Guimaras State University Empowers Educators Through Module Development

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Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño highlights the university’s achievements in 2024.

In a move to advance quality education and promote Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Guimaras State University (GSU) conducted a one-day training on Module Development for educators at Getulio National High School and Getulio Elementary School on September 26, 2024. The session was designed to enhance teachers’ instructional skills and help them create effective educational modules tailored to support student learning.

Dr. Mona Liza H. Sollano, a key organizer and GSU faculty member, opened the event by outlining its objectives, emphasizing the role of well-crafted modules in enriching classroom experiences and boosting student engagement. The training covered essential aspects of module design, such as content organization, visual appeal, and alignment with educational standards. By providing these tools, GSU aims to empower teachers to foster more structured, interactive learning environments.

The instructional modules created during this workshop will soon become integral to classroom teaching at Getulio schools, reflecting GSU’s dedication to educational development in Guimaras. This collaboration not only strengthens GSU’s ties with local schools but also underscores its commitment to SDG 4 by empowering educators to drive impactful change in their teaching practices.

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GSU Leads First Aid Training and Earthquake Drill Simulations to Build a Safer, More Resilient Community

Guimaras State University (GSU) recently held a comprehensive First Aid Training and Earthquake Drill Simulation last September 11-12, 2024, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance community preparedness for emergencies. The two-day event, which included hands-on simulations and essential training, aimed to equip participants with critical first aid skills and practical survival strategies for disaster scenarios.

The event received active support from the Buenavista Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the University Clinic, and the GSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office, whose collaborative efforts contributed greatly to the training’s success. The exercises emphasized quick response, effective evacuation procedures, and injury management in crisis situations, ensuring that participants gained vital skills to protect themselves and others during emergencies.

This training aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which calls for building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. By fostering preparedness and equipping community members with essential first aid and disaster response skills, GSU is actively contributing to a culture of safety and resilience. Through activities like these, the university supports SDG 11 by building local capacity to respond effectively to emergencies and enhancing the community’s ability to withstand and recover from unexpected events.

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Hooked on Learning: Guimaras Youth Master Bangus Deboning Techniques

Bangus Deboning Training

Guimaras State University held a youth training session on bangus (milkfish) deboning on April 5, 2024, as part of the Youth Empowerment in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agri-fishery Program (YEASAP). Hosted at the university’s Baterna Campus Multicrop Pond, the event provided students from Dr. Catalino G. Nava Memorial High School with practical skills in food preparation and fishery practices, focusing on the local staple, bangus.

Fish Deboning Techniques

Led by instructors Clarisse Marte and Ma. Ange Deano, the training covered essential techniques for efficient deboning, including safe fish handling, precise bone extraction, hygiene practices, and methods to minimize waste. This program aimed to support the sustainable development goal of “Zero Hunger” by empowering youth with culinary and agribusiness skills that uphold local traditions while enhancing opportunities in sustainable agriculture.

Participants engaged in hands-on deboning exercises to apply what they had learned, preparing them for both household and entrepreneurial applications. The training concluded with certificates awarded to all attendees and facilitators, recognizing their dedication to community growth and sustainable agribusiness in Guimaras.

Training Participants Hands-on Training

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Empowering Future Farmers: Sustainable Livestock Training at GSU

Sustainable Livestock Training

A training session on sustainable livestock management for students of Dr. Catalino G. Nava Memorial High School took place on April 3, 2024, at Guimaras State University (GSU) as part of the Youth Empowerment in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agri-fishery Program (YEASAP). The session aimed to support the sustainable development goal of “Zero Hunger” by providing young agricultural enthusiasts with science-based techniques for raising chickens, swine, and ruminants.

Animal science expert Instr. Erma Conde led the training, covering essential topics such as nutrition, health care, and breeding practices for livestock. Participants gained hands-on experience, learning to handle animals safely while applying sustainable practices that minimize reliance on commercial feeds and antibiotics.

Emphasizing agriculture as a sustainable livelihood, the program encouraged youth to view farming as a promising career path. GSU and its partners aim to empower the next generation with practical skills, contributing to a stronger agricultural community in Guimaras.

Agricultural Training Session

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Harvesting the Future: Empowering Youth in Mango Production at Guimaras State University

Guimaras State University Mango Training

On April 3, 2024, Guimaras State University, in collaboration with the Bureau of Plant Industry, conducted a hands-on training session for 4-H Club members focused on mango harvesting and post-harvest handling. This training, part of the Youth Empowerment in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agri-fishery Program (YEASAP), aimed to equip young participants with essential skills to support the Guimaras mango industry.

