NBSC SUPPORTS SAFETY AND STRENGTH: A CONVOCATION FOR GENDER ADVOCACY AND CAMPUS PROTECTION
Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) recently held a significant convocation at the Student Welfare and Development Center (SWDC) 1st Floor Lobby, gathering faculty, staff, and students for a day of institutional updates, community reminders, and social advocacy on December 1, 2025.
The program opened with NBSC’s traditional preliminaries, followed by announcements from NBSC President Dr. Christie Jean Villanueva-Ganiera, CESE. Dr. Ganiera emphasized the importance of campus safety, urging the community to secure personal belongings and ensure that offices and facilities are properly locked. She also shared her plan to meet with Vice-Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr. to discuss future plans for constructing a perimeter fence around the campus.
Dr. Ganiera also highlighted the Emotional Intelligence (EI) Wrap-up, scheduled for December 4, 2025, a mandatory event for all NBSC employees. She encouraged everyone to wear white T-shirts for the occasion, which will begin with a mass, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony, a short program, a dinner, and culminate with the official lighting of the Christmas lights in the SWDC building.
Mr. John Mark L. Boyonas, MAEng, Head of the Campus Safety Management Office (CSMO), provided important updates on the newly implemented one-way road system leading to the campus, aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing safety.
Dr. Ermelina C. Bardilas, Head of the Learning Resource Center (LRC), encouraged all attendees to participate in the upcoming National Book Week culminating activity.
Ms. Marie Angeli D. Hagutin, CHRA, MAHRD, representing the Human Resource Management and Development Office, invited everyone to join in the recitation of the Pledge of Punctuality. Dr. Ganiera led the pledge, and after the recitation, Ms. Hagutin invited all employees to sign a banner as a commitment to punctuality and discipline.
Ms. Hagutin also introduced the newest members of the NBSC team—seven newly hired Job Order (JO) personnel:
• Franklin Jan G. Gutang – Administrative Officer II, Curriculum and Instruction Division (CID);
• Hanna Joy C. Dahinao – Administrative Assistant II (Clerk IV), Teacher Education Program (Science Laboratory);
• Shiena Mae P. Hirabayashi – Administrative Assistant II (Clerk IV), International Affairs and External Linkages Office (IAELO);
• Maica Christy E. Guibay – Administrative Aide VI (Clerk III), Office of the College and Board Secretary (OCBS);
• Charmie R. Necesario – Administrative Aide VI (Clerk III), Institute for Business Management (IBM);
• Libukasan L. Zulita – Administrative Aide VI (Clerk III), National Service Training Program (NSTP) Office; and
• Steven J. Saguinod – Administrative Aide I (Utility), General Services Office (GSO).
Dr. Ganiera took the opportunity to remind everyone to help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the SWDC, reducing the burden on utility staff and ensuring a welcoming space for all.
The event concluded with the Violence Against Women (VAW) Forum, organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office in support of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. Dr. Jovelyn G. Delosa, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, opened the forum with a powerful message about the importance of the campaign. She emphasized that while it is crucial to acknowledge the suffering women endure due to violence, the true focus should be on celebrating the strength, resilience, and courage of those who have survived and overcome such challenges.
Ms. Zandra Shellee Y. Ordinan, MA, Head of the GAD Office, introduced the forum’s resource speaker, Atty. Jag Iesu Iñigo G. Murillo, Head of the Legal Office. Atty. Murillo provided a thorough overview of Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, discussing its provisions, scope, and the legal protections it offers, especially the Protection Order. He also shared real-life cases from the Philippines to illustrate how the law applies and discussed Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS), explaining its relevance in the context of domestic violence.
Through this convocation, NBSC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safety, social responsibility, and professional development within its community. The event not only addressed crucial institutional matters but also fostered awareness and advocacy on important social issues. By continuing to engage in such initiatives, NBSC plays an integral role in cultivating an environment where all members of the community feel supported, safe, and empowered.
