News and Updates

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY (PIO) – ZPPSU President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral, along with other university chiefs in Zamboanga Peninsula, signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of a regional research and development consortium in the archipelago, with Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, held in San Miguel Manila yesterday, July 07. The group is set to be known as “Mainstreaming Innovation for Agri-Fishery Research and Development Consortium – Zamboanga Peninsula (MInA RDC – ZamPen). Through MInA RDC – ZamPen, this seeks to address deficiencies in food research and innovation by facilitating access to research and development (R&D) funding, utilizing R&D infrastructure and support services such as Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories, Regional Sensory Laboratory, Packaging and Labeling Innovation Center, and Halal Verification Laboratories. Dr. Cabral expressed his support to the industry to strengthen and develop the research capabilities of its member institutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of research in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.  The academic communities in the region are very sympathetic to realize the vision of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to achieve #BagongPilipinas, where no region and no sector is behind. Along with President Cabral were all ZPPSU Vice Presidents, ZPPSU Board Secretary, and chiefs of other universities in Region IX. (JRA/ABC/Photos: ZPPSU Board Secretary/With reports from the Department of Budget and Management)

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY (PIO) — The Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance (OVPAF), headed by Ms. Josephine L. Sulasula, in collaboration with academic and administration officials, convened for a two-day check-in meeting in a hotel on July 3-4, this year. The said meeting encompassed core topics and relevant activities, which included the introduction to budgeting, budget proposal guidelines, key components of a budget proposal, and steps in preparing a budget proposal using the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Special Trust Fund (STF), Tools and Resources for Budget Preparation, and Best Practices for the preparation. Further, the check-in activity is in lieu of the Board Approved Financial Operations Manual, Board Resolution No. 62-2025. The vice presidents for academic affairs, student affairs and services, and research and extension, along with the directors and heads of the coordinating offices, demonstrated a high level of commitment during the series of activities and preparations. (ABC/JRA/Photos: JBM/Public Information Office)

The 21st Commencement Exercises of the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University – Kabasalan Campus, celebrated the academic feats of the students in the province, held at the Kabasalan Gymnasium on June 9, this year. The graduation rite was dubbed, “Innovating Today, Transforming Tomorrow: Empowering ZPPSU Graduates Towards a Dynamic Future.” “Remember that life will challenge you. Sometimes it will be harsh, but those challenges will shape you. They will reveal the parts of you that are strong, wise, and compassionate. Through them, you will learn what life truly is,” affirmed by the commencement speaker Mr. Rustom L. Liphad. Moreover, the ZPPSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Christina G. Wee, duly confirmed and accepted the candidates for graduation from ZPPSU-EPDU Kabasalan Campus. The ceremony was attended by ZPPSU Vice Presidents, College Deans, Directors, Heads of Offices, Faculty, and Staff. “With or without honors, you all deserve my warmest congratulations,” Mr Liphad expressed. #OneZPPSU #TheHeartOfInformation

To foster environmental resiliency and promote sustainable innovations, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), conducted an environmental awareness forum held at the 4th Floor, Angara Building today, May 23. The first keynote speaker, Atty. Richard Bihasa, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the significance of RA 9729 (2009) – the Climate Change Act – and RA 10174 (2012) – the People’s Survival Fund Act – including recent developments and initiatives. Additionally, Engr. Gerardo Lopez Calling, General Manager of Palayan Water District and Senior Consultant of the Climate Change Commission delivered an in-depth talk on climate change and the water crisis in the Philippines. Moreover, the Climate Change Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, Sr. holistically broadened the perspective on Sustainable Horizons: Integrating Climate Resiliency, Food Security, Carbon Trading, Waste-to-Energy, Green Jobs, and Youth Engagement for a thriving future. “Kung may problema, may solution—robust solutions that are science-based and data-driven”, Commissioner Dela Cruz strongly emphasized. On the second part of the forum, ZPPSU Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Chairperson of the University Climate Change Committee, Ms. Josephine L. Sulasula, successfully shared the salient features of the ZPPSU University Climate Change Action Plan (UCCAP), a visionary Roadmap 2025 and Beyond, with the goal of the University President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral of becoming a climate-smart university by 2030, anchored on SDG 13 and 15 and interwoven SDGs. This initiative was actively participated in by ZPPSU key officials, the university climate change committee , directors, heads of offices faculty and student leaders, the institution is highly committed in championing environmental change, in the face of this existential threat. #OneZPPSU #TheHeartOfInformation

Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU) conducted its first medical allowance orientation and HMO presentation for ZPPSU employees at the 4th floor of the Angara Building on May 20, this year. The orientation introduced the Internal Implementing Rules, Guidelines, and Procedures (IRGP) on the release, use, and monitoring of the medical allowance amounting to seven thousand pesos in accordance with DBM Circular No. 2024-6. This internal implementing policies was authored by Vice President for Administration and Finance, Ms. Josephine L. Sulasula. This aimed to provide clear policies for the release and monitoring of allowances, promote preventive healthcare through HMO-type coverage, enhance employee productivity, and ensure fund accountability. Additionally, the session featured an HMO presentation to familiarize employees with their health insurance benefits. HMO partners comprehensively discussed the benefits, coverage, and procedures involved in utilizing the HMO program for government employees. Thus, the partners passed through a rigorous process of selection. The event was well-attended by key ZPPSU officials, directors, heads of offices, deans, and faculty members, who actively participated in the open mic segment. The endeavor was fully supported by the University President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral and ZPPSU Board of Regents through Board Resolution No. 04-2025. Further, the ZPPSU is extending its sincere gratitude to the Department of Budget and Management for the Special Allotment Release Order No. 2024-6. The evaluating team is composed of the University Physician Dr. Franz Ochotorena, VPAF Ms. Josephine Sulasula, HR Director Ms. Liza Santos, Faculty Association President Hon. Rachel Lorena, Head of the Internal Audit Ms. Jocelyn Almonte, and Legal Officer Atty. Marti Gregorio. #OneZPPSU #TheHeartOfInformation

May you lead the city with pride, sincerity, and compassion! Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University is very much excited to have good partnerships and future endeavors with the city government. Enhorabuena! #OneZPPSU #TheHeartOfInformation

The PICE-ZPPSU Student Chapter Inc. extends its warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed students who have successfully passed the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination held on April 28th & 29th, 2025. This remarkable achievement is a direct result of your tireless dedication, preparation, and the excellent education you received within our halls. We are immensely proud of your commitment to excellence and the successful culmination of your academic journey with this significant milestone. As you embark on your professional careers as licensed Civil Engineers, remember the values and knowledge instilled in you by Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University. You are now equipped to contribute significantly to nation-building and the development of our communities. May you uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in your practice. We are confident that you will make a positive impact and bring honor to our alma mater. Congratulations once again to our newest batch of licensed Civil Engineers! PICE-ZPPSU Student Chapter Inc. is immensely proud of your achievements! #𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐙𝐏𝐏𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐂 #𝐀𝐢𝐦𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐂𝐄

Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University and Commission on Audit sat for an exit conference for fiscal year 2024 at the Medical Building today, May 06. Financial audit observations and recommendations were discussed by the two concerned agencies. The event aims to allow the agency to clarify or explain issues raised during the audit; to give the audit team the chance to assess the agency’s justifications or supporting documents and; to reach a mutual understanding on how to address the audit issues and improve future compliance. Further, the ZPPSU remains compliant to the policies imposed by the auditing agency. Leading the University is President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral and Vice President for Administration and Finance Ms. Josephine Sulasula, along with the concerned financial offices of the institution. The COA-IX is represented by Arman H. Asnawi, State Auditor IV, OIC – Supervising Auditor along with Rhea Mae L. Sumpiao, State Auditor IV, Audit Team Leader, Yacob A. Buklasan and Sarah Jane K. Gil. #OneZPPSU #TheHeartOfInformation

#OneZPPSU #TheHeartOfInfomation

Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University honored the triumphs of its student-athletes who represented Region IX in the recently concluded National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Games 2025 held in the province of Camiguin, during the first flag ceremony of the month. The ZPPSU delegates, together with other SUCs in Region 9, showcased their exemplary skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in various athletics and sports, emerging as 5th in the entire Philippines. The ZPPSU community is extending its warmest congratulations to all ZPPSU athletes and coaches for bringing pride and honor to the university and to the entire region. #OneZPPSU #TheHeartOfInformation