Held at the GSU Baterna Campus mango orchard, the session covered sustainable techniques for harvesting, sorting, and packaging to maintain mango quality, aligning with the sustainable development goal of “Zero Hunger.” Experts from the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards provided insights on safety protocols, pest management, and eco-friendly practices.

Participants engaged in practical exercises like hot-water treatments and classification drills to apply their knowledge. The event concluded with a ceremony awarding certificates of appreciation to both participants and experts, highlighting the importance of involving youth in sustainable practices to ensure the future success of the Guimaras mango industry.

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Guimaras State University Tops National Rankings with Most Level IV Accredited Programs in 2023

Guimaras State University (GSU) has achieved a remarkable milestone in promoting Quality Education (SDG 4) by securing the top position among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines, with the highest number of Level IV accredited programs in 2023. This prestigious accomplishment was celebrated during the 37th Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) National Conference and General Assembly 2024, held from March 20th to 22nd, 2024, at the Century Park Hotel in Malate, Metro Manila.

Level IV accreditation, the highest recognition granted by AACCUP, highlights programs that exhibit excellence across multiple areas of academic quality. These include faculty qualifications, curriculum standards, instructional resources, library facilities, research, extension services, and student support services. Achieving this level reflects GSU’s dedication to enhancing academic standards and ensuring its graduates are equipped to meet global demands.

GSU’s success underscores its commitment to continuous improvement and educational innovation. The university’s dedication to research, faculty development, and community engagement has positioned it as a leader in Philippine higher education. By maintaining a high standard in all aspects of academic delivery, GSU exemplifies the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), fostering a transformative learning environment and producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible.

This achievement stands as a testament to GSU’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education, contributing to the global call for educational equity and excellence.

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Seeds of Change: GSU’s ‘Harvesting Hope’ Training Cultivates Sustainable Farming

 

Guimaras State University – Baterna Campus held a “Harvesting Hope” training session on March 5, 2024, focused on promoting regenerative agriculture for farmers in the Four-Square Church community. Led by the GSU Community Extension Services, the College of Agricultural Sciences, and the Mango and Tropical Fruits Research Center, the training supports the sustainable development goals of “Zero Hunger” by introducing sustainable farming methods that will benefit both the environment and long-term productivity.

Participants learned regenerative practices like minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, composting, and natural pest management, aimed at improving soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. Hands-on workshops and tailored demonstrations offered sustainable alternatives to conventional farming, which often depends on synthetic inputs.

The event concluded with a recognition ceremony for participants and resource persons, reinforcing GSU’s commitment to equipping local farmers with sustainable agriculture tools. This initiative fosters resilience in the Guimaras farming community while promoting environmental stewardship.

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Guimaras State University Rises for Freedom with One Billion Rising Celebration, Advocates for Gender Equality

On February 26, 2024, Guimaras State University (GSU) joined the global movement to end violence against women, including cisgender, transgender, and those with fluid identities, as part of the One Billion Rising campaign. With this year’s theme, “RISE FOR FREEDOM”, the celebration calls for unity, freedom, and the empowerment of all individuals to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

All personnel and students participated in the One Billion Rising Mob Dance, after the university’s flag ceremony which was spearheaded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office and the Physical Education Department, symbolizes GSU’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality. This SDG emphasizes the need to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls and calls for institutions to foster an environment of safety, equality, and empowerment for all.

GSU President Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño emphasized the university’s dedication to building a culture of respect and inclusion. “One Billion Rising is not just a movement but a call for every individual in our community to take a stand against violence, discrimination, and gender inequality. Our celebration will be one of solidarity and hope, fostering an environment that values freedom, respect, and dignity,” she stated.

The participation guidelines detailed in Memorandum No. 103 request that all permanent GSU personnel wear their official Polo Shirt Uniform, while non-permanent staff are encouraged to wear white shirts if the official uniform is not available. This visual show of unity represents the strength of the GSU community in standing together for a safer, more inclusive world.

One Billion Rising, launched in 2012, has mobilized millions globally in a powerful call for justice and equality. By participating in this event, GSU aligns itself with a global community advocating for women’s rights and gender equality, reinforcing SDG 5’s mission to dismantle barriers to equality and respect for women, men, and all gender identities.

This celebration serves as a reminder that institutions like GSU play a crucial role in promoting gender equity and empowering the next generation. As students and faculty rise together, they send a strong message of freedom, solidarity, and the power of collective action.

The One Billion Rising Mob Dance will be held on GSU’s main campus grounds, and the university invites all members of the community to join in this powerful display of advocacy and support for gender equality and human rights.

