WMSU-College of Social Work and Community Development

05/10/2026

AT THE HELM, IN THE GUIDANCE, IN THE IMPACT

A teacher’s work does not end when the lecture does.

This World Teachers’ Day, the Gender Club of the Western Mindanao State University-College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) joins the celebration by recognizing the educators and leaders whose dedication continues to shape the WMSU-CSWCD community.

Educators do more than share knowledge. They encourage us to think critically, understand different perspectives, and become more responsible members of society. Through their guidance, patience, and commitment, they help students grow with purpose and confidence.

The Gender Club extends its appreciation to the dedicated professors, educators, and leaders of WMSU-CSWCD, whose work reflects the values of education, equality, leadership, and community.

With gratitude, we recognize:

Dr. Jocelyn T. Gaas
- CSWCD Dean

Dr. Mary Ann T. Enriquez
- CSWCD GAD Coordinator

Mr. Romel C. Balanes
- CSWCD GAD Co-Coordinator

Their work reminds us that education is not only about what we know, but also about how we use what we know—with empathy, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of others.

To those who continue to lead with purpose, guide with patience, and serve with commitment —we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you.

The lessons you share may begin in a classroom, but their meaning carries forward—in the choices we make, the people we become, and the communities we hope to serve.

This World Teachers’ Day, the Gender Club of CSWCD honors not only the lessons you impart, but also the values you instill, the guidance you provide, and the difference you make along the way.

Here’s to the educators and leaders who help shape minds, strengthen communities, and inspire change.

Happy World Teachers’ Day!

Caption by: Jackelyn Ignacio
Layout by: Cristel Dacula

05/10/2026

𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓟𝓨 𝓦𝓞𝓡𝓛𝓓 𝓣𝓔𝓐𝓒𝓗𝓔𝓡𝓢’ 𝓓𝓐𝓨 🤍

Some teachers teach us how to read books; others teach us how to read life.

Today, we honor the people who stand behind every lesson, every correction, every word of encouragement, and every moment that reminds us that learning is more than what is written in a book. We celebrate those who taught us that words have power—that a single sentence of encouragement can rewrite a student’s whole story, that patience can build confidence, and that believing in someone can inspire them to believe in themselves. 🖊️

To the faculty and staff of the 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗧. 𝗚𝗮𝗮𝘀, thank you for your unwavering dedication, patience, and commitment to shaping not only students who are knowledgeable, but individuals who are compassionate, resilient, and ready to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for the lessons that extend far beyond the classroom—for teaching us to listen with empathy, to speak with purpose, to serve with compassion, and to face challenges with courage. Thank you for the countless hours spent preparing lessons, guiding students, answering questions, offering advice, and reminding us that every small step forward is still progress.

Behind every successful student is a teacher who chose to teach, guide, understand, and believe. Sometimes, you may never know how deeply your words have touched a student’s life or how much your encouragement meant during moments when they doubted themselves. But the lessons you leave behind do not end when the class is over. They stay with us—in the way we think, in the way we treat others, and in the people we become.

And to all teachers who turned letters into lessons, lessons into wisdom, and wisdom into life—this is for you. 👩‍🏫🤍

For every “You can do it,” every “Keep going,” every correction that helped us grow, and every reminder that we are capable of more than we think—thank you.

You wrote your lessons on the board, but you wrote your legacy in our hearts.

Your classrooms may have walls, but the impact of your teachings has no boundaries. Your voices may fade after the lecture ends, but the lessons you have shared will continue to echo in the lives of the students you have inspired.

Today, we celebrate you—not only for what you teach, but for who you help us become.

Words by: Frencie Salajog | Creatives Committee Member
Layout by: Chloe Martinez and Norhanna Salcedo | Creatives Committee Members

02/10/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗵 𝗦𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗶𝘆𝘂𝗯 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼
𝘈 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦, 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.

When the history of modern Mindanao is fully documented, the most compelling chapters will not be about the thunder of heavy artillery or the dramatic signings of political treaties. Instead, they will focus on the quiet, high-stakes conversations that happened in university classrooms, remote village halls, and regional summits. At the absolute center of those conversations stood Professor Alih Sakaluran Aiyub, a Western Mindanao State University academic and a towering Muslim leader who spent his lifetime building bridges across deep religious and political divides.

Before his passing, Professor Aiyub navigated some of the most volatile crises in the southern Philippines with a rare combination of unwavering principle and immense empathy. He was a man who understood that lasting peace is not built by silencing your opponent, but by ensuring that even the most marginalized voices are given a fair hearing.

