University of San Agustin

University of San Agustin Should be Proud

2012-07-05T04:40:00.004-07:00

THE College of Law of the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City is one of the best law schools in the country.
This prestigious learning institution has produced many Ilonggo law students who topped the Philippine Bar Exams and who became pillars of the country’s progress.
The following became San Agustin University – College of Law’s Bar topnotchers:
Carolina Griño – No. 1; Cornelio Gison – No. 1; Wenceslao de la Paz – No. 2; Mario Guarinia – No. 3; Carmelo Betita – No. 7; Elena Gallinero-Opinion – No. 9; Cyril Regalado – No. 6; Dolores Abad-Alinio – No. 3; and Rodolfo Taasan – No. 8.
Perhaps there were other topnotchers, from this university but we can’t chronicle them anymore due to mental wear and tear brought about by human frailty.
This only proves to all and sundry that law professors in USA are legally well-equipped, bright and quite intelligent, not to mention the fact that the school’s teaching standard is admirable and can equal those of the University of the Philippines, Ateneo, San Beda and a few other big schools in the country.
This reality can further be gleaned from the high ratings of Bar examinees from the Catholic university every year.
As Ilonggos, we are both proud and happy for this laudable achievement, and we hope that other law schools in Western Visayas will likewise aim for excellence, not only in the law profession but also in other educational fields.

Source: http://panaynewsphilippines.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=19&Itemid=24

University of San Agustin safeguards Filipino heritage in Western Visayas

2012-07-05T04:39:00.000-07:00

OLD PHOTO of Urdaneta Hall, named after
Fray Andres de Urdaneta, the great
Augustinian missionary

With a sturdy commitment of preserving Filipino culture in the island of Panay in Western Visayas, the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City has become a proponent of heritage conservation, fostering appreciation of historical landmarks and the rich Ilonggo literary and performance arts. It has also led in conserving various repositories and archives of important historical and cultural records.

The university hosted the lecture series of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) Angat Kabataan Camp, a major cultural event during the Heritage Month of May. The youth camp drew almost a hundred youth delegates from regions across the country.

Andrew de Guzman, a member of the NCCA National Committee on Visual Arts and the president of the Jefarca Arts and Historical Society, stressed the necessity of molding the cultural consciousness of the people.

“The positive attitude toward our heritage starts with education,” De Guzman said.

Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, former NCCA commissioner and 2012 camp director, agreed. He said that an educational institution bears “the social responsibility to transcend its walls and share its resources with the larger community.”

Provincial efforts

During the fellowship night held after the lecture series, Raul Banias, Iloilo provincial administrator, informed the delegates of the restoration efforts being undertaken by the Iloilo government under Gov. Arthur Defensor.

Banias said Casa Real, the old provincial capitol of Iloilo, was undergoing restoration work.

Another project in line for “adaptive reuse” is the restoration of the old Iloilo Provincial Jail. “The plan is to preserve most of the old structure, including the façade and exteriors, and convert its interior into a museum,” Banias added.

Raising level of discourse

ILOILO provincial administrator Raul Banias and Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, former NCCA commissioner for cultural heritage and now University of San Agustin VP for academic affairs.

For Augustinian priest Father Rentoria, who has recently been appointed as vice president for academic affairs of the University of San Agustin, the primary role of academic institutions is “to raise the level of discourse and to contribute their intellectual resources and expertise toward the accomplishment of (conservation) projects.”

He further explained: “For example, when we want our principles and laws to inform policies and programs on heritage conservation, we bring to the table the expertise of our faculty and researchers, as well as the informed opinions of our students.”

At present, the university’s Architecture and Civil Engineering faculties have been appointed to the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council to protect the old buildings along Iloilo City’s Calle Real (now J.M. Basa Street), as well as the old mansions in the districts of Molo, Jaro, Arevalo and La Paz.

Publications, repositories

Iloilo has for its languages Hiligaynon, Akeanon and Kinaray-a, among which the various exemplary literary works of Magdalena Jalandoni, Agustin Misola, Quin Baterna and Ma. Luisa Gibraltar have been written.

Translations in both English and Tagalog of the literary creations carry the “Libro Agustino” label of the university publication.

Also, the Spanish Embassy’s Office for Cultural Cooperation endowed the university for the publication of a translation of the Spanish manuscript “Monografias de los Pueblos de la Isla de Panay,” which was written by Fray Juan Fernandez, OSA, in the early decade of the 20th century.

