News and Updates

Embarking on the journey toward greater innovations and excellence becomes a reality as we step into the year 2024. Indeed, wishes have materialized, and plans for the university’s advancement are set in motion. Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU) has attained remarkable success, with the university’s proposed budget for the National Expenditure Program 2024 receiving due approval from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). ZPPSU secures the 4th position in the highest budget allocation for 2024, as adjusted and confirmed by Congress. All endeavors of the ZPPSU Management are wholeheartedly devoted to our cherished students and the entire community. ZPPSU extends profound gratitude to DBM-9 Regional Director Mark Louie Martin; Senators Edgardo Angara; Loren Legarda; Imee Marcos; and other senators for endorsing our proposed budget and projects for national deliberation. Special appreciation goes to the ZPPSU Board of Regents; House of Representatives; National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-9, RD Phlorita Ridao; Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9, RD Martin Wee, and Congressman Elizaldy S. Co as the Chairman of Appropriations; Region 9 TWG Budget Consolidators – ZPPSU VPAF Prof. Josephine L. Sulasula, Ma. Christina Vergara and Zandra Gale Tablante, through the leadership of Vice President for PASUC-Mindanao and ZPPSU President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral. To God be the Highest Glory! #OneZPPSU

GIVE LOVE THIS YULETIDE SEASON Almost a hundred pupils from the Labuan Central School received little gifts from the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University through the efforts of ZPPSU-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in immense coordination with the City Government of Zamboanga headed by Hon. Joselito Macrohon recently. The gifts were heartedly donations from the ZPPSU community through the city-wide project dubbed #OperationShoeBox Christmas Edition. Happiness and smiles of the children are indeed incomparable! The Labuan Central School expressed gratitude for choosing the school to be beneficiaries of the project. The team was headed by Dr. Michael Cabiles, with its marshals. Together, let’s make a meaningful difference this yuletide season! (JRA/Photos: Labuan Central School) #OneZPPSU

ZPPSU scholars, alumni receive government’s financial aids Over 1,400 beneficiaries from the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University received educational financial aids from the Assistance in Crisis Situations (AICS) and KALAHI CIDSS – Cash for Work (CFW) Program during the recent payout held at the university gymnasium. The payout was a collaborative effort of the ZPPSU Career Services and Public Employment Service Office headed by Prof. Anna Maria Gomez and ZPPSU Scholarship Office led by Assistant Prof. Lilia P. Remoto, who have worked hard to identify in need students and graduates for scholarship and professional work experience respectively. The distributions were personally led by Senator Imee Romualdez Marcos together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) headed by Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin, where 1,000 AICS scholar grantees get 5,000 pesos each and 401 CFW alumni, took 6,000 pesos each. Sen. Marcos emphasized that the AICS payout aims to help and recover students from unforeseen crises such as illness and death of family, among others. Further, the Cash for Work of the DSWD Kalahi Program initiative provides recent ZPPSU graduates the oportunities as they transition into the next phase of their lives as professionals. ZPPSU President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral expressed deep gratitude to Senator Marcos and the national government for giving numerous opportunities to the university community. Zamboanga City luminaries were also present in the event to include Mayor John M. Dalipe, Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, 1st District Congressman Hon. Khymer Adan Olaso, as well as ZPPSU core officials, other faculty members, and students. The welfare of all Filipino communities during challenging times is the top priority of Senator Imee Marcos. #OneZPPSU

ZPPSU-GAD successfully concludes 18-Day Campaign Against Violence on Women On December 14, the Grand Astoria Hotel witnessed a powerful conclusion to Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University’s (ZPPSU) 18-day campaign to combat violence against women. The event was masterfully orchestrated by Ms. Ma. Fe M. Dela Cruz, Director of ZPPSU – Gender and Development (GAD), and co-facilitated by Ms. Ma. Flor Jessamine Andajao marked a significant milestone. Atty. Cherie Fe B. Banayan, Attorney IV and ZSCMST Legal Officer, took the stage as the keynote speaker, providing an insightful discussion on the nuances of R.A 1131, widely known as the SAFE SPACES ACT. Her exploration of legal mechanisms designed to protect women from various forms of violence strongly resonated with the audience. The GAD office extended an invitation to the Social Security System (SSS). The second segment featured Mr. Erwin Salcedo and Joseph Pareja, Account Officers of the Account Management Section at SSS. Mr. Salcedo and Mr. Pareja delivered a comprehensive overview of the updated Social Security membership, benefits, and privileges. Under the leadership of University President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral reaffirms its dedication to fostering an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of women within the community. As the echoes of the culminating program resonate, ZPPSU and its GAD office aspire to inspire lasting change and empower individuals to be advocates for a future free from violence against women. (ABC) #OneZPPSU