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Growing Futures: GSU-Salvador Campus Empowers Youth in Mango Production

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The GSU-Salvador Campus recently hosted a youth-focused training under the “Youth Empowerment in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agri-fishery Program” (YEASAP). Conducted by the Office of Community Extension Services in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry and the College of Agricultural Sciences, the program aimed to impart crucial skills in mango production, especially flower induction, to the younger generation in Guimaras. This initiative, held on January 19, 2024, focused on practical skills for members of the 4-H Club Baterna Chapter at the Bureau of Plant Industry’s Mango Orchard in Buenavista.

The event began with a ceremonial opening attended by esteemed faculty and included a hands-on approach. Resource persons led participants through lectures on the science behind flower induction and practical activities, allowing each participant to apply their knowledge directly to grafted mango trees. The training aimed to support the sustainable development goal of “No Poverty” by bridging generational knowledge gaps with younger members and encouraging them to sustain the heritage of mango cultivation—a significant part of Guimaras’ agricultural economy.

The program concluded with certificates of appreciation awarded to attendees and resource persons, emphasizing the importance of sustainable mango production. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen local agriculture by empowering youth with practical and scientific farming skills.

Training Session Mango Training
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Cultural Mapping Panay-Guimaras (CMPG)

December 15, 2023, Guimaras – In a landmark event held on December 14, 2023, Guimaras State University (GSU) proudly joined the Project Launch and Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for Cultural Mapping Panay-Guimaras. The initiative, aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region, saw the collaboration of various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), officials, and cultural mapping teams.

The ceremony was graced by the representatives of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Dr. Clement C. Camposano (Chancellor, UPV), and Anna Razel L. Ramirez, the overall project leader. The presence of esteemed guests from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other relevant agencies highlighted the national significance of the cultural mapping endeavor. Presiding over the launch, Prof. Martin G. Genodepa, Program Manager of Cultural Mapping Panay-Guimaras (CMPG), emphasized the vital role this project plays in the preservation of the Philippine cultural heritage. The collaborative effort involves State Universities and Colleges, each contributing expertise to different domains under the project.

Guimaras State University, under the leadership of University President Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño, plays a pivotal role in the initiative. Dr. Bernardo G. Cagasan has been appointed as the Project Coordinator, overseeing the university's involvement in this cultural mapping endeavor.

The study will be conducted across five domains, each led by distinguished experts:

Natural Heritage: Dr. Julius T. Vergara
Tangible Movable Heritage: Dr. Julieta G. Infante
Tangible Immovable Heritage: Dr. Jasmin Gadian
Intangible Heritage: Prof. Ethel P. Junco
Cultural Institutions and Personages: Dr. Helen R. Vilbar

A team of dedicated support staff, including Instr. Anthony Jalando-on, Mr. Philippe R. Prologo, and Instr. Daisy B. Ibieza, will work in tandem to ensure the success of the project.

The Guimaras State University's involvement in the Cultural Mapping Panay-Guimaras initiative underscores its commitment to cultural preservation, education, and sustainable development. As the project unfolds, it is expected to yield invaluable insights that will contribute to the enduring legacy of the region's cultural heritage. The remarkable event was also attended by the project coordinators and staff from the following partner SUCs:

1. Iloilo Science and Technology University for the Cultural Mapping of the 1st and 2nd Districts of Iloilo
2. West Visayas State University for the Cultural Mapping of Iloilo City and Iloilo 3rd District
3. Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology for the Cultural Mapping of Iloilo 4th and 5th Districts of Iloilo
4. Capiz State University for the Cultural Mapping of Capiz Province
5. Aklan State University for the Cultural Mapping of Aklan Province
6. University of Antique for the Cultural Mapping of Antique Province

The project aligns with Republic Act 11961 which mandates the Local Government Units to conduct cultural mapping activities. It aims to produce a registry of the cultural and natural heritage of all the 103 municipalities or LGUs of Panay and Guimaras provinces.

A cultural mapping project in an island can have significant implications and benefits for various aspects of the community and the island itself. Here are some key points highlighting the significance of such a project:

Preservation of Cultural Heritage:

Cultural mapping helps identify, document, and preserve the island's unique cultural heritage, including traditions, customs, rituals, languages, and historical sites. This ensures that the island's rich cultural identity is not lost over time.

Community Empowerment:

Involving the local community in the cultural mapping process empowers them to actively participate in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage. This engagement fosters a sense of pride and ownership among community members.

Tourism and Economic Development:

A well-documented cultural map can attract tourists interested in experiencing and learning about the island's unique culture. This, in turn, can stimulate economic development through tourism-related activities, such as cultural events, guided tours, and the sale of traditional crafts.

