SMU - School of Teacher Education and Humanities- STEH

28/10/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘: 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟬𝟮 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — Saint Mary’s University (SMU) once again proudly affirms its distinguished Marian brand of Leadership and Excellence as two of its exceptional alumni have earned coveted spots among the six outstanding regional representatives of Cagayan Valley who will advance to the prestigious National Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) 2026.

Bringing immense pride and honor to the Marian community, Edgar D. Balaba Jr. and Mary Jemille O. Culanag emerged as two of the six outstanding finalists selected to represent Region 02 on the national stage. Their remarkable achievement stands as a powerful testament to the University's unwavering commitment to developing academically competent, socially responsible, and values-driven leaders who embody the true spirit of Marian Leadership and Excellence.

The six regional finalists were selected from among outstanding student leaders and achievers representing higher education institutions across the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Cagayan, and Isabela. Their selection recognizes not only their exceptional academic accomplishments but also their exemplary leadership, meaningful community involvement, and dedication to service.

As part of the rigorous selection process, the regional finalists participated in a comprehensive formation program held on October 16–17, 2026, followed by the final judging on October 18, 2026, at Isabela State University – Ilagan Campus. These activities provided an opportunity for the candidates to demonstrate their leadership capabilities, share their advocacies, reflect on their commitment to becoming catalysts for positive social transformation and communication skills.

For Saint Mary’s University, this significant milestone is more than an individual accomplishment. It is a collective celebration of the Marian tradition of Academic Excellence, Leadership Excellence, and Service to Humanity. The success of Balaba and Culanag reflects the transformative power of Marian education, which nurtures individuals who are not only equipped with knowledge and skills but are also guided by compassion, integrity, and a profound sense of responsibility toward others.

Their achievement likewise exemplifies the University's core values of Excellence, Communion, Innovation, and Social Responsibility, demonstrating how Marian graduates continue to distinguish themselves through purposeful leadership and meaningful contributions to society.

As these two outstanding Marian alumni prepare to carry the banner of Region 02 to the national level, the entire Saint Mary’s University community celebrates their achievement with immense pride, gratitude, and hope.

Indeed, the Marian brand of Leadership and Excellence continues to shine beyond the University, inspiring future generations of Marians to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and pursue excellence in all that they do.

Congratulations, Edgar D. Balaba Jr. and Mary Jemille O. Culanag! Your Marian family proudly celebrates this remarkable achievement. May you continue to inspire others as you represent Region 02 and Saint Mary’s University on the national stage.

Once a Marian, always a Missionary who is truly inspired by Mission and Driven by Excellence. Indeed, Marians are epitome of leader of excellence, a person of service, and a beacon of hope!

Written and Pubmat by: Allan S. Guiab, Secretary, ODSAS

28/10/2026

𝗦𝗠𝗨 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗘𝗱𝘂 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳, 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟴𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) secured 21st place among private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines and 85th among private universities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the AppliedEdu University Rankings 2027, reaffirming its commitment to quality education and institutional excellence. The results were officially released on October 21, 2026, through the AppliedEdu website.

Formerly known as AppliedHE, AppliedEdu evaluates higher education institutions based on institution-submitted data and publicly available information across key areas, including teaching and learning, employability, research, community engagement, internationalization, and institutional reputation.

Now in its fourth edition, the AppliedEdu Public and Private University Rankings: ASEAN featured 155 private universities from six ASEAN member states: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

SMU’s achievement reflects its continuing efforts to strengthen academic quality, enhance student learning and employability, advance research and community engagement, and expand its international presence. The recognition underscores the University’s commitment to providing responsive, relevant, and quality education while pursuing continuous improvement and greater competitiveness in the regional higher education landscape.

