With the theme "Celebrating DSSC Culture Today and Beyond”, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) celebrated 4th Founding Anniversary as another milestone of the college on February 21, 2023, at DSSC Main Campus, Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

As part of the celebration, the event kicked off with a motorcade started from Rizal Park, Rizal Avenue, Digos City, up to DSSC. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Patrick Muckian of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

DSSC celebrated its 4th founding anniversary to remind the students and the DSSC community about the humble beginnings of this educational institution.

Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, DSSC President, delivered her message via Zoom call, live from Japan. She expressed her joy for the competence of the people to manage such important event while she conquers international ground, carrying the name of DSSC. She happily shared her gains while in Japan and her hopes for the college to be internationally recognized. She also conveyed that DSSC must "keep moving".

Meanwhile, Dr. Luciano D. Nasibog, Vice President for Administration and Finance, gave his welcome address as he acknowledged the presence of the college deans and office heads, academic and administrative personnel, students, as well as the special guests, Congressman John Tracy F. Cagas represented by Mr. Julius James Delos Cientos, Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas represented by Mr. Charles Ryan Cababat, and Dr. Hang Lee, ASEAN P2A Director, who extended her congratulatory message via AVP.

This celebration also highlighted rewards and recognition among college employees. There were academic and administrative personnel awarded loyalty awards for their service to the government for more than a decade. This year, the following personnel were awarded for their remarkable service: Prof. Emily E. De la Cruz, 10 years of service; Dr. Meliza P. Alo, 15 years of service; Ms. Lilibeth L. Gemilga, 20 years of service; Dr. Marilou C. Sabud and Ms. Salome S. Garciano, 30 years of service; and Dr. Alexander M. Campaner, 40 years of service.

Further, Dr. Campaner gave his short inspirational message and extended his gratitude for the recognition received, stating his loyalty to the college, most especially to his work and loyalty to the students. Also, he challenged everyone to work harder to help achieve DSSC's dream of becoming a university.

Other rewards given were the Institute Excellence Award, received by the Institute of Teacher Education (ITEd), which produced the very first topnotcher of DSSC, Mr. Novie James D. Luige. This was followed by the Best Organizational Unit Award; Best Institute for Extension Award; Best Institute for Research Award, Certificate of Recognition for Master’s Thesis-Research Presentation Award, Certificate of Recognition for Partners and Stakeholders, Excellent Student Award, and ended with the announcement of the Mini-Olympics overall champion. 

Dr. Mark Jude F. Trondillo, Director for Research, Development, and Innovation, concluded the event with his closing remarks, stating his appreciation for everyone’s effort in making the weeklong celebration successful. (Cyril Abuloc/DSSC PRIO)

Photo credit: DSSC Chronicles