This seminal work has now become the most valuable reference regarding the beginnings of the towns in Panay.

Another important material in the archives of the University of San Agustin is the first book on grammar of the Hiligaynon language, written by Fr. Alonso de Mentrida, OSA, in 1628.

In 2001, the Genealogical Society of Utah and the Archdiocese of Jaro donated to the university the microfilmed baptismal records from the Spanish era up to 1946. This priceless collection has utmost significance, especially in genealogical research.

Meanwhile, the fully-equipped University Museum houses artifacts, such as old wooden religious icons, earthen glass and chinawares, and crafts that trace back to pre-Hispanic times.

Century-old university

Having been established in 1904 by the Augustinians, the first missionary order in the Philippines, the university cannot disregard historical and cultural concerns in its mission.

“We owe it to our founding fathers to go on pioneering in cultural heritage preservation efforts,” Rentoria said. “It’s like treasuring the priceless inheritance bequeathed upon our generation by our forebears and their cooperators.”

This year, the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines has appointed former Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod president Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, as the 22nd president of the University of San Agustin.

Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/54147/university-of-san-agustin-safeguards-filipino-heritage-in-western-visayas

University of San Agustin installs 22nd president

2012-07-05T04:35:00.001-07:00

FATHER Frederick C. Comendador, O.S.A., was officially installed as the 22^nd president of the University of San Agustin (USA) on June 20. He begins his term this year and will act as head of the 108-year academic institution for the period 2012-16. The installation was administered by Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, O.S.A., Prior Provincial and Chair of the Board of Trustees, and, witnessed by Ched Regional Director Virginia Resurreccion and DepEd Regional Director Mildred Garay.

Prior to his assignment at USA, Fr. Comendador served as president of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (2008-12) and as Provincial Secretary of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu (2004-08). He earned his MA in Educational Administration from Ateneo de Manila University and his MA in Theology from Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA.

Though the 22^nd friar to head the University, Fr. Comendador is technically the 7^th president of this institution. The first 15 heads were formerly referred to as “Rector”. The first to be addressed “President” was Fr. Bernardino R. Ricafrente, O.S.A. His presidency was followed by five more friars, namely: Fathers Mamerto A. Alfeche, O.S.A. (1989-92 and 1996-2000); Eusebio B. Berdon, O.S.A. (1992-96); Rodolfo M. Arreza, O.S.A. (2000-02); Manuel M. Vergara, O.S.A. (2002-08); and Raul M. Marchan, O.S.A. (2008-12).

Together with Father President Comendador, the following eight friars are also assigned at the University for the next four years: Fathers Harold Ll. Rentoria, O.S.A., VP for Academic Affairs; Roy D. Aspera, O.S.A., VP for Administration/ Finance; Donato E. Ellezar, O.S.A., VP for Student Affairs; Czar Emmanuel Alvarez, O.S.A., Dean of Theology and Religious Education; Basilio S. Sugata-on, O.S.A., Campus Minister; Ian V. Ragodon, O.S.A., Director of General Services; Jessie T. Tabobo, O.S.A., Director of Community Service Center; and, Noli P. Detoyato, O.S.A., Assistant Campus Minister.

The University of San Agustin is managed by the friars of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines, one of the provinces of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) which is one of the oldest religious orders in the world. The In 1904, it opened as an exclusive school for boys as the Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo. In 1953, the colegio was elevated to university status, thereby earning the singular distinction as the first university in Western Visayas.

Source: http://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=22nd%20president%20of%20the%20university%20of%20san%20agustin&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CFYQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailyguardian.net%2Findex.php%2F114-community-news-cat%2F13283-university-of-san-agustin-installs-22nd-president&ei=1Xr1T_9Qw7isB9GWlMoG&usg=AFQjCNE7UVsfBdaQP8HVjQ2f_0acEGiSsg

San Agustin writers workshop fellow wins Palanca gold

2011-08-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

ILOILO City – The Fray Luis De Leon Creative Writing Desk of the University of San Agustin Coordinating Center for Research and Publications (UCRP) congratulates Marcel Lim Milliam for winning in the 61st Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, first prize in the Poetry for Children, Filipino category.

His entry is a collection entitled Ako ang Bida.

Milliam relates that the persona in each poem is that of a child of an overseas Filipino worker, filled with longing for the absent parent.

Milliam was a pioneer fellow for poetry during the 1st SanAg Regional Writers Workshop sponsored by the Fray Luis De Leon Creative Writing Institute at the UCRP.

