Baybay City, October 19, 2024 — After a three-year hiatus, the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) proudly reinstated its Graduate School Students Organization (GSSO) with the induction of newly elected officers. The pandemic’s impact on education necessitated a shift to distance learning, resulting in the absence of a formal leadership structure within the Graduate School.
Under the directives of Graduate School Dean Dr. Maria Victoria A. Gonzaga, an election was held to select representatives from each major, including Educational Management, Educational Technology, English, Filipino, Guidance, and Natural Science. This historic election marked a significant step toward revitalizing student engagement and leadership within the graduate community.
The elected representatives convened on September 7, 2024, to choose their officers, resulting in a dynamic leadership team for the GSSO for the Academic Year 2024-2025. The officers elected are the following:
- President: Jamaica L. Sales – MAEd English
- Vice President: Mark Kenneth L. de la Cerna – MAEd Educational Management
- Secretary: Gia Tuyor – MAEd Filipino
- Treasurer: Aimae E. Marinay – MAEd Educational Management
- Public Relations Officer: Rowena Cahigus – MAEd Educational Technology
- Member: Ronnie Paloma – MAEd Educational Management
Additionally, the GSSO will be supported by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives from each major, ensuring diverse voices are heard in the organization’s decision-making processes. The Board includes:
- Allan Wong, MAEd – Natural Science
- Janice Suganob – MAEd Natural Science
- April Jane Verterra – MAEd English
- Star-en Wenceslao – MAEd Filipino
- Nathaniel Jarabe – MAEd Guidance
- Adelyn Navarro – MAEd Guidance
- Janice Burlasa – MAEd Educational Technology
Moderator: Dr. Deowel F. Abapo
Consultant: DR. Maria Victoria A. Gonzaga
These newly elected officers are poised to usher in a new era of Graduate Student activities at FCIC, reflecting the vigor, passion, and innovative spirit of the Graduate Dean and Faculty and with the strong support of the FCIC President Sister Mary Michael Bactong, OSF, Ph.D. Ed.
As the GSSO embarks on its mission, the organization aims to foster a vibrant community that enhances the academic and social experience of graduate students. With a renewed focus on collaboration and engagement, the officers are determined to organize events, workshops, and initiatives that empower their peers and promote holistic development within the graduate program.
The induction ceremony not only celebrated the new leaders but also symbolized a fresh start for the GSSO, reigniting the passion and commitment of FCIC’s graduate students to make a positive impact in their fields and communities.
As the academic year unfolds, the GSSO stands ready to navigate the challenges ahead, inspiring fellow students to embrace leadership, innovation, and collaboration in their pursuit of academic excellence.
