Seated (Left to Right): CIBT-SSEC Philippines Manager for Academics and Operations Ms. Noemi J. Cancio; CIBT-SSEC Philippines Country Director Mr. Aron Aytona; CIT University Vice President for Administration Mr. John Gregory B. Escario; CIBT Edcuation Group Philippines Manager for Institutional Development and Partnerships Mr. Daniel J. Macusi Jr. Standing (Left to Right): CIT University Officials: Department of Hospitality Management Chair Mr. Johannes M. Tecarro; Networking and Linkages Office Head Engr. Concordia C. Bacalso ; College of Computer Studies Dean Prof. Cherry Lyn Sta. Romana; College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Nona B. Suerte; College of Nursing Dean Dr. Judith D. Ismael; College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Dr. Evangeline C. Evangelista; Management Information Systems Director Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor; and College of Commerce Dean Dr. Alexander Franco Delantar.

Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Canadian Institute of Business and Technology (CIBT) Group, holding company for Sprott Shaw College, a Canadian educational institution with extensive expertise and focus on the global education sector.  Sprott Shaw College is one of the largest and oldest private post-secondary institutions in western Canada with 12 campuses and global presence in 18 countries. Sprott Shaw’s group of colleges offers certificate, diploma, and degree programs in a wide variety of industries such as healthcare, tourism and hospitality, business, social development, and the trades.

The partnership aims to enhance and widen CIT University’s course offerings by introducing to Cebu City’s HRM professionals and practitioners, its own HRM and Tourism students, and those of other schools, internationally-recognized certifications in the fields of hospitality and tourism management from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). Since its establishment in 1953, the AHLEI is the premier source for delivering quality hospitality education, training and professional certification that serves the needs of hospitality schools and industries worldwide.  Professional Certifications are primary credentials required by international and premier hotels and restaurants for their professional and career staff requirements.

The newly-forged agreement would also ensure that the training and validation for HRM certifications would be affordable to Filipino HRM professionals, students, and would-be OFWs.

The partnership also offers CIT students the opportunity to experience paid co-op programs in Canada, where the student will get to complete a combination study and work experience with Canadian employers. The Sprott Shaw paid co-op programs are available for students wishing to pursue a career in hotel and restaurant management, tourism, or business. In addition, CIT students are offered opportunities to augment their earned diploma or degree with those of Canada.

CIT will be launching the CERTIFIED GUEST SERVICE PROFESSIONAL (CGSP), FRONT OFFICE OPERATIONS, MANAGING FOOD & BEVERAGE OPERATIONS, and GAMING SECURITY by May and June of this year, as its first few AHLEI Professional Certification courses offered with Sprott Shaw College.  A string of Professional Certifications from the AHLEI is the ultimate distinction of professional excellence for the hospitality industry.  AHLEI certifies and validates competencies, in conjunction with academia and industry experts for over 35 positions in the hospitality industry; designations from front-line to general manager, including the prestigious CHA – the Certified Hotel Administrator.

The Level II First Reaccreditation visit was conducted last February 21-23, 2012.

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The Chiba Prefectural Ichikawa Technical High School in Japan and Cebu Institute of Technology – University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the CIT University conference room on January 4, 2013.

Mr. Yuji Ono, Principal of Ichikawa Technical High (ITH), visited the campus to sign the agreement and meet with university officials. Vice President for Administration Mr. John Gregory Escario, on behalf of University President Mr. Gregorio Escario, welcomed Mr. Ono and represented the university during the ceremonial signing.

With this MOU, the two academic institutions’ collaboration, which started three years ago, is further strengthened.

The MOU sealed the school partnership agreement on industrial education between the two academic institutions. The purpose of the agreement is ‘to promote friendship, mutual understanding, and industrial skills through cooperative research’.

With this partnership, ITH’s selected teachers and students and CIT University’s high school students, assisted by the students and faculty of the Civil Engineering Department, shall engage in ‘joint research studies, presentation of research results, technology exchange, and cultural exchange’.

The MOU is valid from December 1, 2012 until March 31, 2014.

Collaborative History

The history of collaboration started with the establishment of the International Exchange Activity Program between the Civil Engineering Department of the CIT and IHT in 2009.

Dr. Nobuyoshi Yashima, volunteer instructor of IHT as well as engineering professor of Nihon University, have conducted talks with Civil Engineering Department Chair Engr. Rowena Alviola to discuss a joint experiment since 2009.

The two institutions then agreed to conduct a multi-faceted study involving the use of inexpensive bamboo reinforced concrete that can better endure earthquakes and other natural disasters in application to the settings of the two local communities in Narashino and Cebu City.

Narashino is located in the Chiba prefecture, east central of Honshu, Tokyo Bay, Japan. It is a newly developed suburb of Tokyo and has a large metals industry.

