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CHED REGION 3 OFFICIALS GRACED THE OPENING OF CCI'S 62ND FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY AND SPORTSFEST 2023

The top official of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 3 (CHED RO3) only had words of praise for Columban College, Inc. (CCI) as she congratulated it on its 62nd Foundation Anniversary Week which began Monday, Nov. 20, at the Remy Field, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

The anniversary opening rites were marked by an acknowledgment from Miss Lora L. Yusi, CHED RO3's Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Director IV, who lauded the Institution for surpassing the numbers achieved in regional events like the Regional PRISAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) and the Regional ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) Games. Addressing Rev. Fr. Raymann G. Catindig, CCI president, she highlighted this "impressive" turnout, stating, "If number is a force, then I have to say you're winning in terms of number." Also gracing the occasion were CHED RO3 supervisors and staff, and the former president of Western Philippines University (WPU) in Palawan.

Present likewise were Dr. David C. Bueno, Vice President for Academic Affairs & Student Services (VPAASS); and Dr. Eric A. Matriano, Vice President for Finance & Administrative Services (VPFAS); as well as the deans, directors, heads of different CCI departments and service units, non-teaching personnel and students from both the Asinan and Barretto Campuses, who filled the Remy Field Oval to the brim. However, Miss Yusi posed a thought-provoking question to the CCI community during the opening festivities. "On your 62nd anniversary, what exactly are you celebrating?" she asked.

She went on to challenge Fr. Catindig and other CCI administrators to provide 62 reasons for the celebration, encouraging reflection on the Institution's achievements. Looking ahead to the future, Miss Yusi expressed anticipation for the 63rd anniversary and hoped that the next anniversary would be linked to the attainment of milestones. "I hope the 63rd reason why you are celebrating is because either you are an autonomous school or a deregulated school or you have already a number of Center of Excellence or Center of Development programs," she said. Miss Yusi also took the opportunity to commend what she referred to as the "dedicated personnel" at CCI, emphasizing their "spirit of volunteerism," without seeking compensatory time off or overtime pay. She attributed the Institution's success to having a "remarkable team," placing it at the top of the list of reasons for celebration.

Towards the end of her speech, Miss Yusi conveyed her wishes for CCI's future, describing it as a "bright and warm path." "Mainit po but I’m sure this is symbolic dahil mainit yung future na nakalaan para sa Columban College, Inc.”, the CHED RO3 official explained. She assured CCI that it could count on the support of CHED RO3 as often as it needs it. "We believe in you, Columban College, Inc. We believe in your people, so please believe that CHED RO3 will always support you, not only 62 times but 63 times and most of the times we will always support you," Miss Yusi added.

Text: Mr. Raymond A. Sebastian/TheMessenger
Photos: Mr. Sebastian/Dr. Annie S. Sy/LLAS