𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗔 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 

by Joshua G. Dela Torre 

𝘾𝘼𝙋𝙎𝙐 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚.

The newly elected Executive Committee of the Capiz Next Generation Leaders Alliance (CNGLA) took its oath of office on Dec. 3 at the Office of the Governor in the Capiz Provincial Capitol in Roxas City.

Treasurer Joemari M. Candido and Director for Marketing and Communication Wendy Eunice P. Duntog, student leaders from Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus, took their oath as new ExeCom members, pledging to serve the youth and the province with integrity, purpose, and commitment, while Gov. Fredenil Castro administered the oath and reminded them of the responsibilities that come with leadership.

“It is an honor to lead this ceremony. Remember, this is another feather in your cap — an opportunity and a responsibility to serve,” Castro said.

In his message, Castro underscored the vital role of youth in shaping the province’s future.

“You are not only taking your oath as officers of the Alliance, but you are now taking your oath as future leaders of Capiz,” he said.

Candido said the election represents more than securing a position, stressing that it reflects trust, responsibility and the chance to make meaningful impact.

“This election, especially under the Capiz Next Generation Leaders Alliance, means more than just winning a position. For me, it represents trust — trust from people who believe in my credibility, my knowledge and my ability to serve with purpose,” he said. “This election highlights the voice of our community, and I feel grateful and humbled to be part of something that gives young leaders a chance to shape real change.”

He also shared how his leadership journey shaped his goals for the new role, centered on inclusion, participation and amplifying youth voices.

“As a former FLP president of our campus, now serving as president of SPEM, and having recently taken my oath as treasurer of CNGLA, I see this new role as an opportunity to bridge our campus with broader youth initiatives in the province,” Candido said.

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗢 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗢𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗡𝗥𝗬𝗟𝗜 '𝟮𝟱 

by Joshua G. Dela Torre 

In the 63rd National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute (NRYLI), two CAPSUNIAN ECHO journalists and student leaders won two awards in the Makabayang Sayawitan Competition held on Dec. 7 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Wendy Eunice P. Duntog, Associate Editor and Wenalyn C. Venerable, Layout Artist respectively led their members from different state universities and colleges in conquering the challenge of presenting creative nationalistic sing and dance performance.

Duntog's group clinched 3rd spot winning PhP 10,000 spot while Venerable's group secured 2nd place bringing home PhP 15,000.

In an interview, Wendy Eunice Duntog described her thoughts on the outcome and the work behind their performance.

"I decided to take on the challenge and commit to giving my best in Sayawitan," and shared further that she could not forget the moment she was chosen as leader saying "They trusted me and believed in me despite not knowing each other deeply".

Meanwhile, Wenalyn C. Venerable shared valuable lessons from the experience and her view on the result.

“The most important lesson from this experience is the power of teamwork and trust. When we relied on each other’s strengths, pressure turned into success—a spirit I want to carry into CAPSUNIAN ECHO", Venerable said.

 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗨 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝟳𝟭.𝟰𝟯% 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘, 𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘 

by Joshua G. Dela Torre 

Fifteen graduates from Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) passed the Agriculturist Licensure Examination (ALE) held from Nov. 19 to 21.

The College posted a 71.43% passing rate and surpassed the national passing rate of 68.55%, with new takers posting 75% and retakers posting 60%, including Roy Cañas Bical, Richelle Gregore, Ana Marie Dela Rosa, Fred Tupan, Jessa Castillo, Rocel Zabala Delfin, Kent Leandro Derecho, Vicvic Parohinog, Vinzlie Fano, Ma Patricia Labto, Mike Ladoc, Kim Bonifacio, Earl Joy Amo, Chezka Traje, and Jane Marie Dap og.

In an interview, Mr. Mike Ladoc, one of the passers, recalled the moment he learned he succeeded in the exam and  described the experience as both overwhelming and fulfilling.

"For me, the experience of passing the Agriculturist Licensure Exam was an incredible and rewarding experience, and I am truly thankful that I was successful... This accomplishment is greater than just my own; it is my commitment to the farmers I live near that I have the potential to help", he said.

He further expressed deep gratitude to the people who supported his journey, noting that the encouragement he received kept him motivated throughout the process.

"I also want to express my gratitude to the faculty of CAPSU Burias for giving me a solid foundation, as well as for the support and knowledge that I have gained from the CAF Family. To my classmates, study partners, and all those who supported me—your encouragement has been a huge factor in my achievements".

Moreover, Dr. Ryan T. Sarimong, CAF Dean, commended the strong performance of the graduates and highlighted how their recent success reflects the College’s ongoing pursuit of academic quality.

“We are extremely happy and grateful with the achievement of our graduates in the recent Agriculturists Licensure Exam. We have again surpassed the national passing percentage with a notable performance of our first-time takers. This is a bold attestation of the College’s commitment to the University’s vision and quality policy", Dr. Sarimong said.

