DANCING CLOSE TO THE PINNACLE 

by Jeanelle O. Ledesma

Student dancers from CAPSU Burias represent the Campus in the SAOT CAPIZ: CAPISNON FOLK DANCE COMPETITION 2024 as part of the CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL 2024.

Photo Credit: Radyo Maragtas

    The air was electric with anticipation, combined with banners of every hue that fluttered in the gentle breeze and the scent of sizzling delicacies sold on sidewalks. Roxas City's main square became a grand stage where tradition and modernity danced in harmony. For months, they rehearsed tirelessly, perfecting each step and synchronizing every movement, all for this one moment — SAOT CAPIZ: CAPISNON FOLK DANCE COMPETITION 2024.

    The vibrant rhythms of Capisnon culture came alive at the event that showcased the rich heritage and artistic prowess of local performers from the different towns of Capiz as part of the CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL 2024, the cultural and food festival, founding anniversary, and memorial celebration of the Province of Capiz. Among the many talented groups, one dance troupe stood out from Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus, earning the prestigious title of 1st Runner-Up under the category of “Western-Influenced Dances.”

    The event, held in front of the Capiz Provincial Capitol on April 14, was a spectacle of colors, music, and dance, drawing participants and spectators from across the region. "Saot," a local term meaning "dance," perfectly encapsulated the spirit of this competition. With its role in preserving traditional Capisnon folk dances, the competition uncovered dances that are more than just performances; they are living records of the region’s history, customs, and values. By encouraging young people to learn and perform these dances, the competition ensured that these cultural treasures were passed down to future generations.

    "Folk dance is more than just a form of exercise or entertainment – it's a way to connect with our heritage and express ourselves in a unique way," the folk dancer, who wished to remain nameless, said. 

    

    Their group, adorned in white, Maria Clara costumes that echoed the elegance and purity of their ancestors’ attire, stood at the edge of the stage, hearts pounding in unison. The team of folk dancers from CAPSU Burias, composed by Ela Mae Dalida, Rhealyn Joy Gevero, Princess Joy Isoy, Michelle Labto, Angel Llauderes, Riza Mae Lantoria, Marry Joy Lorca, Angel Lupo, Jezel Salomeo, Rowena May Quisto, Angel Vaay, and Kyla Velado, accepted the challenge to carefully choreographed display of traditional dance moves, classic costumes, and melodious music, while showcasing synchronization with precision and passion.

    The moment seemed a slowdown as they heard the name of their represented school. At last, they made the University proud, revealing a moment of immense pride.

    The team’s outstanding performance of Jota Pilareña, a traditional folk dance from Pilar, Capiz, left the audience mesmerized and the judges impressed, as evident in every step, spin, and gesture they executed during their routine. The audience enjoyed a stunning performance, and women in Maria Clara dresses, moving in perfect harmony with the beat, while looking back on their journey and reminiscing the lessons they learned along the way.

    The dancer further added that, “I think what I learned most is that even as a first-timer, you can achieve your goals with believing in yourself and your abilities."

    The team's success became testament to the dedication and hard work of their outstanding dance director, Prof. Glen Rose L. Mejia, assistant director, Prof. Angeline L. Vestidas, and costume designer, Prof. Joan Rae L. Lantoria.

    Furthermore, the team shared that Mr. Regie Dajay and Mr. Jhon Ritch Howell Delatado, supported them every step of the way and provided invaluable guidance and motivation to keep the dancers driven and focused.

    They also shared that in the end, dancing to victory spoke more than just the about the journey, the bonds formed, at the cultural pride that fueled every step. As they accepted their well-deserved recognition as the 1st Runner-Up, the CAPSU Burias Folk Dancers proved that with teamwork, dedication, and passion for their craft, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.

    The achievement marked another milestone in the University's commitment to promoting cultural heritage. The team's success symbolically manifested the power of arts and culture in bringing people together and showcasing the beauty of Capisnon identity.

 CAPSU CELEBRATES 20TH UNIVERSITY DAY 

    As March 21 marked the 20th University Day of Capiz State University (CAPSU), the faculty, staff, and students of CAPSU Burias celebrated, with the entire CAPSU community, the two decades of delivering quality service at SM Roxas City.

    It can be recalled that Mambusao Agricultural and Technical College (MATEC) of Burias, Mambusao merged with Capiz Agricultural and Fishery School (CAFS) of Bailan, Pontevedra to become the Panay State Polytechnic Cpollege (PSPC) in 1980, and with the subsequent integration of Capiz Institute of Technology of Roxas City in 1999, and Sigma College of Science and  Technology in Sigma, Capiz in 2000, and by virtue of Republic Act No. 9273 signed on March 21, 2004, PSPC was converted into Capiz State University.

