COLOR OF PRIDE, CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE: NBSC KICKS OFF JUNE WITH A VIBRANT PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION
Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) officially welcomed the month of June with a Pride Month celebration held at the NBSC Covered Court on June 1, 2026. Anchored on the theme, “Color of Pride, Culture of Excellence,” the event brought together faculty, staff, and students in support of inclusivity, diversity, and respect within the institution.
The program opened with a welcome message from Dr. Mary Koren Witting-Acuesa, Director of the Research Development and Innovation Division (RDID), who warmly greeted participants and encouraged everyone to actively take part in the celebration.
Delivering the inspirational message, Mr. John Kevin A. Artuz, JD, Vice President for Administration and Finance, emphasized the importance of integrity, dignity, and belonging in fostering an inclusive community. He quoted, “Integrity is what we do when no one is watching,” and reminded the audience that respect and inclusion are integral to the practice of integrity. He further noted that inclusion is a continuing journey rather than a destination.
To facilitate understanding of the significance of Pride Month, Mr. Alven L. Gomez, MSEST, Director of the Community and Extension Services Division (CESD) and President of Hulagway, the LGBTQIA+ Club of NBSC, shared Pride Month’s history and ongoing advocacies. Adding color and energy to the program, the officers of Sidlak, the Women’s Club of NBSC, presented an intermission number, followed by an interactive trivia activity that engaged the audience.
The celebration concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Zandra Shellee Y. Ordinan, MA, Head of the Gender and Development Office (GADO), who encouraged everyone to continue promoting inclusivity beyond the event, emphasizing that the celebration marks only the beginning of the College’s Pride Month activities.
Through initiatives such as this, NBSC reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community where every individual is valued, respected, and recognized as a vital contributor to its success.