Written by: IDQAO

28/10/2026

🎃👻 GET READY TO DANCE, SWEAT, AND SCARE! 🧟‍♀️
The Saint Mary’s University High School Grade School Alumni Association Inc. invites everyone to join us for ZUMBA: “Scare, Sweat and Share; Indak para sa Marian Iskolars!”
Let’s dance to the beat, embrace the Halloween spirit, and sweat it out for a meaningful cause! 🧡 Every step, every move, and every smile will help make a difference for our Marian scholars. 💛📚
📅 Date: October 31, 2026 (Saturday)
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: LGU Canopy, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Tickets are available at Php100.00 through the BOT and SMU Alumni Affairs Office.
👻 Put on your spookiest, most creative Halloween outfit, bring your energy, and get ready to dance for a cause! Let’s make this Halloween a fun-filled celebration of fitness, fellowship, and generosity! 🎃🧡

🎃👻 GET READY TO DANCE, SWEAT, AND SCARE! 🧟‍♀️

The Saint Mary’s University High School Grade School Alumni Association Inc. invites everyone to join us for ZUMBA: “Scare, Sweat and Share; Indak para sa Marian Iskolars!”

Let’s dance to the beat, embrace the Halloween spirit, and sweat it out for a meaningful cause! 🧡 Every step, every move, and every smile will help make a difference for our Marian scholars. 💛📚

📅 Date: October 31, 2026 (Saturday)
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: LGU Canopy, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Tickets are available at Php100.00 through the BOT and SMU Alumni Affairs Office.

👻 Put on your spookiest, most creative Halloween outfit, bring your energy, and get ready to dance for a cause! Let’s make this Halloween a fun-filled celebration of fitness, fellowship, and generosity! 🎃🧡

26/10/2026

The School of Teacher Education and Humanities congratulates our 4th-Year Political Science students, 𝗠𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗵𝗲𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗮𝗼, 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘁, 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗲𝗷 𝗦𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗰𝗼, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝗲𝗰𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗻, for successfully defending their research proposal on October 21, 2026.

Best of luck as you proceed to the next phase of your study!

20/10/2026

15/10/2026

13/10/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣: Three Marian Leaders Named Regional Finalists in the Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines – Region 02

BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — Saint Mary’s University (SMU) continues to uphold its distinguished Marian brand of Academic and Leadership Excellence as three of its outstanding graduates have officially been named Regional Finalists in the prestigious Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) – Region 02.

Embodying the Marian core values of Excellence, Communion, Innovation, and Social Responsibility, the three regional finalists have demonstrated exceptional achievements in academics, leadership, and service to the community throughout their university journey.

The three Marian achievers, who were also recognized for their exemplary accomplishments during the University’s Commencement Exercises on July 3, 2026, are:
- Edgar D. Balaba Jr., a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and recipient of the Rev. John Van Bauwel, CICM Leadership Award
- Mary Jemille O. Culanag, a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English, with a Certificate in Religious Education, who graduated Magna Cum Laude
- Almyra Joy B. Garcia, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, who earned the academic distinction of Cum Laude

As part of the regional selection process, the three finalists will participate in the TOSP Region 02 Formation Program on October 16–17, 2026, in Ilagan City, Isabela, culminating in the much-anticipated Regional Awarding Ceremony on October 18, 2026. The regional awardees will subsequently advance to the national search, where they will join other outstanding student leaders from across the country.

The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is a prestigious national recognition program that honors graduating college students who exemplify academic excellence, outstanding leadership, social responsibility, and meaningful contributions to their communities. Beyond academic achievements, the program recognizes young individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to nation-building and transformative leadership.

This remarkable achievement further affirms Saint Mary’s University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically competent but also socially responsible, service-oriented, and empowered to become catalysts for positive change.

Saint Mary’s University extends its heartfelt congratulations and prayers to these three exceptional Marian leaders as they proudly represent the University on the regional stage and aspire to advance to the national level. May their journey continue to inspire fellow Marians and young leaders to pursue excellence, embrace servant leadership, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Indeed, these three Marian achievers embody the true spirit of Saint Mary’s University—Inspired by Mission, Driven by Excellence.

