Pioneer Batch Completes National Service Training Program (NSTP)

With the theme Onwards to Responsible Volunteerism, MC held its first NSTP Closing Exercises on December 3, 2009 at the Xevera Clubhouse B. During the ceremonies, MC conferred Certificates of Completion to 24 Education students who completed the Literacy Training Service (LTS) and 23 IT students who finished the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS). As of March 2009, these conferees have successfully complied with the program requirements of NSTP as confirmed by the MC Board of Trustees in Resolution 23, series 2009.

Hon. Rogelio Q. Yumul, ABC President, was the Guest Speaker for the simple ceremonies. Vice Mayor Prospero T. Lagman, Hon. Christian Halili and Dr. Oscar Aurelio graced the occasion with their presence. College officials, Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas and Mrs. Carmelita P. Sotto also attended the ceremonies. The event was facilitated by Mr. Mario C. Felipe, P.E. and NSTP Coordinator.

The following are the members of the first batch of NSTP graduates:

Literacy Training Service Balangue, Glenn M. Canlas, Maureen S. Castillo, Jessica D. Catacutan, Rachel C. Cudia, Jenny-Lyn P. David, Rowena D. Dela Peña, Jaecel Ann O. Dimatulac, Renato C. Dizon, Juliet P. Dollente, Jennylyn D. Fajardo, Ma. Cristina R. Garcia, Armando Diogenes A. Garcia, Dianna T. Guevarra, Elaine C. Magat, Rio G. Mallari, Jayson Andrew G. Miranda, Alma L. Nucum, Angelie Marie C. Pangan, Gorvachev C. Perez, Janine M. Pineda, Arlyn G. Pineda, Given G. Rivera, Rosamia D. Tañedo, Sarah Jane T.

Civic Welfare Training Service Aboy, Kimberly P. Arago, Alexander R. Aviles, Reynan E. Bagsic, Stephen Aries D. Calilung, Zane Jose D. Campos, Anna Katrina C. Capili, Melody I. Dela Cruz, Fee Jay L. Dela Cruz, Shanenalyn Garcia, Michelle G. Laxamana, Josel D. Manasis, Santhy Paul G. Pangilinan, Angeline C. Punsalan, Jay P. Quioc, Darwin M. Reyes, Clifford Clay M. Sicat, Junel T. Sicat, Karen Cate S. Sicat, Siery Ann Joy P. Tolentino, Lorence M. Tomalon, Joan M. Tuazon, Christine Joyce V. Turqueza, Franz Jerell T.

The National Service Training Program (NSTP) is a mandated course (R.A. 9163) aimed at developing civic consciousness and defense preparedness of the youth. MC offers two (2) of the NSTP components – the Literacy Training Service (LTS) and Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS). Literacy Training Service is a NSTP component designed to train students to become teachers of literacy and numeracy skills to, among others, school children and out of school youth. On the other hand, Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) are sets of activities designed to contribute to the general welfare of the community.

MC Holds In-House Seminar on Holistic Evaluation

MC Faculty Members attended an in-house seminar entitled Holistic Evaluation: a Better Choice for Instructional Effectiveness on November 10, 2009 at the multimedia room of Doña Asuncion Lee Integrated School, Xevera, Tabun, Mabalacat. The activity aimed to equip the faculty members with a new approach in evaluating student learning.

The event was graced by Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, OIC Director of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III, who lectured on the importance of holistic evaluation. Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, President of Mabalacat College, on the other hand, tackled on the preparation of holistic assessment tools.

Prof. Carmelita P. Sotto, Vice President for Administration and Finance, in her closing remarks, challenged the members of the faculty to make use of the educational research outputs in order to maximize the learning of the students. The in-house seminars for the members of faculty are part of the Faculty Development Programs of the College.

MC Visits SEAMEO Regional English Language Center

The executive officials of Mabalacat College, headed by Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, visited the Regional English Language Center (RELC) of the South East Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) on October 29, 2009.

The purpose of the visit is to look into SEAMEO’s program offerings to be availed by the MC members of the faculty with an end view of enhancing the quality of English language instruction at the College. Dr. Christopher S. Ward, the Center’s Deputy Director, personally gave an orientation about the services of the RELC. Ward said that the Center can customize a program for MC to suit its purposes, needs and budget. The MC delegation also toured around the RELC facilities which include an impressive library, speech laboratories and dormitory accommodation for foreign students.

MC delegation to SEAMEO Regional English Language Center include: Councilor Tomas P. Manalo, Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, Atty. Robert John I. Donesa, Prof. Carmelita P. Sotto, Dr. Rosalinda G. Luna, Dr. Eriberta T. Maglaqui and Prof. Telesforo Luna.

MC Benchmarks with the National University of Singapore

The executive officials of Mabalacat College, headed by Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, visited the Center for English Language Communication (CELC) of the National University of Singapore (NUS) on October 28, 2009. The purpose of the visit is to look into NUS’ effective approaches in the teaching of English language to Asian students.