He is a prolific and multi-awarded writer, winning fellowships from the University of the Philippines, La Salle, and the Mindanao State University.

His works have been published in the official literary folio of the USA writing desk SanAg, as well as in the 33rd ANI of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

He has also won awards in the Gawad Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, as well as an international prize for poetry in the Meritage Press Global Poetry Prize.

This is his second award for the Palanca, winning third prize in the Hiligaynon Short story category during the 58th Palanca Awards in 2008.

He is scheduled to fly to Manila for the awards ceremony at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula Hotel on September 1.

Source: Panay News - August 11, 2011 issue
Iloilo City
www.panaynewsphilippines.com

USA Cyclists Club Invitation

2011-07-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

College of Education entitled to CHED grants, benefits

2011-01-04T06:55:00.000-08:00

Through its recognition as a Center of Develoopment (COD) by the commission on Higher education (CHED), the College of Education (CoEd) is now entitled to the following grants and benefits: 1. priority in the selection of CHED partners with regards to CHED development projects; 2. Entitled to other non-monetary subsidies and awards such as faculty scholarships for graduate studies and priority for CHED research grants; and 3. Financial assistance.

As provided for by CHED Memorandum Order No. 26, Series of 2007, CoEds and CODs that would like to avail of financial assistance / support from CHED must submit project proposals. The CHED will evaluate the proposals based on the criteria which shall be issued by the Commission. Higher Education Institutions will be granted financial assistance once a proposal will be approved, subject to availability of funds.

The recognition was given on 14 July 2010 in Quezon City, Philippines. It will be valid, along with its entitlement, for Calendar Years 2010 to 2013.

College Dean Alex b. Facinabao, Ed.D hopes that the faculty members would avail of these grants and benefits within the period of duration of the recognition and entitlement, especially for scholarships in the masterate and doctorate degrees, as well as in researches in the field of education.

Source: J.V. Pedregosa – Communitas November 2010 issue

USA now Wi-Fi connected

2011-01-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

On the second week of September 2010, the campus Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi system at the University of San Agustin already started its broadcast services.

Installed in mid-August this year, the Cisco certified equipment included a Cisco controller (2010 series), 5 access points (Aironet 1130g), and a broadband router (Linksys). Access into the system does not require any password. The connection speed is 5mbps.

Open 24/7, the system’s access points are placed in the following locations: one each in front of Blanco Hall, at the Gamboa Building, and inside the internet section; and two at the Administration Building/Quadrangle area. Each access point is configured with the same SSID, thus users need not repeatedly log in when transferring from one zone to another.

The expenses in installing the Wi-Fi system was partly shouldered by the students, through the USA Student Council’s donation of Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00).

The installation of the Campus Wireless Fidelity System aims to facilitate access to internet so as to help students and faculty members in their various assignments and research work. It forms part of the effort of the administration to improve services and facilities in the University.

Source: Office of the VP for Student Affairs / UCRP / Communitas-November 2010 issue

USA Library offers new services

2011-01-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

Access to the Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi system is now available at the library main reading area as one of the additional services provided by the University Library. This aims to help the clients in their researches as well as to provide them an alternative in accessing different professional sites.

In addition, ProQuest Online Database is also available and can be accessed at the Periodicals Section located at the ground floor of the Fray Luis De Leon Building. It can also be accessed via the Wi-Fi system. ProQuest constains subjects like Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, and Zoology. It has full text on researches as well as instructional videos.

In order to accommodate our growing number of collections, the library made some new arrangements at the circulation and reference sections. Added were sixty four feet high book shelves placed outside the stack room. Collections, which are now located at the left side of the Main Reading Hall, are categorized using the Library of Congress Classification. There is also a counter wherein the recording of all books borrowed and returned are being done.

The Library Instructional Media Center (IMC) has been transferred to the Dolce Garcia Hall where the USA Training Center was formerly located. Two viewing rooms are available for students, faculty and personnel use.

In-charge of the IMC is Mr Dominador Suyom and the new technician is Mr. Paul John Orleans.

Source: A.C. Natividad / Communitas – November 2010 issue

Augustinian musician bags top prize in hymn writing tilt

2011-01-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Prof. Arne Lubasan, an Augustinian resident musician, bagged the top prize in a Hymn Writing Contest sponsored by the Iloilo City Government on the occasion of its 73th Charter day celebration. The contest was held on 20 August 2010 at the SM City Iloilo.

