The event highlighted the importance of fire safety awareness while officially kicking off the celebration of National Women’s Month, reinforcing the shared responsibility of fostering a safe environment and honoring the invaluable contributions of women, setting the tone for a month dedicated to recognition, education, and inspiration.

Serving as the convocation’s subject matter expert, Prof. Hermie P. Pava, Vice President for Administration, delivered a lecture on Basic Fire Safety. He underscored the importance of preparedness and strict adherence to safety protocols across the university.

“That’s why we really need to practice safety and make it part of our culture of preparedness in CMU,” Prof. Pava emphasized.

Prof. Pava also highlighted the observance of Women’s Month Celebration and Fire Prevention Month, both held in March, noting their shared emphasis on awareness, empowerment, and community well-being.

In support of these initiatives, the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) distributed whistles to participants in line with the Safe Spaces Act. This proactive measure aims to strengthen safety and protection within the community, particularly for women and children, by promoting vigilance and enabling immediate response during emergencies.

Moreover, the CMU community, through its CGAD, formally launched the Women’s Month Celebration with the theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” The theme calls on women to embody the courage, wisdom, and leadership exemplified by the babaylans of pre-colonial Philippines.

Dr. Katherine Mae I. Caterial, OIC-Chief of CGAD, presented an overview of the National Women’s Month Celebration and announced the lineup of activities scheduled throughout March. These activities were also posted on the official CMU Facebook page.

The convocation recognized outstanding faculty members and colleges for their exceptional contributions to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Their achievements serve as a testament to CMU’s commitment to quality education and transformative impact on society. [Mary Jane D. Bravo]

#SDG5 Gender Equality #SDG10 Reduced Inequalities #SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities #SDG15 Life on Land #SDG16 Peace and Justice Strong Institution

The recognition was formally conferred during the Awarding Ceremony held on December 19, 2025, at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), organized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

CMU secured the distinction among more than 100 participating schools, posting an impressive institutional passing rate of 87.05 percent, with 315 passers. This achievement highlights the university’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and its proven track record of producing highly competent agricultural professionals.

Representing the university, Dr. Judith D. Intong, Dean of the College of Agriculture, proudly accepted the award. The ceremony marked a double celebration for CMU, as it also honored the outstanding performance of its graduates who ranked among the topnotchers in the examination.

Further adding to CMU’s accolades, Ms. Joanne Vitri B. Zamora officially joined the ranks of the country’s licensed agriculturists after placing 9th overall in the licensure results. Her achievement reflects the dedication, discipline, and academic rigor instilled in CMU students, as well as the unwavering support and guidance of the university’s faculty.

With this latest milestone, Central Mindanao University continues to strengthen its standing as the “Academic Paradise of the South” and a recognized Center of Excellence in Agriculture, reaffirming its vital role in advancing agricultural education and nation-building.

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#SDG4 #QualityEducation