“Am I doing the right thing? And am I doing it as well as I can?” Pines City Colleges (PCC) reflects on its 2026 convocation held last August 20, 2026, at the PCC covered court. With the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Integrity and Excellence in PCC”, the institution gathered to celebrate achievements for the past year and what it took to achieve said wins through the collective effort of each staff member’s integrity and excellence.
To call together, PCC’s purpose
With over 200 staff gathering, and Cipriano N. Tucay Jr. and Cellica Mariam Langwas serving as masters of ceremonies, energy was high and electric. The event began with Dr. Joseph Charles Herrero, Dean of the College of Dentistry, expressing appreciation for every staff member’s presence. Dr. Herrero also emphasized the importance of PCC’s annual convocation and what it meant to join and take the lessons in. To him, joining meant acknowledging the growth and effort it took to get where we are, whether as individuals or as an institution. It wasn’t just wins that were celebrated but the challenges that etched the lessons in.
With that, Dr. Herrero proceeded to thank this year’s guest speaker, Prof. Reynaldo “Rey” Orille, Managing Consultant & Trainer of Referred Management Consultancy Services. He reminded everyone that this year’s discussion would serve as a reminder and a chance for PCC to reflect as they embark on the academic year 2026-2027. In response, Orille took the stage enthusiastically, combining humor and wit to capture PCC’s attention while sharing his wisdom on integrity and excellence.
To reflect together on PCC’s integrity and excellence
Esteemed guest speaker, Professor Reynaldo “Rey” Orille, began his talk by posing hypothetical scenarios to PCC, questions that provoked everyone to evaluate their professionalism and system. Confident in their answers, the institution responded quickly and as one, leaving Orille proud and satisfied. “Sana sinasabi niyo ’yan kasi ‘yon ang gagawin, hindi ang tamang sagot (I hope you said that because it’s what’s right, not because it’s the right answer),” he joked. Orille then reminded everyone of the definition of integrity and excellence, emphasizing that it was all about consistency and commitment. To him, every decision, no matter the title, the place, or the time, despite its inconvenience, should always be made with integrity and excellence.
Point by point, he discussed what makes a decision “made with integrity and excellence.” According to him, it involves accountability, competence, quality, collaboration, impact, capability, and student-centeredness. “Eh ang PCC ba? (How about PCC?) Ask yourselves,” Orille then urged everyone in the institution to look at the front, from teaching to non-teaching staff. PCC thought deeply, long and hard as the words “Am I doing the right thing? (Integrity) and am I doing it as well as I can? (Excellence)” flashed across the screen.
To share a way of life, PCC’s integrity and excellence
After a while, Orille tackled what it means to have a “culture” and how integrity and excellence can build a lasting culture. According to Merriam-Webster, “Culture means the shared way of life for a group of people.” Orille believes that for a culture to exist truly, each person must consistently practice integrity and excellence until these values become habits. He explained that if individuals make decisions guided by integrity and excellence for at least 21 days, these actions can become ingrained as habits. When everyone adopts these habits, they collectively form the institution’s culture. Orille further reminded PCC that a culture rooted in integrity and excellence leads to success, inspiring the institution to strive for its best and provide outstanding service to its stakeholders.
Orille added that, from an outsider’s point of view and based on his own experiences, he sees PCC as embodying integrity and excellence as a learning institution. Grateful for the welcome, respect, and attention he received, he shared his satisfaction with PCC, from the security personnel, maintenance, registrar, and other offices to the teaching staff. Orille emphasized that PCC’s excellent learning environment results from collaboration across the institution, benefiting both students and guests.
To celebrate fruits of integrity and excellence, PCC updates
As PCC continued to reflect on its professionalism and service to stakeholders, the event moved to the Data Protection Officer, Genesis Corinth D. Abella, who shared exciting administrative updates. Improvements to campus windows, new waste disposal systems, new equipment, and more show the institution’s commitment to providing an excellent learning experience down to the smallest detail. The increase in enrollees also shows parents’ and students’ growing trust in PCC
As applause and cheers filled the venue, the festivity continued as Dr. Marian Grace A. Gascon, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also proudly shared PCC’s academic updates. With the results of board examinations, PCC’s World University Ranking for Innovation (WURI), GAWAD Stars awardees, and more, it is impossible for PCC not to beam proudly. Dr. Gascon expressed her appreciation to everyone and encouraged all to continue their hard work and commitment for the parents and students who trust PCC.
As the 2026 Convocation concludes, the institution is left not only with pride but with lessons that will surely help PCC cultivate a culture of integrity and excellence. It was not only a reminder of past achievements but also a reflection of the institution’s collective effort, which clearly creates an environment that students continually choose, making their learning and personal growth memorable. #GlynisAnneLaron