A faculty member of the Conservatory of Music and the Director of the USA Choir and Troubadours, Prof. Lubasan composed the lyrics and the music of the winning hymn entitled Dakbanwang Iloilo, Bugal Ko. The hymn speaks of pride, honor, love and loyalty for the City of Iloilo. It bested four other entries that made it to the final round of the competition. Lubasan received a cash prize and a trophy.

The proposed official hymn of the city was performed for the first time to officials and employees of the city government last 13 September 2010 during the flag raising ceremony. It was also featured in the early morning program Sikat Ka, Iloilo of the ABS-CBN Iloilo. If approved by the City council, the winning composition will become the official hymn of Iloilo City.

According to Hon. Jed Patrick Mabilog, city mayor, the hymn will be played during the flag ceremony of the city government. “As soon as the City Council approves it as official hymn, we will use it in all activities of the city, including playing it in public elementary and secondary schools, “he added.

The hymn hopes to inspire Ilonggos and give them sense of identity and pride as a people.

Source: K.Z. Bajoco/Communitas-November 2010 issue

USA Troubadours named MBC choral champ

2011-01-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

The USA troubadours was adjudged regional champion of the Paskong Pinoy Choral Competition of the Manila Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) held at SM City Iloilo on 7 October 2010.

The MBC Paskong Pinoy Choral Competition is a fast becoming prestigious choral event, being part of the Aliwan Festival held annually at Star City in Pasay City Metro Manila.

The USA Troubadors competed with six(6) other school-based and parish-based choral groups in the city. As winner, it will represent the region to the national competition to be held on 7-10 December 2010 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay City.

Source: A.S. Lubasan / Communitas-November 2010 issue

University upgrades library services and facilities

2010-10-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Ma. Isabel Medez - BS Psych 3

An additional reading area for the University Library is now being constructed between the Fray Luis de Leon Building and the Mentrida Hall, to accommodate the needs of the growing student and faculty population. The Library extension will house the foyer, library information desk, photocopying service, depository counter and library discussion area. This is part of the on-going effort of the University to continuously upgrade its instruction services and facilities.

All sections of the Library are now air conditioned. Additional OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalogue) terminals have also been added. The internet section has already been transferred to a newly renovated portion of the main library. To support the programs offered by the University, the USA Library continuously updates its collection of both print and non-print materials. It has already acquired 1,616 titles and 1,718 volumes of printed materials as well as 48 titles and 55 volumes of non-print materials – all of which are already in circulation and are used by the faculty and students.

It has also received 64 titles and 72 volumes of printed materials acquired as donations/gifts from alumni here and abroad. The latest donation, which came in this March, was a box of different titles of journals in the medical sciences from Dr. Marlon Torrento – a former faculty now based in the United States of America. The Library also subscribes to professional journals, magazines and bulletins to help students and faculty become aware of the latest in their respective fields of study.

The USA Library maintains its membership in a Library Consortium together with University of the Philippines Visayas, West Visayas State University, Central Philippine University, University of Iloilo, Western Institute of Technology and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology. Through this consortium, USA aims to share its resources with other colleges and universities, subject to each library’s rules and regulations. Resource sharing is one way of extending help to other universities and colleges. It also makes additional materials available to our students for information gathering.

With the continuous accreditation of the different courses offered by the University and the constant inspection from the Commission on Higher Education, the students are assured of excellent services not just by the updated materials but also by the improvement in learning ambiance necessary to encourage and motivate the students to use and visit the Library.

Source: A.C. Natividad / Communitas

School Calendar for the Academic Year 2010-2011

2010-09-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

click the image to enlarge

Augustinian tops LET 2009

2010-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Jaylord Losabia, a cum laude from the College of Education (CoEd), topped the Licensure Examination for Teachers or LET (Elementary) in October 2009.

Losabia, a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education major in General Curriculum, earned general average of 89.6 percent. He is the first Augustinian to top the licensure examination for teachers.

In an interview, Losabia said he didn’t see it coming. “I was surprised with the results but I am happy about it”.

Both a St. Augustine Scholarship grantee and an academic scholar during his college days, Losabia admitted he was focused on his academic studies. “I was an ordinary student then. My teachers asked me to join different organizations but I refused. I told them I was already overwhelmed by extra-curricular activities when I was in high school,” he said.

According to him, he prepared for the LET through the review classes organized by the former CoEd dean, Dr. Nenita V. Quiñon. He added, “I also attended a four-day review class at the St. Louis Review Center.”

