Among the attendees were university officials, NSTP coordinators, and military personnel, members of the Administrative Council, and parents who gathered to recognize the achievements of the trainees.

The event was divided into two gatherings: the CWTS commencement exercises were held in the morning, while the joint closing ceremony for the ROTC cadets took place in the afternoon.

CWTS Commencement Exercises

The NSTP Office conferred a total of 2,983 CWTS completers/graduates who were incorporated into the CMU School-Based National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) Unit as new NSRC reservists under the Office of Disaster Risk Reduction Management.

The NSTP Director, Prof. Heherson B. Guinto, commended the CWTS trainees for fulfilling their duties not only as students but also as young citizens answering the nation’s call. “We hope that what you have learned and experienced here does not end with your certificate. May the spirit of national service, volunteerism, and civic responsibility you have cultivated continue with you wherever life takes you,” Prof. Guinto said in his welcome remarks.

Serving as the guest speaker, Hon. Atty. Jose Joel P. Doromal, Municipal Mayor of Maramag, represented by Ms. Gloriette Jane M. Noynay, Executive Assistant, emphasized that the NSTP-CWTS Program was never designed simply to comply with the law or fulfill a curriculum requirement; rather, it seeks to cultivate in every young Filipino the spirit of volunteerism, compassion, discipline, preparedness, and love of country.

“May you, the CWTS graduates, continue to embody the values of resilience, discipline, volunteerism, and genuine concern for others that this program has instilled in you,” Ms. Noynay asserted.

Moreover, the NSTP-CWTS graduates received certificates of completion, while student leaders, Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Special Awardees, and Annual NSTP Performance Evaluation (ANPE) Awardees were also recognized.

ROTC Joint Closing Ceremony

A total of 880 ROTC Basic Cadets took their oath as newly incorporated reservists into the Philippine Army Reserve Force, while 15 First Class ROTC Cadet Officers graduated from Advanced Military Science 42.

In her message, Ms. Noynay highlighted that ROTC is not only about marching, commands, or military exercises, but also about developing character and instilling values that society urgently needs today, such as sacrifice, responsibility, teamwork, patriotism, resilience, and love of country.

“May you, the ROTC cadets, become leaders who inspire trust, not fear; leaders who unite, not divide; and leaders who remain grounded in service no matter how high they rise in life,” Ms. Noynay added.

Moreover, Col. Bernard T. Ragus FS (GSC) PA, the Group Commander of 10RCDG, RCPA, who served as the keynote speaker, pointed out that the ROTC program has served as one of the platforms where young Filipinos are taught the importance of nation-building, civic duty, disaster response, leadership, and responsible citizenship beyond military concepts.

“To the graduates, your uniform may one day be removed, but the values you learned must remain permanently woven into your character,” Col. Ragus said.

Meanwhile, University President Rolito G. Eballe congratulated the graduates and encouraged the CWTS graduates to continue the culture of service through the creation of a college-based reserve force composed of CWTS graduates who remain connected to the ideals of nation-building, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, public safety, and community development.

In addition, Dr. Eballe also acknowledged the ROTC cadets’ commitment to service. “We at Central Mindanao University are truly proud of you. Every formation, every sleepless preparation, every correction, every hardship, and every lesson you experienced helped shape you into stronger and more dependable future leaders,” Dr. Eballe remarked. [Mary Jane D. Bravo with information from the Office of National Service Training Program]

The committee meeting tackled House Bill Nos. 666, 3562, 4967, and 084, all seeking to establish BIDANI as a linkage program among state universities and colleges (SUCs), local government units, and communities to improve nutrition and rural development.

Representing CMU were Dr. Emmanuel P. Leaño, CMU-BIDANI Project Leader, and Reymlani P. Sullera. During the meeting, the CMU delegation shared insights and recommendations drawn from the university’s decades-long experience implementing community-based nutrition and rural development initiatives in Bukidnon.

In his manifestation before the committee chaired by Wilton ‘Tonton’ T. Kho, Dr. Leaño emphasized CMU’s strong support for the passage of the BIDANI Bill on behalf of CMU President Rolito G. Eballe and the university community.

“For over three decades, Central Mindanao University has served as a living laboratory for the BIDANI approach,” Dr. Leaño said.