Environmental Conservation:

Cultural mapping often involves identifying and documenting the relationship between the local culture and the natural environment. This understanding can contribute to sustainable practices that balance cultural preservation with environmental conservation.

Education and Awareness:

Cultural maps serve as valuable educational tools, providing resources for schools, museums, and cultural institutions. They contribute to raising awareness about the island's cultural diversity, history, and significance.

Cultural Exchange and Collaboration:

Cultural mapping facilitates collaboration and exchange between different communities, fostering a broader understanding of diverse cultures. This can lead to cultural exchanges, partnerships, and collaborative projects that enrich the overall cultural landscape.

Urban Planning and Development:

Understanding the cultural assets of an island through mapping can inform urban planning and development strategies. This ensures that future developments are sensitive to and supportive of the existing cultural fabric of the community.

Policy Formulation:

Cultural mapping provides policymakers with valuable insights into the cultural needs and priorities of the community. This information can guide the development of policies that support the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Social Cohesion:

By acknowledging and celebrating cultural diversity, cultural mapping can contribute to social cohesion within the community. It helps bridge gaps between different cultural groups and fosters a sense of unity and shared identity.

Resilience and Adaptation:

Cultural mapping can highlight traditional knowledge and practices that may be valuable for the community's resilience and adaptation to environmental changes, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

In summary, a cultural mapping project in an island is a comprehensive and holistic approach that goes beyond just documenting cultural elements. It plays a crucial role in shaping the island's future by integrating cultural preservation with sustainable development and community well-being.

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Building Brighter Futures: Financial Literacy Training Empowers Youth at Guimaras Rehabilitation Center

Financial Literacy Training

The College of Business and Management at Guimaras State University-Salvador Campus hosted a financial literacy training for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs) at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Concordia Sur, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, on August 11, 2023. Responding to a request from RRCY, the training aimed to provide CICLs with practical money-management skills to support their rehabilitation and improve their future job prospects.

This initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goals, such as “No Poverty,” by educating children to recognize, detect, and avoid financial fraud and scams. Furthermore, it aims to help them realize their full potential and become more productive, increasing their chances of finding work or an alternative source of income in the future, which can positively impact their self-worth.

The program covered essential skills such as earning, saving, responsible spending, and identifying financial fraud. Led by Instructor Joeve Grace N. Gaborno, the training engaged 42 CICLs through interactive sessions that included a prayer, an icebreaker, and hands-on discussions on financial topics. Participants were enthusiastic, asking questions and sharing their experiences. The event underscored the importance of financial literacy in empowering CICLs, with plans for future collaborations between the university and RRCY.

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GSU CAgS Trains GLEP Beneficiaries on Organic Feed Formulation and Utilization

The Guimaras State University (GSU) College of Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the Potato Systems Research and Training Center, Inc. (PSRTC) and the Guimaras Foursquare Gospel Church, conducted a comprehensive training session on Organic Feed Formulation and Utilization in Maabay, Sibunag, Guimaras on June 15, 2023. This initiative is part of the Guimaras Livelihood Empowerment Program (GLEP), which aims to empower local communities through sustainable agricultural practices.

The partnership between PSRTC and the Foursquare Gospel Church was formalized on January 25, 2021, through a memorandum of agreement to provide holistic support to communities and families in the province. In response to a request from Dr. Victoria Demonteverde of PSRTC, GSU CAgS contributed its expertise by facilitating the training for GLEP beneficiaries.

The morning session featured Instructor Erma T. Conde from GSU-Baterna Campus, who specializes in Animal Science. She led discussions on Organic Poultry Production and Feed Formulation, covering the nutritional requirements of poultry at various life stages and highlighting locally available feed ingredients for homemade rations. She emphasized the importance of pellet feeds in enhancing poultry production.

Before the afternoon session commenced, representatives from GSU, the Foursquare Gospel Church, and PSRTC signed a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize their tripartite collaboration, reinforcing their commitment to supporting local livelihoods.

Dr. Julius T. Vergara, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, took the lead in the afternoon session, focusing on Organic Swine Production and Feed Formulation. He introduced participants to various feed sources and methods for solving feed formulation challenges, including the Pearson Square and Trial and Error methods. Dr. Vergara provided a hands-on demonstration of mixing different feed ingredients and operating a pelletizer machine, allowing participants to gain practical experience.

The training concluded with a certificate-awarding ceremony for participants and closing remarks from Instructor Erma T. Conde, who expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts and the successful outcome of the training.