Furthermore, He also stated the preparation strategies implemented by the College to strengthen student readiness for the licensure exam.

“We prepared our students through several key strategies. First, we aligned our instructional materials with the Table of Specifications provided by PRC. We also institutionalized an Enhancement Course in the last semester of our graduating students, which served as a review class for the six subject areas of the ALE. In addition, we strictly adhered to the fields of specialization when assigning faculty workload, especially for the fundamental agriculture courses. Finally, we ensured the continuous professional development of our faculty members through their regular participation in regional and national PAA conventions, an endeavor that the administration consistently supported".

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the ALE result today, Dec. 2.

 𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 | 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 

An elderly street vendor sells small wares along Iznart Street in Iloilo City, reflecting the daily realities of women who work to remain secure and independent. 

𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗨 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗢-𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗦  𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧ED 𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗖 𝗩𝗜 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 

by Ronalyn Labto 

Capiz State University (CAPSU) Director for Socio-Cultural Affairs and Services got elected as Member of Board of Directors (BOD) of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC) VI Culture and the Arts Council, held on Nov. 21 at the West Visayas State University Board Room in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Prof. Vestidas will represent CAPSU in regional cultural activities and council discussions as part of her new role.

The RASUC VI Culture and the Arts Council serves as the official coordinating body for cultural development among State Universities and Colleges in Western Visayas.

 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗨 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗦 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 

Highlighting the spirit of regional collaboration, delegates from Capiz State University(CAPSU) Burias Campus attended the Kinaadman kag Kauswagan Western Visayas Scholars Congress on Nov. 13 at University of San Agustin, Iloilo City.

R-jay Lusanta, Dominic Dalida, Pearlyn Magbanua, Maxen Faith Berganio and Scholarship Coordinator Van De Lyn C. Abao joined the congress hosted by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI.

The congress brought together scholars and graduate scholars to recognize achievements, celebrate excellence, develop intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, and forge nationalism as a scholar’s duty. 

Moreover, participants engaged in leadership sessions, testimonials, and networking with fellow scholars wherein Mr. R-Jay Lusanta stated what he learned during the congress.

"Being noble means staying principled, consistently doing what is right, and actively avoiding negative actions. Even when facing challenges, we must never harm others or take advantage of difficult situations. Instead, we should remain upright and use our strength and abilities to positively influence those around us", he said.

Meanwhile, another scholar, Dominic Dalida emphasized another key message from Sir  Raul C. Alvarez Jr., REE, EdD, CESO III.

“We must persevere, work hard, and strive for success without giving up....as scholars, we should be ready to serve our families, our community, and our country. We must learn to adapt to change, become globally competitive, and use our voice to stand for what is right".

 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 '𝟮𝟱 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 

Earth Warriors Invasion 2025 convened youth participants in Passi City on Nov. 22 for a series of activities aimed at transforming environmental awareness into meaningful community action.

In his keynote address, Daniel Agan, chairman of the Proyekto Volunteers Network, stressed the critical role of sustainability in contemporary environmental initiatives.

“Sustainability plays a vital role. In this arena, we see something — we see hope, we see unity, and we see the strength of communities rising,” he said.

Ma. Alma P. Montaño, CENR Officer I of Passi City, likewise underscored the importance of collective responsibility in protecting natural resources.

“We must work hand in hand so we can conserve and protect our natural resources for the future,” she said.

Twenty-eight participants from CAPSU Burias joined the event and took part in activities that promoted environmental responsibility, wherein MJ Lodea from the College of Education expressed his reflection on youth participation.

“This event is the whisper of change where a leader initiates and carries a vision for the environment,” Lodea said.

Meanwhile, Wenalyn Venerable, TESO President affirmed the role of collective action in environmental stewardship.

“Rise not for recognition but for responsibility, and today we stand united as one CAPSU, protecting our land, restoring our forest, and proving that leadership begins with the courage to care for the earth,” Venerable said.

Organized through the collaboration of the Proyekto Volunteers Network (PYN), the Local Government Unit of Passi City through the Office of the LYDO, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), and the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) for the National Day for Youth in Climate Action, the invasion gathered around one thousand youth from Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, Aklan, and other areas under the Youth Environment Steward Program as part of the National Environmental Awareness Month observance.

Moreover, Dr. Ma. Venus B. Lozada, Dr. Jejomar L. Fariñas, and Prof. Jose Sandy C. Zaragoza attended the invasion.

The invasion also featured competitions such as Sinekalisan, the Problem Solution Pitching Competition, plastic mosaic making, digital eco art, and sabayang pagbigkas.