The study involved three phases: conduct of seismic diagnosis research, culture exchange and campus visits, and community extension and disaster prevention activity project.

School and Project Area Visits

Dr. Yashima visited CIT in May 2010 for observations of bamboo strength and preparation of wood houses in collaboration with CIT’s Civil Engineering and Architecture Departments.

In August 2010, he returned together with eight Nihon University students to survey and conduct test trials of bamboo reinforced concretes in the specified poverty area within Cebu City.

In return, Engr. Alviola has a five-day trip to Japan from October 24-28, 2010. She visited Nihon University’s three campuses – Funabishi, Tokyo, and Narashino. She gave lectures, exchanged test results, and learned from discussions with IHT and Nihon University.

Multiple visits to the Philippines were done by Dr. Yashima from 2010- 2012. Dr. Yashima’s and Engr. Alviola’s classes have also continued academic exchanges via the web/ internet.

Finally, in August 2012, IHT principal Mr. Yuji Ono, together with three instructors, visited the campus to present their school to CIT University school officials which paved the way for discussions of an extensive collaboration.

Later, Dr. Yashima came to Cebu from November 14- December 4, 2012. He also conducted a short lecture of their ongoing project with Engr. Alviola to senior and junior high school students of CIT University.

Future Plans

With the MOU set in place, IHT students are set to visit the Philippines and the CIT University campus in August 2013. Lectures, research presentations, and cultural programs are currently being planned for the event.

Cebu Institute of Technology – University’s contingent won as the Grand Prize winner with a 99% score in the Aboitiz Foundation’s inter-collegiate fashion competition dubbed as ‘Green Fashion Revolution’ at SM City Trade Hall on September 21, 2012.

CIT University’s Supreme Student Government (SSG) partnered with PICE – CIT University student chapter to showcase 10 Technologian models wearing black outfits made from rolled test booklet sheets and other recyclable materials.

Philip Jun Celerinos (BSCE- 5) designed the ten edgy-looking outfits.

In addition, Technologian Nathaniel Tiu (BSEM- 2) won as the Best Male Model.

The team won Php20,000 cash prize and Php40,000 Community Project Fund which would be used to implement its projects for the university’s partner community, Barangay Labangon.

In the recently released April 2012 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination, 4 out of 11 topnotchers (there was a tie at 9th place) came from CIT University. Technologians Junclar Curit placed 2nd; Anthony Amistoso, 7th; Julito Añora, Jr., 8th; and Webbe Villacarlos, 9th.

Although the university manages to produce an average of 10 topnotchers annually, having four topnotchers in a single licensure exam is a phenomenal achievement.

April has been a fruitful month for CIT. Technologians Gengen Padillo placed 8th in the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) – Elementary and Robie Christopher No-ay placed 9th in the Registered Master Electrician licensure exam which are both conducted by the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC).

“We have been closely taking note of these numbers as they gauge whether or not the institution has maintained the quality of education that it is constantly pursuing,” said Mr. John Gregory Escario, Vice-President for Administration, “so far, we are happy for the successes of our Technologian graduates. More than anything else, they have proven to themselves that even the highest goals can be achieved with persistence and diligence.”

Technologian graduates who excel in their field’s licensure exams are invited by CIT President Mr. Gregorio L. Escario for a courtesy call to personally congratulate and give them gift checks.

ATTENTION All Alumni based in North America (USA, Canada) and other nearby countries abroad:

The CIT University Alumni Association Las Vegas Chapter invites everyone to the 12th International Conference of the Cebu Institute of Technology – University Alumni Association (CITAA) to be held at Monte Carlo Resort, 3770. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on May 25, 26 and 27, 2012.

“Today’s Dreamers, Tomorrow’s Achievers” is the theme of the conference. Conference speakers will focus on issues about application of information technology, health care and immigration.

The CIT University Debate Team won the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Debate Competition Championship 2012.

The team emerged victorious in the final round against University of Cebu (UC) in the proposition, ‘Resolved, That Carbon Taxing be Implemented in the Philippines’. The final face-off between the two universities was held at the Cebu Doctor’s University North Reclamation campus, Mandaue City on March 2, 2012.

The team was composed of the following debaters: Joseph James Bacayo, 1st speaker (CESAFI Debate Championship 2012 Best Debater); Mikhail Sean Bellones, 2nd speaker; Jacques Ian David Estola, 3rd speaker; and Harold Ondangan, Rebuttalist (CESAFI Debate 2012 Best Rebuttalist). Atty. Ferdinand Berongoy was the main coach; Atty. Jaime Gonzales, assistant coach.

Immediately after the event, Vice-President for Administration Mr. John Gregory Escario and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Atty. Corazon Evangelista-Valencia personally congratulated the debate team.