Losabia was a graduate of the Iloilo City National High School in 2005. He finished his elementary education at the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School. He fails from Infante, Molo, Iloilo City and is son to proud parents, Jose and Nelida Losabia.

The licensure examination consisted of three parts: General Education (20%), Professional Education (40%), and a more specialized General Education (40%). It was originally scheduled on 27 September but was postponed to 4 October due to typhoons “Ondoy” and “Peping.”

Source: The Augustinian/UCRP

CoEd regains Level III accreditation

2010-09-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) confirmed the Level III status of the College of Education (CoEd) in December 2009.

“I am overwhelmed with the results after the rigorous preparation”, CoEd Dean Alex B. Facinabao stated. “Bringing back the Level III status is the greatest achievement we’ve got since this is my first (term for the) deanship. It was really a challenge for me.”

Established in 1977, FAAP is the umbrella organization of all accrediting agencies in the Philippines. It is authorized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to certify the quality levels of accredited programs at the tertiary level for the purpose of granting progressive deregulation and other benefits. “The Philippine Association of Accrediting Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) recommends the status of all institutions to FAAP, until it confirms the results,” said Ms. Gladys Confessor, Accreditation and Quality Assurance Office Executive secretary.

When asked about his future plans for the college, Facinabao stresses he wants to maintain the Level III status by improving instruction, research and community extension; by making the passing percentage for LET at least 75 percent; and by achieving accreditation for the following courses: BS in Library Sciences, BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management and BS in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Source: The Augustinian/UCRP - Communitas (June 2010)

HRD conducts 2 summer 2010 seminar-workshops

2010-09-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Committed to the thrust of incessantly enhancing and upgrading the competency of the university personnel, the Human Resource Department (HRD) conducted two seminars in summer 2010.

A week-long training and workshop on Research Proposal Writing was held on 5-8 April 2010 at the Nursing Review Center. This is in recognition of the inadequate facility of the most of the members of the faculty for research.

The seminar resource persons were Dr. Alejo P. Biton, research teacher at the Graduate School, and Dr. Remedios Somcio, Director of the Center for Educational and Institutional Research. The activity was attended by sixty-six participants, mostly members of the respective Research Management Groups (RMG) of the different departments. At the end of the training, each RMG presented a research proposal to the University President for approval.

Another seminar, Data Processing and Generation / MS PowerPoint, was conducted on 6-7 April 2010 at the Computer Laboratory A. The resource persons were Prof. Michelle Tribaco and Prof. Erlita Gonzales, Information Technology faculty members. The training was attended by thirty-nine faculty members, mostly, newly-hired personnel.

All these capacity building activities were facilitated by the Training and Development Committee, chaired by HRD Director Carmen N. Hernandez, DM. The summer 2010 seminars form part of the Personnel Development Program of the University of San Agustin.

Source: M.G. Salmorin/UCRP-Communitas June 2010

CAS-IT leads Tilipunan computer literacy project

2010-09-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

The College of Arts & Science (CAS), with its dean, Dr. Isidoro Cruz, spearheaded the kick off of the Tilipunan Computer Literacy Project last 6 December 2009 in Ginomoy, Alimodian, Iloilo. The college turned-over to the Ginomoy Barangay Council a computer unit for community use, particularly in the preparation of documents and incorporating computer lessons for the Tilipunan children.

To start off the alternative education, faculty members from the CAS-Information Technology (IT) Department, with its head, Prof. Josephine de Asis, and Tilipunan volunteer Mr. Dominicio Laude, spent their time last 29 May 2010 in Alimodian to facilitate hand-on basic computer training to barangay officials and community volunteers. IT Professors Christopher Langrio and Rodrigo Delmoro served as speakers for Microsoft Word and Excel. The training will arm the community in improving documents preparation in the barangay. For School Year 2010-11, the college, with its faculty coordinator for community service, Ms. Irene Grace Galon, and the student volunteers, will conduct a series of computer education sessions with the Tilipunan children. (M.E.O. Yap-Aguirra)

Source: Communitas Vol XX No.1 June 2010

LA / CAS 75th Diamond Jubilee & Alumni Homecoming

2010-09-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Wondering about our Artian classmates?
See them all at the DIAMOND (75th) ANNIVERSARY AND ALUMNI HOMECOMING of the COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS / COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City
December 6 - 11, 2010