Dr. Leaño highlighted the accomplishments of CMU-BIDANI, including a 71.77 percent improvement rate among children enrolled in domiciliary nutrition rehabilitation programs, the capacitation of 78 barangays in participatory and data-driven development planning, and the release of more than ₱11.5 million in microfinance loans benefiting women and rural households.

“Our experience in Bukidnon has proven that when State Universities and Colleges partner directly with Local Government Units, we can create measurable, life-changing results,” he added.

He also underscored the challenges faced by the program due to the absence of a permanent national framework.

“Despite these successes, the program has faced persistent challenges due to the lack of a permanent national framework—specifically regarding irregular funding and the absence of plantilla positions for dedicated personnel,” Dr. Leaño said.

Calling the proposed legislation the “missing link,” Dr.Leaño said the BIDANI Bill would provide institutionalization, stable funding, and legal recognition needed to transform the program into a permanent pillar of rural development.

“It is not just an investment in a program; it is an investment in the health, self-reliance, and dignity of the Filipino rural poor,” he told the committee.

Dr. Leaño stressed that the institutionalization of BIDANI comes at a crucial time as many rural communities in the Philippines continue to face persistent challenges related to malnutrition, poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to development opportunities. Through stronger collaboration among SUCs, LGUs, and national agencies, the proposed measure seeks to strengthen community-based interventions and improve the delivery of nutrition and rural development programs at the grassroots level.

CMU’s position paper presented at the meeting traced the university’s engagement with BIDANI back to the early 1990s, when it joined a consortium of SUCs piloting the BIDANI approach. Since then, CMU-BIDANI has implemented programs focused on nutrition rehabilitation, food security, participatory governance, microfinance, natural resource management, and regional capability-building across Mindanao.

The university also emphasized that the institutionalization of BIDANI would strengthen SUC-LGU partnerships, ensure stable operational support, and expand successful community development models across the country.

Among those present during the hearing were representatives from Visayas State University, Central Luzon State University, Bicol University, the National Nutrition Council, and the Barangay Captain of Alibungbungan, Nagcarlan. CMU-BIDANI’s initiatives are part of the broader BIDANI Network Program led by the BIDANI Program of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF), College of Human Ecology (CHE), University of the Philippines Los Baños. [Iyren Dalipe Neri]

Stay informed, plan, and complete your enrollment within the schedule. See you this Midyear, 🔰 CMUans! 💚

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Beyond its overall ranking, CMU saw 11 of its 37 submitted entries ranked in the Global Top 100 across various categories. Listed below are the entries, including their respective ranks and categories.

Beyond the rankings, the conference served as a channel for long-term international partnerships. CMU delegates joined representatives from 120 universities across 15 countries in the signing of a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement establishes a framework for joint research initiatives, technology transfer, and faculty and student exchanges.

CMU delegates also presented programs and research initiatives that highlighted the university’s efforts to advance inclusive education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, curriculum innovation, and community engagement.

These presentations were “The Right to Education vs. Institutional Capacity: A Legal Inquiry into Admission Quotas in Central Mindanao University Under Republic Act 10931” by Atty. James M. Violon, “Breaking the Waste Cycle: A Traceable and Systems-Engineered Waste Management Program” by Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, “Kahibulungan Bazaar: A University Experiential TradeLab for Student Entrepreneurs” by Dr. Daryl Jane A. Caballero, and “Capitalizing on Curriculum: The 1:56 ROI of In-House Instructional Assets” by Prof. Erwin P. Ambasa.

The WURI rankings evaluate universities based on their real-world impact and social responsibility rather than traditional academic metrics. CMU officials noted that the university’s improved performance reflects its commitment to internationalization and its capacity to address societal challenges through innovative research and community engagement. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero with information from the Office of Quality Assurance]

Humility is choosing service over pride, admitting our limitations, valuing others, and putting unity above self. True greatness begins when we learn to serve, submit, and recognize that our achievements are not ours alone. Through humility, we build stronger relationships, become better team players, and create lasting impact.

The meeting, themed “Solidifying Internationalization,” gathered university officials from both institutions to discuss academic collaboration, mobility programs, and transnational education initiatives.

