Ao of how he was chosen.

In the fashion industry, Ao is known for his ingenious take on deconstruction and fascination for textures, layers, and asymmetry. His latest collection is based on the works of Egon Schiele – a 20th century figurative painter.

The concept is Mutilate, to make imperfect by exercising or altering parts, and aims to seek new uses of common design elements. The color black and beige represents the periods of highs and lows of imperfection and alteration, wherein every garment is represented. The collection confronts the limitations of fashions, wherein new silhouettes will be introduced. It will be in distorted forms, lopsided, asymmetrical lines, voluminous, undulating wavy lines and curve, change in motions and surrealism. The collection presents a tailored approach where each garment is dynamical, undulating, architectural and structured without sacrificing the clothes’ wearability.

Ao has represented the country in two different international competitions before: in Concourse International Des Jeunes Cretuers De Mode (The International Young Fashion Designers Competition) held in Paris, France, 2000; and the Asian Young Fashion Designers contest in Singapore, 2005. He has also contributed his collections in several metrowear series in Manila. He carries the label ‘Guerilla’ in Japan.

Designing since his college days, he credits many of his know-how from his experience working as an assistant for Cebu-based designer Arcy Gayatin.

“Students tend to be very complacent in their studies. To achieve considerable distinction in the [fashion] industry, one must not only have talent, but must also be able to put a lot of hard work and dedication in learning the craft.”, advises Ao.

Professor Ao currently teaches design and color, and visual merchandising for the graphics and media classes in CIT.

The 2010 World Youth Scrabble Championship in Manila is expected to draw in Scrabble players from 22 participating countries worldwide, including: Australia, Britain, USA, India, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Alcovendas emerged champion in the first Word Youth Scrabble Championship – Visayas qualifying tournament which was held at the
University of Visayas last March 5, 2010. He gained the top spot with 13 points, giving him the lead among the other 37 participants from the top competitive schools in Cebu and the Visayas.

He will be joined by the 2nd – 5th placers during the event and the representatives from Luzon and Mindanao in representing the
Philippines in the World Youth Scrabble Championship on December.

Alcovendas had also won the Most Outstanding Athlete (Visayas) for Scrabble during the 2008 Milo Little Olympics.

On January 21, 2010, Engr. Romeo S. Jurani, Founder & President of Jurani Living Trust and Scholarship Foundation, paid a courtesy visit to Vice-President for Academic Affairs Atty. Corazon Evangelista-Valencia to talk about the enrichment of the Teacher’s Incentive Program.

During the visit, Engr. Jurani promised to continue co-sponsoring CIT’s Teacher’s Incentive Program which is given annually to outstanding faculty members in the tertiary level.

A philanthropist, Engr. Romeo S. Jurani is a Bachelor of Mining Engineering alumnus of 1964.

The 2009 awardees will be recognized during the Gala Night of the 11th CITAA International Reunion and Homecoming at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City on May 22, 2010.

The 2008 program was sponsored as well by Dr. Rinly Gecosala, president of Gecosala Medical Foundation. The awarding took place during the CIT Christmas Party ’08 at Grand Majestic Convention Center on December 11, 2008.

Three faculty members were awarded Best in Student Evaluation: Engr. Suzette Pacaña, Civil Engineering Dept.; Mr. Sandro Villareal, College of Nursing; and Mrs. Rosalina Dacuno-Dumaguit, College of Arts and Sciences. The Quality Achievement Award was also given to Mr. Sandro Villareal.

Jurani Living Trust Scholarship Foundation also supports nine college scholars this year.