Romblon State University’s Main Campus became a hub for civic engagement as it hosted the Voters Education Lecture alongside the Satellite Registration and Register Anywhere Program at the RSU Quadrangle.

Hosted by Mariel Mallen, the event was attended by students and faculty members from various colleges at the Main Campus.

The program commenced with an invocation and the national anthem, led by Precious Laika P. Dela Vega, Secretary of the RSU Supreme Student Council, Main Campus.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, University President, emphasized the importance of informed decision-making in shaping governmental leadership.

“Every resident of Romblon must have the capacity and the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their rights and regulations they must abide by, to help them make informed decisions that shape the trajectory of leadership at various government levels,” Pres. Mani said.

She further expressed her gratitude for the collaborative efforts between RSU and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), in holding initiatives such as the Register Anywhere Program and Satellite Registration, which enhance accessibility and convenience in electoral services, ensuring every Romblomanon can exercise their voting rights.
Atty. Gloria G. Ramos-Petallo, Regional Election Director of MIMAROPA, delivered a message emphasizing the significance of voter education and participation in democratic processes.

An intermission number ensued, performed by selected students from the College of Engineering and Technology.

Mr. Dennis M. Servañez, Election Officer III, then introduced the resource speaker, Ms. Ivy D. Evangelista, Information Officer II, who discussed “Voters Education,” covering the intricacies of voters’ rights and responsibilities, as well as crucial insights that all RSUvian voters must gain for their participation in future elections.

The event culminated in the awarding of certificates to RSU and to Pres. Mani, acknowledging the invaluable support of the institution to COMELEC’s Voter Education and Registration Campaign in connection with the agency’s “Resumption of the System of Continuing Registration of Voters for the National and Local Elections.”

In his closing remarks, Attorney Ryan V. Santos, Provincial Election Supervisor of Romblon, commended the university’s initiative in promoting voter awareness and reiterated the importance of active participation in raising awareness of responsible voting as key to success in the seamless conduct of the elections.

Mr. Paul Johann R. Maestre, CMIT II, concluded the event with a closing prayer, invoking blessings for a successful and transparent electoral journey and a continued partnership with RSU.

The Voters Education Lecture and Satellite Registration Program at Romblon State University stand as proof of RSU’s advocacy towards active civic involvement and service to the country with integrity, honor, and excellence.

Photo credits: PIA Romblon

Coastal Clean Up and Blood Letting activities for Valentine’s Day are two different ways for Romblon State University to show love and care for others and the environment.

Today marks the third year of “Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan,” or TSIK, environmental advocacy initiated by the Office of the University President, celebrated every 14th of February, aiming for ecological protection and conservation. This year’s theme, “Love the ocean, clean the coast,” focuses on a coastal cleanup event, an opportuniy for every RSUvian to show their love for the ocean.

Thousands of participants, including students, faculty members, and university staff, came together to clear the beaches of litter and debris in various coastal areas of San Andres, Brgy. Budiong, Brgy. Tabindagat, Brgy. Ligaya, Brgy. Poctoy, and sites of different campuses.

A celebration to give the gift of life this Heart’s Day through bloodletting activity was also initiated with the help of the Health Services Unit of the University in partnership with Philippine Red Cross- Romblon Chapter, Philippine Dental Association-Romblon Chapter, PDOHO, Provincial Government of Romblon, Isaiah Hospital, Romblon Provincial Hospital and Romblon Provincial Blood Council with a total of 73 blood bags collected.

These events, which have become a University’s yearly tradition, aim to preserve the natural beauty and health of the coastlines and oceans while providing the RSU community the opportunity to create a positive impact in the lives of others on Valentine’s Day.
Kudos to all volunteers for today’s successful endeavors.
Padayon Team Romblon State University!

#TipananSaInangKalikasan2023
#RSUBloodDriveonValentines2023
#RSUAdvocacies

A consultative meeting was held today between the Provincial Agriculture Office headed by OIC Engr. Al Fetalver and Romblon State University key officials headed by President Dr. Merian Catajay-Mani to discuss the development of a strategic plan for the agricultural sector of Romblon Province. The meeting which was facilitated by former DA Secretary Atty. Bernie Fondevilla, aimed to address the current issue of the province’s reliance on imports for its agricultural demands and find ways to enhance its local production.

Participants brainstormed and shared their expertise and insights on the challenges and opportunities for the province’s agriculture sector. They discussed various strategies to increase the production of local crops, improve the capacity of farmers, and attract more investments in the sector.

“We are committed to the development of the agricultural sector in Romblon Province. We believe that by working together, we can find solutions to the challenges facing the sector and help the province become more self-sufficient in meeting its agricultural demands,” said Dr. Mani.

The importance of research and technology in improving agricultural practices in the province was emphasized. They also highlighted the need for farmer training and education to enhance their skills and knowledge in modern farming techniques.

The brainstorming session resulted in the prioritization of vegetable production by establishing greenhouses for tomato and bell pepper production. Project proposals with R&D and production components are underway.