ACTIVITIES:
December 6 - Mass, Motorcade, Exhibits, Sports and Fun Games
December 7 - Rada Lecture Series, Alumni Debate
December 8 - Medical, Dental and Legal Mission
December 9 - Alumni Lecture, Leadership Training
December 10 - Artian Job Fair
December 11 - ALUMNI NIGHT, Hotel Del Rio

CAS Office: +63 3374841 - 44 local 233 (Dean) 240 (Secretary)
Alumni President: Atty. Dwight Trasadas: 0915-4839134, 329-1008

Evangelization through Values Education

2010-09-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Aside from announcing, witnessing, celebrating, and renewing the world with the Gospel, offering it a new way of being and living with Jesus’ Real Presence in the

liturgy, the University finds it even more urgent to work for renewal of the ‘city of man’ (the earthly city guided by self-love and lives according to the natural man whose thoughts, actions, and desires are not ordered to God as to their supreme end) by appealing to the values emphasized by Augustine. This then could lead to conversion, a change of structures and models of life contrary to the ‘City of God’. And so, it is fitting that before we discuss about the Augustinian values as the University’s way of discovering her identity and her unique way of evangelization, let us first have few words on values as commonly understood.

It is said that every day we make choices. And we translate these choices into action. In fact, some of the choices we act on make us feel good and happy; while some of them we regret. Further, some of our choices are minor and have little or small implications; others are major and have great implications. Besides, for every choice we make, we attach a personal meaning. The personal meaning we have identified becomes a definite value when the choice we act on brings about positive feelings. In short, behind every choice we act on that makes us feel good is a value.

In simple terms, a value is commonly defined as “something which we consider important and essential to our life” (Ulgado, 1989). Others would offer a more functional definition of a value as “something that is freely chosen from alternatives and is acted upon, that which the individual celebrates as being part of the creative integration of his development as a person” (Simon, 1972).

By these we can say that values are important because they serve as “guiding stars which navigate our life”. Consequently, knowing our values gives us a definite direction. Knowing our values and living according to our values lead us towards personal integration. The process by which a value becomes an integral part of us is known as the valuing process. This process involves the journeying inward into the core of our person. It touches the deepest part of ourselves as we introspect, analyze, and explore who we are and what is important to us at a certain moment in time. As we engage in the valuing process, however, we have to be aware of the three dimensions of a person: the cognitive structure (choose), the affective life (prize), and the behavioral patterns (act on). The first requires that the choice must be done freely, must be made from alternatives, and must be done after considering consequences; the second necessitates that the choice must be cherished and prized for the person feels good about it, and the person is willing to publicly affirm that choice; and the third entails that the cherished choice must be acted upon, and it must not only be acted once, but repeatedly and consistently in life.

The Augustinian Values

With the preceding common understanding of values, we can affirm that whatever values that are emphasized in Augustine’s life, reflected in his voluminous writings, followed the same process of choosing, prizing, and acting on consistently. Furthermore, while he chose them freely from so many alternatives present during his time, he publicly affirmed them in his dialogues with his friends, shared them with others through his sermons, and wrote about them for others to know and to perpetuate them.

Our Augustinian scholars would estimate that more than five million words have been preserved from his autobiographical book “The Confessions” to his inspiring “Sermons”; from his catechetic “On Christian Teaching” to his theological “City of God”. It is from these sources that these values are wellenshrined; and from where we will choose the more common and familiar values that the Saint mentions. Since we are in an educational setting, we may say that these values are those that find relevance in our educational ends.

Not too long ago that the Order of St. Augustine came up with a more systematic approach to value formation typical of an Augustinian as her way to assess the educational centers found in many parts of the world, especially as to how the stakeholders would benefit from the Christian integral education, the Augustinian way. This process is not only meant to share the values endeared to Augustine, or to disseminate for the sake of sharing them, but to give an identity proper to an Augustinian education. This can also be a potent means for a new Augustinian educational evangelization in the 21st century as she dialogues with the times. As experts say, Augustinian values may define clearly our education and may be converted into clean air that may be breathed in our educational communities.

Fr. Raul M. Marchan, O.S.A., Ph.D.
University President

USA is 3rd best nursing school in WV

2010-09-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

BASED on the recently released result of the December 2009 Integrated Comprehensive Nurse Licensure Examination, the University of San Agustin–College of Nursing placed 3rd among the twenty-three nursing schools in Western Visayas.