    The celebration started with the Holy Mass at CAPSU Main Campus followed by a motorcade, and it featured an opening program and CAPSU Natin 'To: a Variety Show at SM City and the Fellowship

Night at the Kapis Mansion.

    In her speech, Dr. Editha C. Alfon, CAPSU President, described their journey to have been marked

by countless achievements, milestones, and memorable moments, all of which have shaped their identity and reinforced their mission to inspire, educate, and empower generations, and moving forward, she enjoined the attendees to continue upholding Capsunian values.

    "As we now impart in the next chapter of our journey, let us continue to uphold the values that define us, integrity, excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Together, we will build upon our legacy and create a future filled with boundless opportunities for learning, discovery and growth," Dr. Alfon stated.

 LOVE'S RADIANCE

A Heartwarming Valentine's Day Celebration 

by Charlene Dela Cruz

The female searchees anticipates in their seats in 'Searching for Love: King and Queen of Hearts' dating segment.

    As the gentle breeze of love swept through the University, hearts brimmed with joy and anticipation for the much-awaited Valentine's Day Celebration organized by the Supreme Student Council. Under the enchanting theme of 'Gugma kag Kalipay sa Paghigugma' (Love and Happiness in Love), the campus transformed into a haven of romance and connection, weaving unforgettable stories of love and togetherness.

    The day commenced with touching opening remarks by the esteemed Campus Administrator, Dr. Rodyard B. Mariclum. His words of wisdom and encouragement set the tone for a day filled with love, unity, and celebration. Dr. Archile C. Abogadie, the beloved SAS Chairperson, extended a warm welcome, embracing everyone in a cocoon of camaraderie and joy. Their presence infused the event with a sense of community and belonging, elevating the spirits of all present.

    The highlight of the day was the heartwarming 'Searching for Love: King and Queen of Hearts' dating segment, where four enchanting love pairs stole the spotlight. Their journeys to finding love mirrored fairy tales, igniting smiles and sighs of admiration among the audience. From serendipitous encounters to heartfelt confessions, each love story painted a canvas of hope and serenity, reminding everyone of the timeless beauty of love.

    Adding to the enchantment was a mesmerizing spoken poetry contest that resonated with the depths of the soul. Poets poured their emotions into verses, weaving tales of love's resilience, longing, and bliss. The audience was spellbound, transported to realms of passion and empathy through the power of words. 

    As the celebration drew to a close, hearts were filled with cherished memories of love, laughter, and togetherness. The Valentine's Day Celebration at the University truly exemplified the beauty of love and happiness in love, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who attended.

DSWD VI, CAPSU BURIAS INITIATE PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM 

by Lovelyn Hope A. Leonor

    In a bid to foster collaboration and strengthen partnership in the delivery of a livelihood program, the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) Region VI and CAPSU Burias completed a consultative meeting on Feb. 7 at the Admin Building. 

    Mr. Merlan Lanusga, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Partnership Officer, led the DSWD Team that visited the Campus, which included Ms. Louraine Reyes, Project Development Officer (PDO) II, Ms. Rovelyn Paulmanal, PDO II of the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) Jamindan, and Ms. Johanna Mari Degoma of MSWDO Mambusao. 

    The DSWD Team sat down with Dr. Rodyard B. Madiclum, Campus Administrator, Prof. Mark L. Sibug, Extension Chairperson, and Prof. Salve M. Ferrer from the College of Management Faculty, and initiated talks concerning partnership in the implementation of sustainable livelihood program.

    DSWD through Memoradum Circular No. 22, series of 2019 defines SLP as a capability-building program for poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities to help improve their socio- economic conditions through accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage in and maintain thriving livelihoods.

    The consultative meeting served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, including the roles of each party, and the mechanisms that the collaboration may establish to address social issues and finding innovative solutions to improve the lives of individuals and communities.

CAMPUS JOURNOS COLLABORATE FOR PROJECT GROW 

by Jenelle B. Mansilla

    The comprehensive journalism training workshop dubbed as Project G.R.O.W or Growing, Reaching Out, and Writing, concluded with campus journalists from the three colleges and department of the campus equipped with knowledge and skills to be productive writers who manage time, inspire, collaborate, and grow with the community.

    Implemented on January 26 & 31, and designed to nurture the journalism skills, the project proved to be a valuable learning experience for aspiring campus journalists and advisers of Capsunian Echo, Boardtalk, ANI Publication, Heartbeats, and ABE Gazette.