This is the first of a series of consultations involving DA and the academe whose results will serve as the foundation for the development of the strategic plan for the agricultural sector of Romblon Province. The plan will provide a roadmap for the province’s efforts to become a major agricultural producer and reduce its reliance on imports.

The “12th SAVE ME National Convention on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Climate Change Adaptation” was held at Romblon State University, marking a national event focused on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation organized by the SAVE ME movement, which took place at the university premises.

2023: Save Me Movement Immersion

Formulating the University’s Vision and Mission is a crucial step toward building and running a successful educational institution. If crafted strategically, clarity and direction on decision-making, resource allocations, and operations management are attained. Otherwise, persistent conflicts will inevitably arise and identifying priorities will be difficult. On top of that, clear Vision and Mission statements are what hold the University stakeholders together. It is only proper that they engage in the systematic review process of the vision and mission that allows for adjustments derived from their ever-changing needs, especially that of the students who are the primary stakeholders.

This endeavor paved the way for the virtual Formulation, Review, and Revision of the RSU Vision and Mission. This was a half-day event held on Zoom attended by University officials, faculty and staff, students, representatives from different government and nongovernment agencies, alumni, parents, and other stakeholders. It geared toward recalibrating and realigning the RSU Vision and Mission to the shifting needs of the stakeholders as well as to the international academic trend such that RSU remains globally competitive in the face of current domestic and international challenges.

Mr. Turner Evon F. de Torres from the University’s Quality Assurance Office moderated the Zoom meeting and started it off with a run-through of the agenda. Thereafter, Dr. Tomas Faminial, Vice President for Administration and Finance, provided an opening remark and welcomed all the participants. The University President, Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, imparted a message that laid stress on the importance of the Vision and Mission in providing a focal point so as to help the stakeholders align with the University and reassure that everyone works toward a common goal. This would lay the groundwork for the efficiency and productivity in the institution, she added. An Audio Visual Presentation was then delivered by the University’s Chief Administrative Officer, Atty. Glenn Niño M. Sartillo after which, an open forum was carried out to give way and opportunity for participants to scrutinize, review, or make recommendations on the formulated Vision and Mission, if there were any.

The participants had a healthy exchange of insights with Dr. Benedict Anatalio from Romblon Provincial Hospital (RPH) raising the question on why resilience and adaptability were not cited in the formulated Vision and Mission given that these attributes are imperative during these changing and challenging times. Mr. Frederick C. Gumabol,

Provincial Director of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), posed the same question and added: “Do you only aim to be an excellent research-based institution?” The University administrators namely Mr. Juniel G. Lucidos, Atty. Sartillo, and Dr. Mani went into detail that resilience and adaptability are parts of the core deliverables and are demonstrated in the University’s goals and objectives. Dr. Mani reiterated that to be globally competitive is to be equally resilient. On another note, pursuit of excellence in research is being emphasized since it was established in the SWOT analysis that research is the University’s weakest point at this time. In addition, Ptr. Andrew Tiaga, President of Foursquare Bible College, pointed out the lack of affective domain in the Vision and Mission statements. He said that the University must produce holistic persons with positive characters and strong values to which Dr. Mani addressed by conferring about RSU’s founding Core Values tagged as SCRIBES which stands for Stewardship, Competence, Resilience, Integrity, Balance, Excellence, and Service. Dr. Mani also spoke briefly of the 6^th facet in the 10-Point Agenda in the context of excellence in human resource after Dr. Gumabol questioned why the University administrators were not mentioned. Dr. Rey P. Ramos, RSU’s Director of International Linkages and External Affairs Office, said that whatever is missing in the Vision and Mission can be found in the Core Values and 10-Point Agenda which were shared on screen by Mr. de Torres for everyone’s reference.

In closing, Dr. Emelyn R. Villanueva, Vice President for Academic Affairs, extended gratitude on behalf of the RSU administration towards the participants for sharing their time and valuable insights.

Summary of Communication Letters Sent to Head of Agencies and Municipalities

 

 

Personal	39
Email	19
TOTAL	58

 

Summary of Attendees

Administrators	43
Faculty	133
Staff	13
Students	85
Other Stakeholders	73
TOTAL	347

 

 

University officials, faculty and staff, students, representatives from different government and nongovernment agencies, alumni, parents, and other stakeholders pose for a photo as the event successfully comes to an end.

Mental Wellness Check: A Psychological Needs Evaluation for 2nd Year Students was conducted by the Guidance and Counseling Services – RSU headed by Director Jun P. Dalisay, PhD, RGC with the support of Dr. Jacquelyn Rose A. Fajilagutan, Ms. Charry F. Mayuga, Ms. Rowelyn D. Galicia, and Ms. Lorena V. Moreno.

This mental health activity aims to provide psychological testing and group counseling services to 2nd year students to help them understand their psychological needs, unload their emotional burdens, and learn better coping strategies.