The college obtained an overall passing performance of 83.82 per cent, which is far beyond the national passing performance of 39 per cent. In the national level, the University ranked 14th among the more than 300 schools of nursing in the country. This is according to the data published by the Board of Nursing and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Records show that more than half of the nursing schools in Region 6 have not obtained more than a fifty per cent passing rate. St. Paul University and West Visayas State University bagged the number one spot in the region for schools having 100 and more examinees and having thirty to ninety-nine examinees, respectively.

In November 2009, the Commission on Higher Education released a memorandum citing the best nursing schools in the Philippines. In said memo, the University of San Agustin placed 15th among more than 300 schools.

These data have clearly shown that the college is continuing to attain its goal to be one of the best nursing schools that offer satisfactory nursing education, not only in the region but also in the country.

CN opens first virtual lab in Panay

2010-09-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

THE first of its kind in the island of Panay, the Virtual Laboratory in the College of Nursing commenced its operations on 11 January 2010. The initiative to construct a Virtual Laboratory was brought about by the college’s adoption of a new B.S. in Nursing curriculum embodied under Memorandum Order #14 of the Commission on Higher Education. Article VI, Section 13.5 clearly states that “higher education institutions are encouraged to put up virtual skills laboratory to supplement and complement the related learning experiences prior to actual experience.”

Thus, the College of Nursing, in partnership with Healthcare Advantage Institute (HCAI), builta Virtual Laboratory utilizing NAL B and C at the Gamboa Hall.
The curricula of the courses offered by HCAI are based on the Joint Commission International (JCI) standards. JCI is a subsidiary of Joint Commission Accreditation of Hospitals Organization (JCAHO) which is renowned globally in the field of healthcare delivery accreditation. With this upgrade, the students enrolled in the college are assured to receive laboratory skills of international standards.

This is significantly advantageous in the preparation of students in the clinical setting and during the provision of concrete methods and processes in client care.

Furthermore, this will bridge the gap between the academe and the hospital industry by enhancing the students’ skills in manipulating modern equipment. Some of the equipment to be used in this facility are: Geri Advanced Manikin, Biphasic
Defibrillator with ECG monitor, Infusion and Syringe Pump, Electronic Ventilator, Electric Bed with remote control, Sheridan Flex – C-Pap System, ECG, Adult and Pedia radio transparent electrodes, and Feeding Tube Machine. The curriculum design, aside from being based on JCI standards, is also taught in a manner adopted in the United States. This would cultivate a paradigm shift in the nursing mentality from being passive to assertive.

A process of acculturation will also be ascertained, helping the students improve their learning curve. The courses offered were divided into three categories to guarantee proper acceleration of learning. The building- block courses contain basic documentation and basic life support. Basic Skills level include Intensive Care Unit and Maternal and Child Nursing. Advanced Skills have Telemetry, Intensive Physical Assessment, and Pediatric and Neonatal Advanced Cardiac Life Support. These are just a few of the lessons that will be taught CN opens first to the nursing students at different levels of their academic life.

This innovation in nursing education was made possible through the leadership of College Dean Sofia Cosette Monteblanco, with the support of University administrators. Indubitably, this Virtual Laboratory has proven that the college can offer quality nursing education at par with international standards and can produce globally competitive nurses.

Outstanding engineer addresses 2010 graduates

2010-09-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

ENGINEER Jeffrey Mijares, a 2001 Outstanding Chemical Engineer Awardee, addressed and inspired the nearly one thousand and five hundred Augustinian 2010 graduates last March.

Mijares finished his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the College of Engineering and Architecture, then College of Technology, at the University of San Agustin. At present, he is the manager of the Corporate Environmental Management and Safety Group, and the Ethanol Project Team Leader of the Roxol Bioenergy Corporation, both of Roxas Holdings, Inc.— the biggest sugar manufacturer in the Philippines. Concurrently, he is Pollution Control Officer III of Central Azucarera Don Pedro in Luzon. This outstanding engineer Commission, from 2006 to the present. Mijares has likewise served as a member of the DENR Pollution Adjudication Board from 2003 to the present. He had been president of the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. for two administrative years, from 2001-2003. He has been chair of the Sugar Industry Environment Committee and the Committee on Environment of the Federation of Philippine Industries.
Engineer Mijares has traveled to various places in Asia, North and South America, and Europe in an on-going effort to enhance his skills and knowledge in his chosen field. He has likewise delivered talks, sharing his learning with his colleagues and countrymen.