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐔 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍 𝐊𝐄𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐀 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 

Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus student leaders won key positions in the Capiz Next Generation Leaders’ Alliance (CNGLA) 2025–2026 during the general orientation held at the University of Perpetual Help System (UPHS) – Pueblo de Panay Campus Amphitheater on Nov. 14.

Representing CAPSU Burias, Joemari M. Candido and Wendy Eunice P. Duntog strengthened the campus’ leadership presence in CNGLA by winning two major posts—treasurer and director for marketing and communications, respectively.

In an interview, Candido expressed gratitude for the trust given to him by the youth of Capiz and affirmed his commitment to public service.

"I am deeply grateful for the trust of the young Capiznons in electing me as the CNGLA Treasurer for 2025-2026. I am eager to serve and dedicate my efforts to the improvement of Capiz and Capiznons. Para sa Kabataan, Diyos at Bayan!" Candido said.

The Borres Youth Leadership Institute Inc. (BYLI) initiated the CNGLA to unite youth organizations across Capiz under a shared framework of leadership and civic participation.

Various school-based and community-based organizations also attended the event and confirmed their membership in CNGLA. CAPSU Burias organizations include the Future Leaders of the Philippines (FLP), College Red Cross Youth (CRCY), Climate Change Management – Good, Responsible, and Extraordinary Eco-warrior of Nature Club (CCM-GREEN Club), Management Student Organization (MSO), Financial Management Council (FMC), Junior Association of Management and Marketing Students (JAMMS), Supreme Student Council (SSC), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Crisis Assistance and Response Emergency Services (DRRM CARES), Teacher Education Student Organization (TESO), Society of Physical Education Majors (SPEM), and Circle of Public Administration Students (CPAS).

The CNGLA assigned Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Crisis Assistance and Response Emergency Services (DRRM CARES) to Building Peace and Security, the Management Student Organization (MSO) to Economic Empowerment, and the Financial Management Council (FMC) to Global Mobility under the Lead Organization roles for the 10 Centers of Youth Participation.

Photo Credits: Prof. Joan Rae Lantoria

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗨𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥 

by Rhealyn Cala & Heizel Lamayo 

The Social Studies Society (SSS) of the College of Education kept the spirit of the United Nations (UN) Month alive by celebrating it on Nov. 12 at the campus gymnasium, emphasizing that the ideals of unity, peace, and sustainable development extend beyond October. With the theme “Building Our Future Together,” the event reaffirmed the significance of global cooperation in shaping a better world.

College of Education Dean Dr. Romulo N. Lagon opened the program and urged students to take part in nation-building.

“Nation-building is not the work of one person, one group, or one generation. It is a shared responsibility that calls each of us to contribute through knowledge, compassion, and commitment,” Lagon said.

Resource speaker Dr. June Rey Garbosa, multi-faith and DRRM coordinator, energized the audience with a “Calamity Dance” and discussed the UN’s history and goals.

“War creates strong people. Strong people create peace. Peace creates weak people. And weak people create war,” Garbosa shared.

Garbosa stressed the importance of education, saying that without it, societies grow weak. He highlighted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urged student leaders to create action plans aligned with them.

During the Parade of Nations (Runway Competition), Ymman Benedict Masangkay of EMPIRE won the top award, along with Darling of the Crowd and Best in Costume. Joneboy Andrade of SPEM placed first runner-up and received Best in Stage Presence, Best in Production, and Best in Runway. Nicole Kimberly Tapic of ALSA took second runner-up.

In the Your Peace Sounds Familiar  (Impersonation Contest), Joemari Candido of SPEM won the championship title. The group of Princess Dejasco, Mary Ann Silverio, Kristel Estampador, Arven Luciano, Adrian Nicolas, and Arjay Cezar of SILAW finished first runner-up, while Rechelle Vigo, Rhea Mae Falsario, Maria Carol Jusayan, Charmie Villa, and Angelin Visorio of ALSA placed second runner-up.

The SSS will announce the winners of the Video Presentation, Poster Making, and Bulletin Making contests on Friday.

 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 | 𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 

On the way (OTW) na daw, pero on the Water pala?

For as long as we can remember, “Filipino time” has been thrown around like a harmless inside joke, a small cultural quirk that everyone is expected to understand and accept. It slips out in conversations with a smile, wrapped in humor and familiarity, as if being late is a shared badge of identity rather than a sign of something we should have long outgrown.

We tell ourselves it’s normal. We blame the traffic, the weather, the distance, or the long list of reasons that sound right when spoken aloud. However, deep inside, we know that every late arrival speaks of something more than inconvenience. 

 When you show up on time — you are saying, “I value you. I respect your time as much as my own".

“Filipino time” does not make you more Filipino. It only keeps us from becoming the kind of Filipinos we were meant to be — people who value respect, effort, and integrity. If we want change to begin anywhere, let it begin with how we treat time.