            Lee Kooi Cheng (KC Lee), the Deputy Director of the CELC, is optimistic that MC and NUS can explore possible areas for collaboration. She is also interested to know the meaning of “English proficiency” in the Philippines so that both institutions may settle the language proficiency “predictors.”

            Through a roundtable discussion and facility visit, MC delegation observed that CELC is a student support unit of NUS. Upon determination of the English language proficiency of a student, CELC may either require him to take remedial courses or recommend his enrollment in regular classes. The remedial courses are delivered by module and the students are free to take these modules at their convenient time during their stint at NUS. CELC has course coordinators or tutors who evaluate the students’ progress.

            Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, for his part, gave a short history of Mabalacat College. He explained that the College aimed to produce globally competitive graduates. This is the reason behind the benchmarking.

             The MC delegation also visited the SEAMEO Regional English Language Center for the same purpose. The MC delegation included: Dr. Eriberta T. Maglaqui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Atty. Robert John I. Donesa, College Secretary. Vice Mayor Prospero T. Lagman and Councilor Tomas P. Manalo of the Municipality of Mabalacat also join the delegation.

MC Rocks SM Clark with DancExercise and Dance Fests

MC invaded the Events Centre, SM Clark, Pampanga as it hold its first ever DancExercise and Dance Festival on October 15, 2009. The production was a huge success and a major crowd drawer, kudus to leadership of its organizers, Mr. Mario C. Felipe, P.E. Coordinator, and Mr. Gedeon G. Gamboa, Humanities Instructor.

DancExercise was the culminating activity of the Physical Education classes. It is a contest of synchronized group physical exercises among freshmen. Choreographed by Mr. Richard John W. Hernandez, EDUC I-A’s wonderful execution of exercise moves and awe-inspiring group formations won for them the first place plum. Section HRM I-A, under the artistic direction of Mr. Arvin B. Sandig, won second place while EDUC I-C, under Mr. Benjamin D. Alonzo, won third.

The Dance Festival was the culminating activity of the Humanities classes. It is a Dance sport of remixed production numbers of Folk, Modern and Ballroom dances. Again, section EDUC I-A won first place.

            The panel of judges included Mr. Mario C. Felipe (Chair), Mr. Joven V. Salas, Mr. Alexander Dula and Mr. Rolando M. Baluyot. The program was hosted by Mr. Christian Allan C. Cagano.

Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2009, Ipinagdiwang

          Sa kabila ng malakas na ulan na may kasamang kulog at kidlat, ipinagdiwang ng mga guro at mag-aaral ng Mabalacat College ang pagtatapos ng Buwan ng Wika noong Agosto 27, 2009 sa ganap na ala-una ng hapon sa himnasyo ng Xevera, Tabun, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Sa ilalim ng temang: Wikang Filipino:Mula Baler Hanggang Dulo ng Pilipinas!, nagpasiklaban ng talento ang mga mag-aaral sa iba’t-ibang kolehiyo sa larangan ng (1) Madulang Sabayang Pagbigkas; (2) Makalumang Indak sa Makabagong Tugtugin at (3) Pag-awit ng Isahan.

Ang napakagandang pagtatanghal ng mga mag-aaral ng College of Education ang nagbigay daan sa pagpanalo nito sa Madulang Sabayang Pagbigkas ng akdang Pilipino: Isang Depinisyon ni Ponciano Pineda. Hindi naman matatawaran ang husay, saya at kulay ng pagtatanghal ng mga mag-aaral ng College of Hotel and Restaurant Management and Tourism na silang nag-uwi ng unang gantimpala sa Makalumang Indak sa Makabagong Tugtugin. Si Bb. Ivy T. De Guzman ng College of Information Technology Education ang itinanghal na kampeonato sa Pag-awit ng Isahan.

Sa mga guro at kawani, Si G. Mario C. Felipe, Koordineytor ng P.E., ang nanalo sa Maka-Pilipinong Kasoutan. Si Bb. Roma Amor S. Manalang, librarian, ang nanalo sa mga kababaihan.

            Si Gng. Jennifer S. Lumanug, Dr. Jose V. Guinto at Annielyn Sison ang nagsilbing mga hurado sa mga patimpalak. Binati ni Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas ang mga mag-aaral, kawani at mga guro ng Kolehiyo, lalong-lalo na si G. Christian Allan C. Cagano, ang masipag at masigasig na Koordineytor ng Filipino.

MC Holds a Lecture-Forum on Dangerous Drugs

In compliance with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Mabalacat College, in cooperation with the Mabalacat Police Station, held a Lecture-Forum on Dangerous Drugs on August 20, 2009, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Covered Court, Xevera, Mabalacat.

SPO2 Francisco Ronquillo of the Mabalacat Police Station spoke on harmful effects of dangerous drugs on the physical and mental well-being of the youth. He also discussed the government’s intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs.

