Romblon State University celebrated the month of love through the initiative, Tipanan sa Inang Kalikasan 2026, which commenced at the RSU Quadrangle on February 13.

With the theme, “The Global Tipanan: Bridging Cultures, Sustaining Earth, Empowering the Youth Leaders of Tomorrow,” the initiative convened university officials, faculty members, and students to celebrate Valentine’s Day while demonstrating the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship through collective action.

The event began with a solemn opening prayer led by Mr. Julysses P. Llacer, Head of the Volunteerism Unit, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem through an audio-visual presentation (AVP).

Dr. Gianinna Elaine M. Labicane, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, delivered her opening remarks by laying out the different activities anchored in the event, celebrating the month of love. She also encouraged everyone to continue caring for the environment not only in the event but also in everyday living.

A message of support was given by Prof. Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, University President, relating self-love, mental health, and well-being to love for mother nature. President Mani said, "When we are mentally healthy and physically healthy, then it's not impossible for us to embrace positive attitude. Thus we can easily exercise and practice how to reduce, how to reuse, and how to recycle things that we use daily."

Subsequently, the newly developed and innovative RSU website was launched by Mr. Ricky Michael M. Olivia, faculty member of College of Computing and Multimedia Arts and Digital Innovation highlighting its services and features which is designed for efficient and smooth assistance for the RSU community. He also introduced the new RSUvians' classmate, RIA— the University's digital companion, and presented a demonstration of the functions and capabilities of RIA.

The highlight of the program was the motivational and informative message of Mr. Dave D. Lota, Head of SDG Center and the guest speaker of the event, emphasizing the significant roles and responsibilities of the university in shaping the values of students in leadership. Mr. Lota said, "A university do not just teach the future, they shape it." He also outlined the various initiatives undertaken by the university to demonstrate its commitment to promoting and advocating for environmental sustainability. "A real love includes care, protection, and also responsibility," said Mr. Lota.

Afterwards, the students affirmed their commitment in caring out their responsibility in caring and protecting the environment to have a vibrant institution for more generations to come through a pledge of commitment led by President Mani.

The Vice President for Research Extension Development and Innovation, Dr. Eddie Fetalvero, offered a clarification statement about the issue in land ownership between the provincial government and Romblon State University, emphasizing the Republic Act no. 9721 and its validity in support to the rights of RSU. He also encouraged everyone to stand united in protecting and preserving the ownership of the land for RSUvians and the generations to come.

The program concluded with a message of encouragement for students to care and give service to the environment given by Engr. Raymund G. Inocencio, Director Special Projects and Advocacy Office, a picture opportunity together with the university staff and students, and the singing of the RSU hymn.

via Andrea Cusap
// photos by Alaisa Mae Reloj