Pines City Colleges held its annual convocation on August 22, 2025, at the Pines City Doctor’s Hospital Amphitheater, with a theme, ‘Own your Success: Cultivating a Culture of Ownership”, marking the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. Convocation has become a cherished tradition at PCC, serving as a moment for the entire community to unite, celebrate achievements, and acknowledge the collective effort that creates a supportive and inclusive school environment. The program was hosted by Mr. James Joshua Yang-ed and Ms. Daphne Shaggy Bermudez, who served as the emcees for Convocation 2025. The event began with welcome remarks from Dr. Marian Grace Gascon, Vice President for Academic Affairs. In her speech, Dr. Gascon emphasized that “Success is a form of personal growth that no one can take away.” She believes that true success lies in this growth, which is invaluable in any learning environment. Dr. Gascon also highlighted that while some individuals may not impart knowledge in the traditional, textbook way, their influence can still be deeply impactful. Through their actions, experiences, and the wisdom they’ve gathered over time, they inspire not only students but also younger colleagues and those they have worked with in the past.
The guest speaker, Dr. Sally Itliong-Maximo from St. Louis University’s School of Teacher Education & Liberal Arts, discussed “Embodying Malasakit: Bringing Compassionate Leadership & Shared Responsibility in Service.” She expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the speaker and highlighted the importance of PCC’s annual convocation, stating, “It’s good that PCC has its annual convocation, as it’s a clear demonstration of how ‘Malasakit’, the value of genuine care and concern for others is being put into practice.
Embodying ‘Malasakit’
Dr. Sally linked the PCC core values, P.I.N.E.S (Passionate, Integrity, Nurturance, Enthusiasm, and Service), to the theme of embodying ‘Malasakit.’ She explained that Passion represents caring, compassion, and empathy, urging, “If we do our task, let’s do it alive.” Integrity where she highlighted that it is about practicing ethics and doing what’s right. Nurturance reflects a deep concern for others, while Excellence and Service relate directly to ‘Malasakit,’ with employees performing their duties with enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication. She reminded everyone that “a small error can be fatal,” emphasizing the importance of ownership and responsibility.
Steps on applying ‘Malasakit’
Dr. Sally Maximo outlined the steps to embody “Malasakit” in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of shared leadership and responsibility. The first step is awareness, where one must be mindful of their surroundings. This is followed by empathy, where individuals feel compelled to act to make others feel valued. The next step is action, where one decides how to demonstrate “Malasakit.” Then comes reflection, a continuous process of self-evaluation. Finally, commitment where individuals must consistently show “Malasakit” toward others.
The Convocation 2025 event showcased important updates from both the academic and administrative sectors of the institution. Among the highlights were the Academic Council and Administration updates, which were presented with enthusiasm and pride, reflecting the institution’s progress and commitment to continuous improvement.
Academic Council Updates
Dr. Gascon, representing the Academic Council, expressed her gratitude to the PCC family for their achievements over the past and current academic year. A major highlight was the 100% passing rate for PCC’s first-time Physical Therapy exam takers in June 2025. Dr. Gascon also proudly announced that PCC has been ranked in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), securing 82nd place in SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges and 88th in Student Support and Engagement. These rankings reflect the institution’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a student-centered approach to education. Dr. Gascon expressed her sincere hope that PCC will continue to evolve and progress, particularly in the academic sphere. She believes that the institution’s growth will directly contribute to the realization of students’ aspirations, highlighting that the success of students is deeply intertwined with the collective efforts of both faculty and non-faculty members. By working together, these individuals play a crucial role in nurturing an environment where students are not only equipped with knowledge but also supported in their personal development. Through their dedication, she envisions PCC as a place where dreams are transformed into reality, offering students the opportunities, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed.
Administrative Updates
Ms. Ma. Regina S. Prats, Vice President of Administration and Finance, presented a detailed overview of the institution’s administrative achievements. She began by congratulating the PCC community on a remarkable 23% increase in student enrollment. Ms. Prats also introduced several newly appointed employees: Ms. Evelyn P. Dulatre, LPT, MASS Coordinator for Senior High School (appointed August 1, 2025), Ms. Rinaliza P. Bogsulen, RTRP, MCHD Dean for the College of Respiratory Therapy (appointed August 1, 2025), and Cherry B. Cawis, LPT, MALE Head of General Education (appointed January 2, 2025). She also welcomed 70 new employees, part of a total of 198 employees as of August 20, 2025. Additionally, she introduced the 56th founding theme, “Educating lifelong learners through transformative disciplines for a healthier community.”
Ms. Prats expressed optimism that the upgrades and improvements would continue in the coming years, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence. She also extended a heartfelt welcome to the new employees, thanking them for choosing to join PCC. This growth, she noted, reflects the institution’s dedication to nurturing future allied health professionals. Her pride and enthusiasm were evident as she celebrated PCC’s ongoing achievements and progress, emphasizing the bright future ahead for both the institution and its community.
Word of the Year
To conclude the Convocation, the Word of the Year from 2024, sonder, was revisited. This term captures the profound realization that every person, even the strangers we encounter, leads a life as complex and multifaceted as our own, unfolding regardless of our awareness of it. As a logical conclusion to “sonder”, this year’s the chosen word was respect. Though simple, this word holds a deeper meaning. In today’s world, respect is often underrated, yet it is essential in the workplace. Applying respect means understanding that each colleague brings their own unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives. This awareness fosters empathy and improves communication, creating a more supportive and cohesive work environment.
Overall, Convocation 2025 once again celebrated past achievements while setting a forward-looking tone for continued growth and improvement at PCC. #Iveeh Amparo