This training not only equipped GLEP beneficiaries with valuable skills in organic feed formulation but also promoted sustainable farming practices, contributing to the overall development of the local agricultural sector.

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Guimaras State University Grateful for Three Vehicle Donations

Three (3) motor vehicles were donated to Guimaras State University. The first vehicle is the Isuzu Crosswind XL 2.5 with model number TBR-XL-MT4X2AC-2008 donated by National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Region VI last May 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. during the conduct of their disposal activity. Dr. Lilian Diana Parreno, Mr. Ken Pillora, and Mr. Aser Job attended the said activity to receive the donated vehicle.

On the other hand, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 also gave 2 other vehicles which are the 1 unit of Toyota Revo and 1 unit of Wrangler Jeep (the engine will be for laboratory use). These donated vehicles will be used in the operations of the university and laboratory of students.

With this, we want to express our warmest thanks to the donors, and we are looking forward for your continued support to GSU.

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Growing Upward: 4-H Club Empowers Guimaras Youth with Vertical Gardening Skills for a Sustainable Future

GSU Vertical Gardening Training

The 4-H Club-Baterna Chapter held a youth-focused training on vertical gardening at Guimaras State University-Baterna Campus on May 11, 2023. The initiative aimed to revitalize the club’s agricultural activities and equip members with sustainable gardening skills following the pause caused by COVID-19. This training introduced participants to vertical gardening techniques and enabled them to apply their skills to future projects. It also supports the Sustainable Development Goal of “Zero Hunger” by reviving a source of income for the club’s operations through vertical gardening.

The event began with an opening ceremony led by 4-H member Joebel Talaban and featured inspiring remarks from Dr. Julius Vergara, Campus Director. Mr. Jessie Ortega provided insights into organic farming practices, while Mr. Nick Talondata of Green Vegeture Farm demonstrated hydroponic techniques and principles of vertical gardening. Participants enthusiastically joined in hands-on demonstrations and participated in an open forum with the trainers.

The event concluded with certificates of appreciation and closing remarks by Instructor Reynro Herrera. 4-H members expressed gratitude for the training, noting its practical value in space-efficient gardening practices.

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Safeguarding Livestock: GSU Empowers Farmers with Critical ASF and Bird Flu Awareness Training in Sibunag

On March 31, 2023, Guimaras State University (GSU) Community Extension Services organized a one-day training session on African Swine Fever (ASF) and Bird Flu Awareness at DASIVGAI in Dasal, Sibunag. The training aimed to support the Sustainable Development Goal of “Zero Hunger” by raising awareness of ASF and Bird Flu updates in the Philippines and providing local farmers with essential information to protect their livestock.

The program began with an opening prayer led by student Nick Talondata, followed by a formal introduction from Extension Coordinator Instructor Reynro T. Herrera. Dr. Julius Vergara, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Sciences (CAgS), presented key information on ASF, including its signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies. Instructor Erma T. Conde then discussed Bird Flu, covering its history, epidemiology, and preventive measures.

Participants provided positive feedback, with Mr. Noli Gajete, President of DASIVGAI, expressing appreciation for the valuable insights shared during the training. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates of appreciation to attendees and a certificate of appearance to GSU-Baterna Campus from Barangay Dasal for its commitment to community education. The training effectively raised awareness about ASF and Bird Flu, empowering local farmers with crucial knowledge.

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Driving Financial Success: Guimaras State University Empowers 805 Motorcycle Drivers with Money Management Skills

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The College of Business and Management (CBM) at Guimaras State University hosted a nine-day financial literacy training for motorcycle drivers in Buenavista, aimed at equipping them with essential money management skills. Held at the Buenavista Municipal Hall from March 14 to 31, 2023, the sessions focused on budgeting, saving, and investing, empowering 805 drivers with knowledge to improve their financial stability. The training also supports the Sustainable Development Goal of “No Poverty” by helping them manage their money wisely, make sound financial decisions, and achieve financial stability.

Training Session 1 Training Session 2

The training, part of Buenavista’s Customer Skills Training Program, was led by CBM’s Business Administration and Tourism & Hospitality Management Departments, with support from Mayor Samuel T. Gumarin and Vice Mayor Cyril C. Beltran, who highlighted the drivers’ vital roles in the local economy. Key speakers included CBM Dean Dr. Arthur C. Soqueña and faculty members Dr. Andrew D. Paguntalan, Joeve Grace N. Gaborno, and Kissy G. Cariaga.

Participants expressed appreciation, noting the program’s impact on their financial decision-making and ability to navigate daily economic challenges.

Training Session 3 Training Session 4 Training Session 5
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