Written and Photo by: Allan S. Guiab, Secretary, ODSAS

03/10/2026

𝟐,𝟑𝟔𝟓 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Saint Mary's University invites the Marian community to the 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 in honor of the collective achievements of our awardees on 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, starting at 𝟳:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 at the 𝗙𝗿. 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝘆𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺.

For our awardees, please be strictly advised that failure to attend the said program without submitting the absence form on time without a valid reason may be a basis for the withdrawal of the scholarship grant or reduction or partial forfeiture of scholarship grants and/or privileges.
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💻✍️: Ryan Fernandez

30/09/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗜𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Policy research, writing, and communication took center stage at POLITEIA: A Policy Research and Advocacy Seminar-Workshop, held on September 28 at the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT). Political Science majors of Saint Mary’s University took part and brought home the top three places in the Best Policy Proposal category and the Best Presenter award.

Organized by the Political Science Society of USLT, the seminar-workshop included sessions on conducting policy research, understanding government policymaking processes, and communicating policies to stakeholders. Resource speakers came from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the Development Academy of the Philippines, and the Tuguegarao City Mayor’s Office.

The day ended with the Policy Research Proposal Workshop and Challenge, where participants worked in groups to develop policy proposals and presented them in a five-minute pitch to a panel of judges. Working with their groupmates, Marian participants formulated proposals that earned the group awards for first, second, and third place.

The group of Josel Noej Sopongco, a BA Political Science 4 student, won first place for From Waste to Wealth: Evaluating the Feasibility of Waste-to-Energy Technology Adoption in Strengthening the Implementation of RA 9003 in Nueva Vizcaya. The proposal examines whether waste-to-energy technology can strengthen local implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Sopongco also received the individual Best Presenter award.

Second place went to the group of Avril Christine Rombaoa, a BA Political Science 3 student, for H.U.S.A.Y. (Holistic Understanding, Statutory Authority, and Yield): Assessing Legal-Procedural Knowledge and Dispute Resolution in Katarungang Pambarangay in the Philippines. The proposal assesses how well the barangay justice system is understood and used in settling community disputes.

Third place went to the group of Atasi Almazan, a BA Political Science 4 student, for Mind the Map: Assessing Systems-based Approaches to Gig Workers’ Legal and Social Protection in the Philippines. The proposal examines how systems-based approaches can improve legal and social protections for gig workers.

The results show the strength of SMU’s Political Science program in preparing students to analyze public problems, support their recommendations with evidence, and communicate them effectively. The winning proposals address concerns in environmental governance, community justice, and labor protection.

Written by: Nicole Anne Aquino, STEH PIO Coordinator

25/09/2026

𝗦𝗠𝗨 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗’𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝟯𝟱𝟬! 🌏

Saint Mary’s University ranks 341st worldwide in UI GreenMetric 2026

Saint Mary’s University has risen to the Top 350 sustainable universities in the world, ranking 341st globally in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2026, with an overall score of 7,650 points.

The achievement places SMU among the Top 8 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs), 197th in Asia, and 1st in Region 2, marking another milestone in the University’s continuing sustainability journey.

SMU’s 341st global ranking represents a significant improvement from its 406th-place standing in 2025. This progress reflects the University’s continued efforts to strengthen environmental stewardship, sustainable campus operations, sustainability education and research, and responsible institutional practices.

Beyond the numbers, the recognition reflects how sustainability continues to become an integral part of university life. Through responsible resource management, environmental programs, sustainability-focused education and research, campus development, and community engagement, SMU continues to translate its commitment to sustainability into meaningful action.

The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2026 evaluated 2,016 universities across 110 countries, providing institutions worldwide with a platform to demonstrate their progress and commitment to sustainable development.

This achievement is a reflection of the collective efforts of the SMU community, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, researchers, and partners, whose shared commitment continues to move the University’s sustainability initiatives forward.

A milestone achieved. A sustainability journey strengthened. The journey continues. 🌱