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲-𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀

As the longtime secretary-general of the National Ulama Council of the Philippines, Professor Aiyub held a position of profound responsibility. The Ulama (the community's authoritative Islamic scholars) look to their leadership for guidance when local tensions threaten to boil over. Time and again, Aiyub proved to be the cool head in the room.

Consider the 2012 controversy at Pilar College, a Roman Catholic institution in Zamboanga City that had implemented a strict ban on the hijab (traditional headscarf) for its Muslim students. While the policy sparked a massive public outcry and calls for a fierce boycott, Aiyub took a completely different path. He chose to act as the coordinator of the peace group Salam, publicly urging calm and leading quiet, structured interfaith dialogues with the school administration. For Aiyub, academic freedom had to be balanced with human rights, but the solution would only ever be found through mutual respect, not public warfare.

His ability to foresee the psychological fallout of armed conflict was equally sharp. During the grueling 2013 Zamboanga siege, a roundtable discussion was organized by the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy. When the conversation turned toward a final military showdown against the rebel leader Habier Malik, Aiyub stepped in with a vital warning. He cautioned the government that turning the conflict into a bloodbath would only create a narrative of martyrdom, inadvertently inspiring a younger, more radicalized generation to pick up arms. He possessed an intimate understanding of Moro culture, and he knew that brute force alone could never kill an ideology.

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗿

Professor Aiyub was acutely aware that violent extremism was a spiritual and psychological disease requiring a sophisticated, multi-disciplinary cure. When regional authorities began processing surrendered members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group, Aiyub did not advocate for isolation or state vengeance.

Instead, he mobilized Muslim religious leaders to orchestrate a subtle, deeply compassionate rehabilitation process. The strategy was centered around psychological debriefing and spiritual re-education. Aiyub famously stated that their approach was not about terrorizing the terrorists, but about addressing the underlying radicalism through regular sermons in the mosques, correcting misguided interpretations of Islamic law, and restoring basic human dignity.

He expanded this vision into the secular school system, helping design educational modules and primers to help teachers detect and prevent extremist recruitment among vulnerable youth. He consistently argued that if you want to safeguard the future of the Bangsamoro region, you have to build well-informed constituencies. He believed that correcting the historical distortions surrounding the Mindanao conflict, which is fundamentally rooted in political and economic struggles, was the only way to generate broad public support for a peaceful transition.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

When the landmark Bangsamoro Organic Law was finally finalized, Aiyub welcomed it with open arms, viewing it as the definitive political track to usher in genuine autonomy and sustainable development. He did not simply celebrate from the sidelines; he put his academic background to work, serving as a project coordinator for institutional building alongside international groups like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and later stepping up as the Director General of Higher Education within the newly formed region.

Whether he was facilitating intense open forums on local legislation or serving on the board of civic organizations like the Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN), Aiyub remained the quintessential educator. He proved that true leadership does not require a loud microphone or a uniform. It requires a willingness to listen, a passion for truth, and a belief that education is the most powerful weapon against fear.

27/09/2026

ATTENTION 4TH YEAR BSSW and BSCD!

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒-𝐔𝐏 | 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

There is a peculiar tenderness in realizing that the places we once hurried through will, one day, be the places we wish we could return to. The same corridors, familiar faces, passing conversations, and unremarkable afternoons may seem almost insignificant while they are happening, only to become dear when they belong to a time we can no longer reach. Perhaps this is what a photograph preserves: a fleeting version of life, held still long enough for us to recognize its worth.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫, the Official Yearbook Publication of 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, unveils the 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐬 for the graduation pictorial, scheduled from 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. For the grad-waiting students from the following colleges, your moment in front of the lens awaits:

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

For more information on the pictorial and the packages offered, check the links below.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZjv7fjRL/

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:
https://tinyurl.com/wmsu2027hmugps

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EvjRMV7jr/

Further announcements and updates will be posted on the official page of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫. Be sure to like and follow the page to stay informed of the latest information regarding the graduation pictorial.

Layout by: Alia Gadjali
Words by: Mary Alessandra Superio

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒-𝐔𝐏 | 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

There is a peculiar tenderness in realizing that the places we once hurried through will, one day, be the places we wish we could return to. The same corridors, familiar faces, passing conversations, and unremarkable afternoons may seem almost insignificant while they are happening, only to become dear when they belong to a time we can no longer reach. Perhaps this is what a photograph preserves: a fleeting version of life, held still long enough for us to recognize its worth.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫, the Official Yearbook Publication of 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, unveils the 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐬 for the graduation pictorial, scheduled from 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. For the grad-waiting students from the following colleges, your moment in front of the lens awaits:

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

For more information on the pictorial and the packages offered, check the links below.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZjv7fjRL/

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:
https://tinyurl.com/wmsu2027hmugps

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EvjRMV7jr/

Further announcements and updates will be posted on the official page of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫. Be sure to like and follow the page to stay informed of the latest information regarding the graduation pictorial.