University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe led the host university in welcoming the UMY delegation alongside Dr.  Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director of the Office of International Relations, who formally opened the program.

Representing UMY were Prof. Slamet Riyadi, Vice Rector for Quality, Reputation, and Partnership, and Dr. Idham Badruzaman, Head of International Mobility under the Directorate of Global Partnership and Employability.

In his statement of purpose, Prof. Riyadi emphasized UMY’s commitment to building long-term academic partnerships in Southeast Asia and highlighted the shared goals of both universities in promoting quality education and regional collaboration.

Moreover, Dr. Badruzaman presented UMY’s Scholarship Campaign, which offers graduate scholarships, short-term mobility programs, and faculty development opportunities for international students and faculty members.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eballe reaffirmed CMU’s compmitment to strengthening global academic cooperation and expanding international opportunities for students and faculty.

The second part of the meeting focused on discussions on the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Program, faculty and student exchange, and Transnational Education (TNE). Both universities explored ways to operationalize these initiatives to strengthen academic exchange and enrich learning opportunities for Filipino and Indonesian scholars.

Both delegations expressed support for developing sustainable programs that will benefit students, faculty members, and researchers from both institutions.

The executive meeting is part of CMU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in regional academic networks and expand partnerships across ASEAN.

[Information from Mr. Ronel John L. Guarte, Faculty, CAS]

The activity aimed to create a safe and supportive space where students could nurture their mental well-being while coping with the academic demands of final examinations. It also offered students an opportunity to rest, connect with others, and freely express their thoughts and emotions, thereby promoting stress relief and emotional resilience.

In interviews, students lauded OSAS for organizing the activity, citing its significant contribution to students’ well-being during the final examination period.

Kimberly Grace J. Vailoces, a second-year Bachelor of Education major in Physical Education student, viewed Kapehan sa OSAS as a stress reliever amid academic hardships and challenges. “I believe that through this program, makahatag gyud siya ug tabang, isa siya sa maka relieve sa stress sa students” [it can truly provide support and help to relieve the stress of students], Vailoces added.

Additionally, Jericho A. Dumapias, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Education student, also expressed his appreciation to OSAS for conducting the activity. He stated that the program is a meaningful initiative that should continue in the future.

“I actually appreciate nga inyo ning gina-utro [that you continue conducting this] every semester, kay importante man gyud sa studyante [because it is really important for students], like they’re not hungry throughout the entire exam week,” Dumapias said.

Moreover, the initiative supports the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by providing accessible light nourishment, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by fostering a healthy and supportive environment that promotes students’ mental and emotional wellness.

A total of 5,776 students availed themselves of the free coffee and bread served at the OSAS Multipurpose Hall from May 4–8, 2026. [Mary Jane D. Bravo with information from the Office of Student Affairs and Services]

Through the Brain Boost: Nourish to Pass Program, students were served arroz caldo and bread on May 4-8, 2026 at the Fulbright Garden.

Several students shared that the initiative greatly helped those who struggle to afford meals, especially breakfast, during busy academic periods.

Jesse June L. Casulla, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student said that the program was helpful for students who come to school without food.

“Nice siya nga makatabang siya, especially sa students nga need og pamahaw. Especially sad kay ako pud nga walay kaon. Makatabang gyud siya,” Casulla said.

(It’s nice because it helps, especially students who need breakfast. Like me, I have not eaten yet, so it really helps.)

Third year BS Home Economics Shandy Fuentes highlighted how the initiative became especially beneficial during examinations, when many students face financial constraints. She also noted that the warm meals helped energize them and mentally prepare them for their exams.

“Nindot siya nga program kay makatabang siya sa students. Especially ting exam, naay uban tight og budget. Nindot pud siya maka-boost gyud siya, nindot ang arrozcaldo maka-boost gyud siya ug ma-ready ang mind sa students na mag-answer og exam,” Fuentes shared.

(It’s a good program because it helps students. Especially during exams, some students have a tight budget. It also gives a boost—the arroz caldo really helps boost and prepare the students’ minds to answer their exams.)

Michol John Mark B. Galon, a third-year BS Chemistry student, also pointed out that college life often leads them to neglect proper sleep and meals because of academic demands. Because of this, they appreciated the concern shown by the organizers toward students’ health and well-being.