    The training-workshop covered critical aspects of campus journalism, including newsgathering, writing, editing, and media ethics, through a series of interactive sessions and hands-on exercises delivered and facilitated by Dr. Christine F. Quenga, Prof. Jose Sandy C. Zaragosa, and Dr. Raymond J. Silvestre, all of whom shared their expertise to encourage participants to imbibe best practices and equip them with the knowledge and abilities to excel in the field.

    Dr. Quenga, Campus Journalism Advocate and English Language Expert who lectured about "Productivity and Time Management" emphasized that productivity is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end, and shared that the feeling of being "out of control" with your time is the leading cause of stress, worry, and despair.

    Prof. Zaragosa, Campus Journalism Advocate and Filipino Language Expert delivered his topic called “Write to Inspire” where he discussed the power of writing, how to use good writing habits, and how to distinguish between different types of writing for publication.

    Dr. Silvestre, Capsunian Echo adviser and chair of the student publication, presented "Writing, Working, and Growing Together “ where he stressed that "every story is important", and stated that writing defines time, space, events, and experiences, and reiterated that student publication is a collaboration of committed campus journalists. 

    The project provided campus journalists an avenue where like-minded people meet, develop collaborative behavior, and exchange ideas; helped them develop a sense of community, with peers and mentors providing essential insights and inspiration, and allowed the participants to join with their groupmates to have self-managed time and space for writing, editing, and layout of their newsletters, which they produced as the project’s outputs. "Project GROW has been an exceptional opportunity for me to enhance my journalism skills and network with fellow campus journalists," one participant said.

EIC EMERGES VICTORIOUS WITH 2ND PLACE WIN IN WRITING CONTEST

by Ronalyn L. Labto

Adaniel receives a medal, certificate, and a cash prize following her victory in the On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest during the 61st NRYLI at Baguio City.

      On Dec. 9, Catherine V. Adaniel, the Editor-in-Chief of CAPSUNIAN ECHO, clinched Second Place in the On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest during the awarding ceremony of the 61st National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute (NRYLI), an annual event that provides venue among youth leaders for them to be more aware of the contemporary issues affecting them as well as develop their leadership skills and internalize their moral character, civic consciousness, responsible citizenship, love of country, and pride of our race, with the vision of our national hero infused in it, held at Baguio Teachers Camp, Baguio City, from Dec. 7 to 10.

    Adaniel, together with Dr. Raymond J. Silvestre, Student Publication Chair, was one of the participants from Capiz State University who joined the delegation, along with other student-leaders and advisers from private and state colleges and universities all over the Philippines, who were provided with leadership sessions and Rizalian lessons, in addition to various contests, such as the Rizal and History Quiz Bee, the On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest, the Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, the Oratorical Contest, the On-the-Spot Painting Contest, and Journalism Contests.

    “We were tasked with writing an essay about the topic ‘Rizal Youth of Today: Preserving a Rich Filipino History Towards a Sustainable Future,’ and I’ve got the chance to write a composition revolving around the fact that the youth of the 21st century play a crucial role in fostering and preserving the nationalistic fervor of the national hero,” Adaniel explained.

       The 61st NRYLI with the theme “Rizalian Values: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” was hosted by the Knights of Rizal, a cultural, non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-racial, civic, and patriotic organization chartered under Republic Act 646, as an instrumentality by which the teachings of our foremost national hero may be propagated among the Filipino people, specifically the youth, who may believe in his teachings to the end that they emulate and follow his examples.

    “It was a great feeling and a remarkable accomplishment to be awarded 2nd place in a national on-the-spot essay writing contest, especially that it was organized by such a prestigious organization and taken part in by notable national and government leaders, cause-oriented personalities, academicians, business professionals, and inspiring youth leaders,” the editor-in-chief added.

CAPSU BURIAS TRIUMPHS WITH MULTIPLE ACCOLADES AT RDE PAGTUKIB 2023

by Rona Joy L. Labto and Jeanelle O. Ledesma

CAPSU Burias Faculty celebrate success as they proudly receive various awards for outstanding achievements in the fields of research and innovation.

    On Dec. 6, at Capiz State University (CAPSU) Main Campus, Roxas City, CAPSU Burias faculty and staff received several recognitions and awards during the RDE PAGTUKIB 2023 for their outstanding performance in research, extension, and innovation in the course of various conferences and symposiums held throughout 2023.