Prior to the final round, the team also bagged the following awards in the elimination and semi-final rounds:

Semi-final Round: CIT vs. CDU (Winner: CIT)
Special Awards
Best Debater : Joseph James Bacayo
Best Rebuttalist : Harold Ondangan

Elimination Round: CIT vs. USJR (Winner: CIT)
Special Awards
Best Speaker : Jacques Ian David Estola
Best Debater : Mikhail Sean Redula Bellones
Best Rebuttalist : Harold Ondangan

The Cebu Institute of Technology – University Alumni Association (CITAA) successfully celebrated their 62^nd Grand Alumni Reunion last March 4, 2012 at the CIT University Gymnasium.

Hosted by Dr. Arsenio Pacaña, the event drew around 200 alumni coming from different batches. In the morning, a Eucharistic celebration was held by Rev. Emilio L. Bataclan, D.D.

After the sumptuous lunch, CIT University Vice-President for Administration Mr. John Gregory Escario gave a speech and thanked the alumni for the continuous support in the administration’s academic and non-academic programs.

Engrs. Venancio Besavilla and Charlie Ng presented plaques of appreciation to the guest speaker as well as CITAA past presidents.

The following CITAA elected officers for 2012-2014 will convene in a few weeks to elect their new President and board members: Venancio Besavilla, Jr., Charlie Ng, Gliceria Genevieve Arias, Lynn Gloria Madrona, Julius Abella, Marcelino Arcenas, Rufilo Toledo, Freddie Campos, Lorenzo Gumpay, Renato Rallos, Ruben Dela Torre, Danilo Villa, Edilberto Uy, Thomasito Buno and Elro Delos- Reyes.

For more information, please contact Shirley at +63 (32) 505-6303 or +63 (32) 514-2997.

 

Mr. Navares receives his TOCCYL Outstanding Youth Professional 2012 award from Hon. Sisinio Andales

The Cebu City Government awarded CIT University Industrial Engineering Department Chair Engr. Alein Navares as an Outstanding Youth Professional in the search for The Outstanding Cebu City Youth Leaders (TOCCYL) 2012. In celebration of the 75th Cebu City Charter Day, the awarding ceremony was held at the Sinulog Hall, Rizal Memorial Library and Museum on February 23, 2012.

The Search aimed ‘to give due recognition to Cebuano Professional Youth Leaders who have excelled in their field of endeavors [sic] and have significantly contributed to the Cebu City Community.’ The criteria included: Leadership (30 pts.), Community Involvement (20 pts.), Socio/Civic Affiliation (15 pts.), Contribution to other fields (15 pts.), and Contribution to his/her Field (20pts.). The judges came from the Cebu City Youth Development Commission.

Last year, Engr. Navares also received the Outstanding Youth Leadership Award (OYLA) for Education category given by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP). On behalf of His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III, keynote speaker of the opening ceremony and representative of the 3rd District of Pangasinan, Hon. Ma. Rachel J. Arenas, handed the award. Engr. Navares joined seven other awardees in the awarding ceremony held on the first day of the 12th International Youth Day (IYD) Celebration and Conference at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center in Ilo-Ilo City from August 3- 7, 2011. He was the sole awardee coming from Cebu.

Students Roxanne M. Hernaez (IE-4) and Irish Mae E. Anoos (IE-5) were also finalists in the Search for The Outstanding Cebu City Youth Leaders (TOCCYL) for the Community Leadership and College Student categories, respectively.

CIT University’s Community Extension Services (CES), together with the CIT University Alumni
Association, Inc. (CITAA), turned over four sewing machines for the use of the adopted barangays’ Rug
Making Project.

In addition to the sewing machines, CES received cash donations worth $800 from the Feed the Hungry,
Inc. volunteers.

The formal turnover ceremony was held at the Office of the President Mr. Gregorio Escario on February
9, 2012. CES Head Ms. Luni Villacastin, CITAA Cebu Main Chapter President Engr. Venancio I. Besavilla ,
Jr., BSCE ’68, College of Education Dean Dr. Arsenio Pacaña, and officers of CITAA Board of Directors
were present on the said occasion.

The four sewing machines serve as CITAA’s initial donations to the Community Extension’s Rug Making
Project. An addition of five sewing machines will be given to complete the needed equipment for the
Rug Making Project. These machines, to be stationed in the CES Training Center, will be readily available

for use to the adopted barangays. Parallel trainings and development programs will also given to
provide the skills needed.

Mr. Escario thanked Engr. Besavilla and the officers of the CITAA Board of Directors who were present
on behalf of the many benevolent alumni from the local and international CITAA chapters.

CES will be supervising the use of the equipment for Sitios Callejon and Bonbonan. The cash donations
will be used for other sustainable projects and developmental programs.