During the said event, Engr. Rox Peña, an environmentalist, lectured on the adverse effects of the climate change on the Philippines. He also urged the Mabalaqueños to save the critically endangered Balacat tree (Rhamnus talanai Blanco), from which the town got its name.   

Mayor Marino P. Morales and Vice Mayor Prospero T. Lagman graced the occasion with their presence. As R.A. 9165 mandates the integration of instruction on drug abuse prevention and control in the tertiary curricula, all MC students were required to attend the symposia.

MC Holds Symposia on Drug Abuse Prevention and Climate Change

In compliance with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Mabalacat College, in cooperation with the Mabalacat Police Station, held a Lecture-Forum on Dangerous Drugs on August 20, 2009, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Covered Court, Xevera, Mabalacat.

SPO2 Francisco Ronquillo of the Mabalacat Police Station spoke on harmful effects of dangerous drugs on the physical and mental well-being of the youth. He also discussed the government’s intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs.

During the said event, Engr. Rox Peña, an environmentalist, lectured on the adverse effects of the climate change on the Philippines. He also urged the Mabalaqueños to save the critically endangered Balacat tree (Rhamnus talanai Blanco), from which the town got its name.   

Mayor Marino P. Morales and Vice Mayor Prospero T. Lagman graced the occasion with their presence. As R.A. 9165 mandates the integration of instruction on drug abuse prevention and control in the tertiary curricula, all MC students were required to attend the symposia.

AFP Holds Anti-Insurgency Forum

The Task Group Alfa of Joint Task Force “Amihan,” Civil Military Operations Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted an Anti-insurgency Forum at Mabalacat College on August 6, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All students were required to attend the said activity.

The Task Group Alfa presented a video presentation detailing the harrowing experiences of students who joined unlawful associations. A personal testimony was also shared by Ms. Agnes Reaño, a rebel returnee. Ms. Reaño was a promising student when she was recruited to the Communist Party of the Philippines. She shared her experiences and disappointments while a rebel. She urged MC students to be vigilant and think twice before joining unlawful groups.

           This awareness program is part of the government’s intensive drive to counter the infiltration of the Philippine schools by the agents of Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front. The Commission on Higher Education Region III also endorsed the program.

Select Members of the Faculty and Staff Joins DepEd Mabalacat Lakbay-Aral in Palawan

A thrilling trip to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

        As part of the Faculty and Staff Development Program of Mabalacat College, selected members of Faculty and Staff joined the Department of Education – Mabalacat in their Lakbay-aral to Palawan on July 31 to August 2, 2009.

            The Mabalacat College representation, headed by VP Administration Carmelita P. Sotto, includes Mr. and Mrs. Roel and Hilaria Aboy, Mr. Cezar G. Lumanog, Jr., Mrs. Ruby B. Gamboa, Mr. Mario G. Felipe and Atty. Robert John I. Donesa. The group is billeted at the Tourismo Hotel at the downtown Puerto Princesa City.

The tour package, sponsored by the Municipality of Mabalacat, includes sightseeing around Puerto Princesa City, island-hopping at Honda Bay and boating at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

            The sightseeing around Puerto Princesa City is in itself an invigorating treat. The city is simply the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest. Greeneries are found everywhere. The rocks at the city’s outskirts reveal stories of a lively geological past. The city tour is highlighted by a visit to Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center where the group flirted with crocodiles.

The island-hopping at Honda Bay was a terrifying experience. It was where the group braved the fury of typhoon Jolina (Goni), which brewed the country and claimed lives since the day 1 of the trip. So grueling was the experience that during the ensuing fellowship night, the Mabalacat East District presented an eerie poem describing the unbelievable survival of the group.

        The next day, the group explored the fascinating Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. With its giant limestone caves, magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, endemic wildlife and surrounding virgin forests, it is easy to see why the spot is included in the elite list of natural world heritage site.

             For the College, the aim of the trip is not only to expose select members of the faculty and staff to places but also to promote camaraderie with other educators of the Municipality.

Mabalacat College at Xevera

The MC Campus at Xevera

MC, for the Academic Year 2009-2010, will be housed temporarily at the third floor of the Doña Asuncion Lee Integrated School (DALIS) at Xevera, Tabun, Mabalacat, Pampanga. The transfer from Brgy. Atlu-Bola to Brgy. Tabun is a big relief for most members of the Faculty, Staff as well as Student body because of Xevera’s accessibility.

Globe Asiatique, the owner of Xevera, allows MC some regulated use of its facilities – the basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, multi-purpose covered courts and clubhouses. It also permits MC to set up vital academic and student support facilities like the library, computer laboratories, clinic, guidance and counseling offices, among others.

MC complements the grand design of Xevera, which is to build a complete community where the residents have easy access to the Municipal Hall, Public Market, Schools, Church and Commercial establishments.

MC has three colleges (Education, Information Technology and Hospitality Management) which accommodates 612 students in the first semester of A.Y. 2009-2010. It is set to transfer to its permanent campus at Dolores, Mabalacat, Pampanga beginning June 2010.