    One of the most notable achievements of the Campus was beingrecognized as the Most Promising Campusin IPMO Management, Most Promising Campus in Research Services, and the 2nd Place in the Booth Design/Display Competition during the RDE PAGTUKIB 2023. These recognitions highlight the Campus's excellence in effectively managing its Intellectual Property Management Office, which plays a pivotal role in protecting and commercializing the university's intellectual property assets, as well as exemplify its commitment to conducting high-quality research that contributes to the development of the local community and society at large. Engr. Monalyn L. Oloroso, on the other hand, was awarded as the Outstanding Researcher of the Year, while Prof. Mark L. Sibug clinched the 1st Runner Up in the Extensionist of the Year Award. 

    Winners during the 41st CAPSU RDE Faculty Year-end Symposium on Nov. 14-15 held at CAPSU Pontevedra Campus also received acknowledgement and awards, including Prof. Mark L. Sibug,who was declared the 2nd Runner Up in the Extension Category with his “Help through Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Skills Project (HEALS) 2.0,” Engr. Monalyn L. Oloroso, Dr. Efren L. Linan, and Engr. Julito A. Albaladejo who won the Best Paper in the Developmental/Engineering Research Category with their paper entitled “Development of Computer Simulated Biomass-Fired Multilayered Fish Dryer”, Mr. Jay Ramon M. Alayon who received the Best Presenter Award in the Extension Category, Dr. Rodyard B. Madiclum, Prof. Angeline L. Vestidas, Prof. Glen Rose L. Mejia, Prof. Irene S. Sequito, Prof. Davidica L. Avelino, and Mr. Jay Ramon M. Alayon who secured the 1st Runner Up in the Extension Category with their “Project HULAS (Health Unlimited for Longer Life and Agility of Senior Citizens) of Burias, Mambusao, Capiz”, and Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, Mr. Raymund Lizada, and Mr. Arnold V. Dela Rosa Jr. who achieved the 2nd Runner Up in Natural/Biological Research Category with their “Pest and Soil Fertility Dynamics Under Organic Cultivation System.”

   During the event, faculty and staff who won in international, national, and regional symposia and conferences were commended and awarded as well, including Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi for attaining the Best Research Paper Presenter – Science and Technology Category Award for the research paper entitled: “Production of Coconut Seedling and Copra in a Single Nut: An Innovative Approach in Coconut Production” during the 1st International Multidisciplinary Research and Extension Conference at Batanes State College on Sept. 19-22; Dr. Romulo N. Lagon for attaining 2nd Place in Best Research Paper Award for the research paper entitled: “Stress, Coping Mechanism and Motivation of Student-Mothers of CAPSU Burias” during the 2023 International Research Conference on Education, Business, and Science & Technology at Cebu City on July 20-22; Prof. Salve M. Ferrer for attaining the Best Research Paper – Professional Category Award for the research paper entitled: “Management Capability and Financial Performance of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in Jamindan, Capiz” during the 1st Research Competition and 33rd National Conference of Council Management Educators and Professional’s in the Philippines at Baguio City on Nov. 18; and Engr. Monalyn L. Oloroso for attaining the Best Paper Award for the research paper entitled: “Design, Simulation and Development of Biomass-Fired Fish Dryer” during the 3rd Western Visayas Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research Conference at Iloilo City on Oct. 24-25 and the Outstanding Creative Research Award for the research paper entitled: “Development of Optimized Pineapple Leaf Fiber Scraping Machine” during the Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits – Visayas Cluster on Oct. 17-18.

    Another notable recognition acquired during the PAGPASIDUNGOG was presented to Engr. Oloroso for the 40% Royalty Share as Inventor of the technologies, Roller Type Slitter, and Presser Machine for Fruit Juice Extraction fabricated and deployed to the PR Farm, as well as the Calamansi Juice Extractor with her co-inventors: Dr. Efren L. Linan, Engr. Arlyn C. Olmo, Ms. Lorelen V. Rano, and Mr. Darwin Quirao, which was fabricated and deployed to St. Joseph Food Products.

   Moreover, Dr. Charina C. Gloria and Dr. Ryan T. Sarimong were recognized as two of the CAPSU Faculty Researchers Listed in the AD Scientific Index 2024, a comprehensive ranking and analysis system that evaluates the scientific performance and productivity of individual scientists and researchers all over the world.

   The importance that CAPSU places on research, innovation, and community development is evident from the recognitions and honors that it has received. The accomplishments of the faculty and staff of Burias Campus alone are evidence of their undying commitment to their respective fields and their exceptional level of expertise in those disciplines.