Layout by: Alia Gadjali
Words by: Mary Alessandra Superio

18/09/2026

CSWCD REPRESENTS LAOS AT WMSU ASEAN CELEBRATION 2026! 🇱🇦

The College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) proudly joins the WMSU ASEAN Celebration 2026 in commemoration of the 59th Founding Anniversary of Association of Southeast Asian Nations carrying this year’s inspiring theme:“Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Representing Laos 🇱🇦, the CSWCD community celebrates the rich culture, traditions, heritage, and identity of the Lao people while strengthening the spirit of ASEAN unity, friendship, diversity, and cooperation.

The celebration was held on September 18, 2026, at the Dr. Juanito Bruno Gymnasium, Western Mindanao State University.

Through this celebration, the CSWCD joins the wider WMSU community in recognizing that despite our diverse cultures and identities, we remain connected by a shared vision of a stronger, more inclusive, and united ASEAN.

One ASEAN. One Community. One Future.

17/09/2026

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿-𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

As the ship sails again, the 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔) pride rises once more.

"𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆" stands as a testament to what has been built before and what continues to define the present. Once again taking center stage, four Crimsons emerged among the top-performing examinees of the September 2026 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐒𝐖𝐋𝐄), bringing distinction to the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃).

With their sails already catching the winds of distinction, 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐧 first marked WMSU’s showing with a 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 finish at 𝟗𝟏.𝟒𝟎%. The ascent continued as 𝐙𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐚 and 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 secured 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟖 spots with matching 𝟗𝟏.𝟖𝟎% ratings. At the helm of the remarkable helm, 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 reached the 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟕 with 𝟗𝟐.𝟎𝟎%.

These achievements reach beyond pen and paper, carrying their names into a wider sphere of recognition and showing that excellence is shaped long before the results are announced. Behind every percentage are discipline, preparation, and commitment. Their success reflects the spirit of social work: grounded in service, compassion, and an enduring commitment to communities.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫 proudly congratulates the four topnotchers and all newly registered social workers on this milestone. With one remarkable feat now behind them, may their sails rise toward the work that awaits, guided by the same determination that brought them this far. As they chart what lies ahead, may they carry not only the lessons learned in the classroom, but also the sense of purpose that gives meaning to the journey.

Layout by: Alia Gadjali
Words by: Ladimar Sawabi

17/09/2026

𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Fourth-year students of the Community Development Program under the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) strengthened their knowledge of workplace ethics, professional responsibility, and protection against sexual harassment during the Seminar on Work Ethics and Anti-Sexual Harassment (WEASH) held on September 16, 2026.

The seminar was conducted as part of the students’ preparation for their upcoming internships, providing them with essential knowledge and practical guidance on professional conduct and responsible behavior in workplace and community settings. The activity emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful, safe, inclusive, and ethical environments, particularly for future community development professionals who will engage with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.

The College of Social Work and Community Development invited the Gender and Development Services of the Office of the City Mayor, City Government of Zamboanga, through City Gender and Development Officer Wilfredo J. Aporongao, to serve as resource speaker. Aporongao discussed key provisions of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, popularly known as the “Bawal Bastos Law,” including gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, and educational and training institutions. He also emphasized the importance of professional ethics, particularly in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, respecting human dignity, exercising accountability, and upholding integrity in community development practice.

“Empowering you to stand up for yourselves and others, and to create safe, inclusive environments wherever you go,” Aporongao emphasized, underscoring the responsibility of future community development professionals to contribute to workplaces and communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The students actively participated in the discussion, raising questions and sharing insights on situations they may encounter during their internship and future professional practice. Practical scenarios allowed the participants to connect legal provisions and ethical principles with real-world workplace situations, including inappropriate behavior, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other concerns affecting safety and professional relationships.

The WEASH seminar underscored that workplace ethics and anti-sexual harassment awareness are essential components of professional preparation. For future community development professionals, this understanding is particularly significant as their work involves facilitating community participation, engaging diverse sectors, building partnerships, and supporting initiatives that promote inclusive and responsive development.