ZPPSU Year-End Fellowship Celebration, Strengthening Community Bonds. In a lively celebration that seamlessly brought together the entire ZPPSU community, the Year-End Fellowship took center stage at the Royce, Grand Astoria Hotel. Initiated by University President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral, this collaborative effort involved the dedicated work of Ms. Ma. Fe M. Dela Cruz, Director of ZPPSU – Gender and Development, Faculty Association & ZCSPC Multi-purpose Cooperative and the Office of Culture and Arts. The festivities commenced with the much-anticipated ZPPSU Queens, captivating attendees with a captivating blend of talent and festive spirit. Incorporating a Caroling Competition, participants from diverse departments showcased their vocal prowess, filling the air with joyous melodies. ZPPSU faculty and staff competed, creating a perfect holiday ambiance. The energy reached new heights during the Christmas Dance Competition, where dazzling choreography and creative performances took the spotlight. The event showcased not only academic prowess but also artistic talents, making it a memorable night. The event underscored the unity within the ZPPSU community as participants from various colleges, the administration, directors, personnel, deans, and faculty joined hands to celebrate. Emphasizing the diversity of talents within the institution, the fellowship fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among attendees. Beyond showcasing talent, the ZPPSU Year-End Fellowship acted as a platform that went beyond limits, creating connections and spreading holiday joy. It was a reminder that, in the spirit of the holidays, the ZPPSU community is a family that celebrates together. (ABC) #OneZPPSU

BE OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY Students from the Graduate School of the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University underwent Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) training at the university gymnasium recently. This aims to intensify their disaster awareness and basic skills in responding in times of emergencies and, in turn, be of service to the community. The participants were from the Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Teaching Vocational Education, Doctor of Philosophy Major in Technological Management, and Doctor of Education Major in Education Administration. The training was led by ZPPSU-DRRMO Director Dr. Michael Cabiles and its marshals. (JRA) #OneZPPSU

ZPPSU inks MOU with international partners The Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University has been very steadfast in expanding its network and mission to produce equipped and high-caliber graduates with the fullest support of international partners. The ZPPSU, along with the other universities in the country, signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ for International Cooperation and Advanced Manufacturing with three international partners through the Hytec Power Inc. – engaged in industry-academe since 2010. The three foreign agencies were Labtech International Ltd. with its President Dr. Steven McKee and General Manager Mr. Brad Ker; SNet Smart Engineering Company represented by its CSO Mr. David Song; and CompTIA represented by its country manager Mr. Orly Seachon. The partnership aims to align learning innovations and program curricula to actual industry needs in the global market, promote capacity building among teachers and trainers, and boost the readiness of the universities towards internationalization. Further, this will be beneficial to the ZPPSU as this will enhance students and faculty in some areas such as industry immersion programs, research, and internships, among others. The ceremonial signing was held via a hybrid platform with the four participating State Universities and Colleges, where representatives from the ZPPSU and Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology attended face-to-face signing in Novaliches, Quezon City while the Sulu State College and Western Mindanao State University were present online. Dean of the College of Information and Computing Sciences Prof. Adrian Martin represented the ZPPSU. (JRA) #OneZPPSU

ZPPSU President Dr. Cabral attends PASUC 4th Executive Board Meeting and Year-End Gathering Manila, December 5, 2023—Leaders of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) converged at the Manila Marriott Hotel for the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) 4th Executive Board Meeting. The event saw the participation of distinguished figures, including Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University President and Vice President of PASUC-Mindanao, Dr. Nelson P. Cabral. Under the guidance of PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, the meeting addressed crucial matters pertinent to the higher education sector. A highlight of the agenda was the presentation of plaques of appreciation, recognizing outstanding contributions during the 2023 National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA). Moreover, discussion delved into the comprehensive review of the recent athletic event, providing a platform for sharing insights and best practices among the attending SUCs. As the leaders exchanged ideas, the focus gradually shifted to the upcoming 2024 Culture and the Arts Festival, laying the groundwork for meticulous planning and preparation. (ABC)

Investiture Ceremony Welcomes Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales as the 6th President of J.H Cerilles State College Dec. 08, 2023— The renowned Pavillon Hall at the Provincial Government Complex Dao, Pagadian City, was adorned with academic prestige as the Investiture Ceremony of Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales unfolded on the appointed date. The event garnered distinguished attendees, including Hon. Comm. Jo Mark M. Libre, Dr. Milabel E. Ho, AACUP Executive Director, Dir. Louie C. Martin, DBM Regional Director, Hon. Victor J. Yu, Governor, Province of Zamboanga del Sur, Hon. Divina Grace Yu, Representative 1st District and Hon. Jeyzel Victoria Yu, Representative, 2nd District, along with other esteemed State University and College (SUC) Presidents. Among the notable figures present was Dr. Nelson P. Cabral, University President of Zamboanga Peninsula State University (ZPPSU), who shared words of wisdom in his address. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and ensuring that impacts last in your absence,” he remarked, underlining the essence of true leadership. The ceremony marked a significant day as Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales officially stepped into the role of the 6th President of J.H Cerilles State College. Dr. Cabral expressed the collective sentiment of the academic community, welcoming Dr. Rosales into the esteemed circle of SUC leaders. Accompanying Dr. Cabral were key officials from ZPPSU, including Dr. Roy L. Valesco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Bonnie Andabon, Vice President for Research Development and Extension, along with other Key Officials, Deans and Unit Directors and Heads. (ABC)

OPERATION SHOEBOX We are encouraging the ZPPSU community to join in Zamboanga City’s very humanitarian endeavor dubbed, “#OperationShoeBox Christmas Editions,” from the Office of Hon. Joselito Macrohon for this yuletide season. Together, let’s put smiles into indigent elementary pupils of the city by dropping by your shoeboxes containing hygiene kits, school supplies, and toys, among others, that will surely bring in them the spirit of the Christmas. Feel free to drop off your donations at ZPPSU-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office until December 15, 2023. Let’s make a meaningful difference this yuletide season! #OneZPPSU