June 21, 2025

Partido State University (ParSU) honored a total of 953 students during the 23rd Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Graduation and Turnover Ceremony with the theme "Building Unity, Embracing Inclusiveness: A Tribute to NSTP Achievers." last Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the ParSU Gymnasium. 

The event served as a culminating activity honoring the contributions of graduating cadets and introducing new corps leaders. It highlighted the university's partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in promoting civic responsibility among its students through the ROTC program under NSTP. 

The ceremony commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Maria Aurora G. Caballero, NSTP Director of ParSU, setting a tone of pride and reflection. Cadet C/LTC Rosalina C. Gonzaga, Corps S1 Adjutant, then read the Designation Order, signaling the start of the leadership transition. This was followed by the Relinquishment of Command by C/COL Rea Mae A. Francia, the outgoing Corps Commander, marking the end of her term and paving the way for new leadership. 

The mantle was formally passed to C/CPT Akilis James E. Rivero, the incoming Corps Commander, during the Assumption of Command and Handover of Unit Symbols, officiated by LTC Randy L. Eloreta, Commandant. Capping off the ceremony, Keynote Speaker LTC Josephus Emar M. Rempillo, Director of the 502nd CDC, 5RCDG, RESCOM, PA, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the graduates' enduring commitment to the country and community.

The event included the presentation and confirmation of candidates for graduation, recognition of outstanding cadets, and the turnover and oath-taking of newly enlisted reservists. 

Notably, an inspirational message from Dr. Michael A. Clores, ParSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the university's support for programs that develop youth leadership and national consciousness. 

As ParSU continues to shape future-ready leaders through transformative programs like NSTP-ROTC, the university reaffirms its role in nation-building and promoting resilient communities.

June 19-20, 2025

Partido State University (ParSU), through the Quality Assurance Center, conducted a two-day seminar-workshop titled "Mindfulness: Strengthening Focus, Resilience, and Workplace Synergy" on June 19–20, 2025, at the ParSU Gymnasium to promote well-being, enhance collaboration, and help the Task Force members stay focused and resilient as they prepare for the institutional accreditation.
 
The participants engaged in program area meetings, collaborative planning, and feedback sessions to align efforts across all accreditation areas. It also featured the sessions from Dr. Ma. Cecilia Cuaresma-Cruz, former Dean of the College of Medicine at Western Mindanao State University, on "Buffering Accreditation Stress through Stress Management and Mindfulness" and "Mindfulness in Action: Thriving in the Midst of Pressure," where she shared strategies to stay present, productive, and focused amidst stress, urging participants to treat mindfulness not as a luxury but as an essential professional discipline that supports both personal resilience and institutional effectiveness. She also reminded participants not to normalize stress. However, one must acknowledge it as a natural part of the journey toward excellence. 

In his message, Dr. Michael A. Clores, ParSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the role of mindfulness in helping the institution overcome the demands of the accreditation process, advocating a balance between output and outlook.   

Echoing this, ParSU President Arnel B. Zarcedo, EDEL, emphasized the significance of the seminar, stating, "We must remind ourselves that we are not merely accomplishing tasks—we are building futures." According to him, the activity is a meaningful opportunity to pause and reconnect with one's sense of purpose and realize that leadership must be grounded in values of empathy and humility. With this, he called on the ParSU community to rise above mediocrity, embrace the complexities of academic work, and deliver excellence with compassion.

The two-day seminar-workshop concluded with the presentation of the task forces' action plans and team commitments, strengthening their shared sense of purpose and readiness for the accreditation. 

Through this initiative, ParSU reinforces its commitment to quality assurance and the holistic growth of its faculty and personnel, emphasizing that success is reflected not just in accomplishments but in resilient, purpose-driven growth of the ParSU community.

June 19, 2025

The Partido State University College of Environmental Science and Design (CESD) proudly concluded the two-day Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assurance Team (RQAT) evaluation for the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning with positive results.

As the only University in the Bicol region offering this program, ParSU reaffirms its role as a regional leader in environmental and sustainable development education and, thus, continuously seeks advancements. 

During the exit conference, CHED Education Supervisor Dr. Jean Salalima-Go and RQAT Member Prof. Erwin E. Torres commended the program's notable improvements, which align with CHED standards, while offering constructive recommendations for further enhancement. The University will address these within the next month, which marks a pivotal step toward formally granting the COPC.

In his message, ParSU President Arnel B. Zarcedo, EDEL, emphasized the program's relevance in the community, stating that environmental planning responds to accelerating urbanization, worsening climate challenges, and the rising demand for inclusive development. 

He further emphasized the University's vision of nurturing visionaries and professionals who will lead local and regional initiatives in environmental education and research. He then expressed sincere gratitude to the dedicated faculty and staff of the CESD, as the latter is one step closer to securing its COPC. 

Meanwhile, the RQAT described the process as both a mirror and a map that reflects the program's current strengths and will serve as a guide for ParSU's next steps toward the betterment of the program. Further, the evaluators encouraged ParSU to continue refining curricular outcomes, enhancing faculty development, improving resources, and expanding service to the community.

As ParSU takes on these challenges, this milestone reflects the University's steadfast commitment to excellence, resilience, and sustainable development.