The activity reinforces the College of Social Work and Community Development’s commitment to preparing graduates who are competent, ethical, gender-responsive, and socially responsible. As they begin their internship journey, the students carry with them a stronger understanding of their legal and professional responsibilities—and the responsibility to help foster safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces and communities.

Junto-junto kita dale buen servicio para na igualdad de todo los género — para na mas progresivo y inclusivo Ciudad de Zamboanga. ⛵️

For more GAD information, visit our official website at https://bit.ly/GADSZCCorner

17/09/2026

𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓!

WMSU extends its warmest congratulations to all WMSU graduates who successfully passed the Social Workers Licensure Examination, with special recognition to our four topnotchers who earned places among the highest-ranking examinees.

Their success brings great honor not only to themselves and their families, but also to the entire WMSU community.

The University likewise extends its sincere commendation to the faculty members of the College of Social Work and Community Development whose dedication, guidance, and commitment to quality education have helped shape these successful professionals.

Congratulations, Crimsons!

16/09/2026

A TRIUMPH OF EXCELLENCE, DEDICATION, AND COLLECTIVE SUPPORT! 💚

The College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) of Western Mindanao State University proudly celebrates a remarkable achievement in the 2026 Social Worker Licensure Examination (SWLE) held on September 9, 10, and 11, 2026!

With immense pride and gratitude, we celebrate our FOUR OUTSTANDING TOPNOTCHERS who have brought honor and distinction to the College and the University:

TOP 7 – MICHELLE ANN R. REGIDOR — 92%
TOP 8 – ZSANYNN ROSE B. BALAGOSA — 91.80%
TOP 8 – KRIZELLE ANN B. MAMALAYAN — 91.80%
TOP 10 – RONEL R. GULLON — 91.40%

Your exceptional performance reflects your perseverance, discipline, determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the social work profession. You have transformed years of learning, countless hours of preparation, challenges, sacrifices, and prayers into a moment of extraordinary achievement.

But today, we celebrate more than our Topnotchers. We also proudly celebrate the 113 first-time takers who successfully passed the examination, achieving an outstanding 98.26% first-time taker passing rate, as well as an impressive 93.20% overall passing rate.

To all our successful passers, CONGRATULATIONS!

This achievement is a reflection of your dedication and the collective efforts of everyone who became part of your journey. Each name represents a story of perseverance. Each passing mark represents countless hours of preparation. And every success represents the support of families, friends, mentors, faculty members, and the entire CSWCD community.

To our University President, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, the College of Social Work and Community Development extends its heartfelt and profound gratitude for your unwavering support, trust, and commitment to our College. Your leadership and continued support have helped nurture an environment where students are encouraged to pursue excellence, embrace their potential, and prepare themselves for meaningful service to society. Thank you, Dr. Ochotorena, for believing in CSWCD. Your support has been an important part of our continuing journey toward excellence, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the growth and success of our students and our College.

To our faculty members, and mentors, thank you for your dedication, patience, guidance, and commitment to educating and shaping our future social workers. Your lessons extended far beyond the classroom, they became foundations upon which our students built their dreams and professional aspirations.

To the families, friends, loved ones, and supporters of our examinees, thank you for standing beside them throughout this journey. Your encouragement, prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering belief helped them persevere through one of the most challenging chapters of their academic journey.

And to our four Topnotchers and all successful passers, today is your moment. Celebrate this achievement. Be proud of how far you have come. But remember that the license you have earned carries with it a greater responsibility, to serve, to empower, to advocate, and to stand with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
May you carry the values of compassion, integrity, social justice, human dignity, professional excellence, and commitment to service wherever your journey takes you.

Your achievement is not merely a number on a list. It is a testament to what can happen when dedication meets opportunity, when education meets purpose, and when dreams are pursued with courage and perseverance.

Today, the entire WMSU-CSWCD family celebrates with you!

FOUR TOPNOTCHERS.
113 FIRST-TIME PASSERS.
98.26% FIRST-TIME TAKER PASSING RATE.
93.20% OVERALL PASSING RATE.

ONE PROUD CSWCD FAMILY.

From the College of Social Work and Community Development, congratulations to our new generation of social workers!
May you continue to become professionals who are not only excellent in what you do, but also compassionate catalysts of positive change.

MALAYO NA, PERO MALAYO PA!
PADAYON, WMSU-CSWCD!

CONGRATULATIONS, TOPNOTCHERS!
CONGRATULATIONS, PASSERS!
CONGRATULATIONS, CSWCD FAMILY!