“Personally, tsada siya nga initiative kay bal-an baya sa college kay kanang medyo pabaya na mi sa amoang tulog ug kaon. So, tsada kaayo siya na makatabang after exam para sa amoa pud kay at least makita namo ang effort ninyo sa pag tan-aw sa amoang health ug sa among kulang-kulang like kaning kaon,” Galon shared.

(Personally, it’s a great initiative because in college, we tend to neglect our sleep and meals. So, this really helps us, especially after exams. At least we can see your effort in looking after our health and helping with the things we lack, like food.)

The initiative entitled Brain Boost: Nourish to Pass Program began in the first semester of the previous academic year. Designed to support students during their final examinations, the program aims to empower them by addressing one of their most fundamental needs and recognizing the toll academic pressure can take on their well-being.

Apart from the CMU Alumni, similar initiatives were also organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) and CMU – Operations Management Student Association (OMSA).

The program was made possible through the collective efforts of the CMU Office of the Alumni Relations and Linkages, CMU SAAS Alumni and Residents, CMU Beta Sigma Fraternity – Sigma Beta Sorority, Biotech Farms Inc., Philfresh MEATS Corporation, Louella’s Plant Nursery, Crisis Intervention Team – Central Mindanao University, CMU Psychology Student Circle, AAP III Poultry Farms, Pete & Millie Amomonpon, Bukidnon Dairy – Philippine Carabao Center at CMU, Maramag Tablea, Engr. & Mrs. Rey Peter B. Gillie, Simborio Family, and San Miguel Foods Corporation.

Diligence is more than hard work. It’s staying focused on a mission and pursuing it faithfully until the task is done well.

Like the ants that prepare for the future and Noah who obeyed God despite challenges and mockery, diligence requires discipline, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

Its rewards may not always be immediate, but the fruit of our labor can create a lasting impact for future generations.

Source:https://www.crfv-cpu.org/reso…/category/weekly-value-focus

Mr. Wilmer J. Oriendo Jr. was accepted into the Short-Term Training Program under the International Educational Trip of Hokkaido University and is undergoing training from April 23 to June 22, 2026, at the Laboratory of Nanomaterial Science under the supervision of Prof. Kuniharu Takei.

The host laboratory, under the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, is known for its research on flexible sensors, wearable electronic devices, and electronic skin technologies for biomedical applications. The laboratory integrates nanomaterials, embedded systems, and machine learning to develop intelligent and adaptive technologies for real-world applications.

As part of the training, Mr. Oriendo is being exposed to advanced laboratory practices and interdisciplinary research methods. His activities include observing micro- and nanoscale fabrication processes, participating in laboratory meetings and research discussions, and assisting in the development and testing of flexible sensor technologies such as pH sensors.

The training also allows him to gain experience in sensor integration, embedded platforms, and intelligent data processing systems used for real-time analysis and decision-making.

Mr. Oriendo said the program closely aligns with his research interests in Internet of Things (IoT)-based energy monitoring systems and smart metering technologies.

“My training at Hokkaido University is still ongoing, but it has already become a meaningful chapter in my life,” Mr. Oriendo said. “It’s not just about gaining experience—it’s about discovering new perspectives, both professionally and personally.”

He added that the experience has helped him better understand advanced engineering applications and exposed him to Japan’s research culture, which emphasizes discipline, precision, and systematic experimentation.

Moreover, Mr. Oriendo said the program has strengthened his adaptability, independence, and cross-cultural communication skills through interactions with international researchers and students.

“If given the chance, I would highly encourage other students to take opportunities like this,” he said. “It may feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is where real growth begins.”

Meanwhile, Engr. Kimverly Joy A. Mahinay, faculty member and International Relations College Coordinator of the College of Engineering, said that Mr. Oriendo’s participation also marks the Department of Electrical Engineering’s first student international mobility experience.

Engr. Mahinay, who accompanied and facilitated Oriendo’s travel to Japan during CMU’s official visit to Hokkaido University, said the engagement opened valuable opportunities not only for the student but also for the university. [Iyren Neri with information from Mr. Wilmer J. Oriendo Jr., Student, College of Engineering]