The commencement speaker opened his speech by challenging the graduates through the following question: “After you leave your comfort zone within the walls of the university…, will your new life as a college graduate (be) a constant struggle for survival or will it be a walk in the park?” He ended it by giving them hope, saying: “Your journey to follow your dreams had just begun. Keep holding unto it. It will take a little while, but for as long as you know where you are going, you will surely get there.”

Med tech students win best oral paper in microbio

2010-09-17T07:51:00.003-07:00

A TEAM of four Medical Technology students won the Best Oral Paper Presentation in the undergraduate category during the 17th Annual Convention and Regional Scientific Meeting of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc., Visayas Regional Chapter, on 23-24 October 2009 at the Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City.

The research team was declared best among seven groups coming from three competing schools: three from the University of the Philippines Visayas, two from the Riverside College and two from the University of San Agustin. The Augustinian team members were Serren Lor Gallinero, Ellen Mae Cerena, Diane Lorraine Loreña and Rachelle Ann Sayomac.

The group’s research was on “Parasite Larvae in Soil Samplesfrom Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo, Iloilo City.” The members defended their study in front of a panel composed of microbiologists coming from within and outside the country.

The contest had three categories: high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Each contesting group was given ten minutes to present its study and to defend the same in an open forum – where the panelists, other contestants and other research advisers were allowed to critique the study and ask questions. “I think what is best in our study is that it is new – we have used a modified Baermann technique for the experiment; and it has greater benefit to the public: there is still hope for parasitism incidence in Iloilo to be controlled or lowered now that we have found out the reason why this is so,” Gallinero stressed.

The group had three months (June-August 2009) to finish the study as part of the requirements of the research subject under Professors Christine Villanueva and Lerma Paris, who also served as the group advisers.

Augustinian accredited as psychometrician

2010-09-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTINIAN Joy Yongque-Robles, university guidance counselor, was accredited as

Psychometrician by Behavioral Dynamics, Inc. after passing the test given in Cebu City early this year. She received the accreditation on 19 February 2010.

Yongque-Robles took the examination as official representative of the University,
and, in her capacity as In-Charge of Psychological Testing at the Guidance Services Office. As a Psychometrician, she is now qualified to procure psychological testing materials at level A.

She is qualified, as well, to administer and interpret results
for said tests. Level A testing materials refer to all psychological tests, except
clinical tests. Behavioral Dynamics, Inc.’s accreditation of Yongque-Robles also means the accreditation of the University of San Agustin as an institution.

CBAA mentor is outstanding business educator

2010-09-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

EFRAIN Francis Encanto, a faculty member of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), was named national finalist in the 2010 Search for Outstanding Business Educators by the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB).

Encanto received the award on 12 March at the Lyceum University in Intramuros, Manila. All the finalists were from Luzon, except Encanto who hails from Iloilo.
With the theme “Beyond the Bottom Line: Our Social Responsibility and Commitment,”
the 2010 national search awarding ceremonies coincided with the 9th Annual PCDEB Conference and 3rd Business Education-Industry Summit.

“The students must dig for knowledge and the teachers must be prepared for it,” Encanto said in an interview. He added, “The trophy of a teacher comes when he
is able to see the good contributions of this learner (to the community).”

Encanto served as president of the Rotary Club of Jaro (2005-06) and of Rotary International District 3850 (2009-10). He was as coordinator of the management
department (1995-98) and is a loyalty awardee of the University of San Agustin.
The national search was for the fields of accountancy, economics, entrepreneurship, finance marketing, office administration and management.

CoEd regains Level III accreditation

2010-09-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

THE Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP)confirmed the Level III status of the College of Education (CoEd) in December 2009. “I am overwhelmed with the results after the rigorous preparation,” CoEd Dean Alex B. Facinabao stated. “Bringing back the Level III status is the greatest achievement we’ve got since this is my first (term for the) deanship. It was really a challenge for me.”

Established in 1977, FAAP is the umbrella organization of all accrediting agencies in the Philippines.

It is authorized by the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) to certify the quality levels of accredited programs at the tertiary level for the purpose of granting progressive deregulation and other benefits. “The
Philippine Association of Accrediting Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) recommends the status of all institutions to FAAP, until it confirms the results,” said Ms. Gladys Confesor, Accreditation and Quality Assessment Office Executive
Secretary.”

When asked about his future plans for the college, Facinabao stresses he wants to maintain the Level III status by improving instruction, research and
community extension; by making the passing percentage for LET at least 75 per cent; and, by achieving accreditation for the following courses: B.S. in Library
Sciences, B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management and B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.