Vene y Celebra na State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair 2024. Presented by the Commission on Higher Education in partnership with Western Mindanao State University, July 9-11, 2024 at KCC Mall de Zamboanga. Theme Song: "SUC Fair: Vene y Celebra"
Performed by: Francel de Leon and Binibining Beats
Composed by: Mark Anthony Tolentino
Video by: Ced Zabala
Video footages: ZSCMST

Lineup of Events for the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair 2024. Mi Casita: Booth Exhibit Opening Parade and Program VOZ: Quintet Vocal Competition Bailes y Canciones: A Cultural Show COPC Awards Night: Recognition of Excellence PINTAR: Poster Making Competition InnoVAR (Innovations, Variation, Acceleration through Research): Research Pitching Competition Colors of Mindanao: TikTok Competition MAS (Musical Anthem of SUCs): Regional Music Video Competition BELLEZA: Mr. and Ms. SUC Fair 2024 LENTE: Photography Competition SEEnematica: Same Event Edit Video Competition Plenary Talk Mayor's Night Layouts by Ced Zabala for SUC Fair 2024

Commission on Higher Education, in partnership with Western Mindanao State University and KCC Mall de Zamboanga present the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair 2024 on July 9-11, 2024 with the theme "Weaving Culture and Innovations for a Transformative, Resilient, and Globally-recognized Philippine Higher Education." The SUC Fair Expo, launched in 2020 by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has transcended the limitations of a traditional product expo. This annual event aligns perfectly with CHED's vision of an equitable higher education system producing graduates who are locally responsive, innovative, and globally competitive. As a vital platform for State Universities and Colleges (SUC) across the Philippines, the SUC Fair Expo showcases how SUCs fulfill CHED's mandate of promoting relevant and quality higher education.

Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), as this year's host, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the participation of all SUCs, providing the venue, logistical support, and ensuring a smooth event. This allows SUCs to unveil their unique academic programs, cutting-edge research, and innovative ventures. This, in turn,fosters a well-informed student audience, promotes technology transfer, and celebrates cultural diversity.

The Fair's engaging booth design contests further showcase creativity alongside product exhibits, igniting friendly competition. The SUC Fair Expo serves not just as a marketplace, but as a powerful platform that recognizes the dedication of SUCs, and highlights their commitment to fostering academic excellence, developing innovative solutions, and nurturing graduates with the potential to gain recognition on both local and international stages.

Design by Ced Zabala

Around 300 representatives from around 90 local government units (LGUs) across the country learned more about the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and opportunities on how to apply AI to improve the delivery of public services in an AI 101 for LGUs webinar spearheaded by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc.

John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Distribution at Smart, opened the program and welcomed the participants. Speakers included Elijah Mendoza, Digital Communications Senior Manager at PLDT and Smart; Carlo Valencia, founder of Startup PH Training; and Cedrick Zabala, faculty at Western Mindanao State University.

Participants also learned more about AI tools, the current landscape of AI use in the Philippines and the challenges and opportunities being faced by LGUs in implementing AI in governance, and how to mitigate AI risks by being #CyberSmart in the AI world.

This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart's broader support for the government's overall digitalization thrust.

In my insightful presentation, we will explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines. As we delve into the current state of AI adoption, we uncover both the nascent enthusiasm and the significant hurdles faced by LGUs. The talk highlights the challenges such as limited technical expertise, inadequate infrastructure, and financial constraints that hinder broader AI implementation.

Despite these obstacles, the opportunities AI presents for enhancing local governance are profound. We will discuss how AI can streamline administrative processes, enhance decision-making with data-driven insights, and improve citizen engagement through automated services. The presentation not only outlines the potential benefits but also sheds light on the tangible improvements AI has already begun to foster in pilot regions like the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Addressing policymakers and stakeholders, we will give strategic recommendations to overcome the challenges. These include investing in human capital, upgrading infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and crafting clear regulatory frameworks to support ethical AI use. The talk emphasizes the importance of collaboration across various sectors to realize the full potential of AI in local governance.

Concluding on a visionary note, we call for a unified approach to navigate the complexities of AI integration, suggesting that such advancements could lead to smarter, more responsive, and more inclusive community governance. This presentation not only maps out the challenges and opportunities of AI but also serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved to help build a #CyberSmart community in the AI world.

Check out the complete presentation here:



Watch the complete webinar here:

JCI Philipines Area 5 (Mindanao) unveiled the winning design for the Area 5 Merit Award Trophy Design Competition — the splendid "Gabbang Merit Award," masterfully created by truly yours, RCD Cedrick Zabala of JCI Western Mindanao 2! 🏆 

I can't believe my submission for a national creative magazine would be choosen as a cover art! Novice is "a platform made by young creatives for the passionate, the wanderer, and the free-spirited." I first knew about them during the elections when they released a printed issue of all works inspired by VP Leni Robredo, a presidential candidate who I am also supporting.

In their 4th Printed Issue, I also submitted some of my artworks which were also featured. In their 12th digital issue, they had a theme inspired by a Filipino cultural icon, the Jeepney. I submitted a digital illustration which i titled "LAKBAY," which means journey. I was informed that it was selected to be featured but little did I know that they chose it to be as one of the covers! What an honor!

This digital issue is also very special as it advocates a very important cause which is the #NoToJeepneyPhaseOut. As a cultural symbol of the indomitable Filipino spirit, we should not allow the government to remove the colorful Jeepneys in our streets. Novice features 180 pages of artwork and literature which pay tribute to the jeepney's impact in the lives and psyche of Filipinos.

Patók stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural significance of the Philippine jeepney. It celebrates the unique identity of the Filipino community, paying homage to the extraordinary legacy that this vehicle represents.

Get the chance to purchase the complete digital issue for just Php 250.00. Your contribution will go to funding The Volume Project: Patók Edition, a fundraising initiative aimed at providing grocery packs worth Php1,000.00 to random jeepney drivers in various locations nationwide. The fundraiser will run from June 30 to July 31, 2023.

To download and donate, visit:

https://bit.ly/44AgbsF or

https://noviceph.shop/products/patok-12th-special-digital-issue

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CPADS had its first 𝗗𝗣𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 with the theme "Public Administration and Policy Challenge in Zamboanga Peninsula: Opportunities for Breakthroughs" held last May 27, 2023 at the WMSU CTE Social Hall. CPADS OIC-Dean Dr. Sarah S. Taupan and Dr. Frede G. Moreno were present during the event. Twenty-four DPA students presented their studies through a research poster exhibit and oral presentation to the CPADS faculty and stakeholders, who shared their insights and recommendations on the research papers.

A recognition was also after the presentation. Special awards were to the following: 

 Best Research Study: 

🥇Josephine Sulasula, MPA 

🥈Emerissa Jane Tendero, RN, MPA 

🥉Lesley Ann Atilano-Tang, JD, MPA 

 Best Presenter: 

🥇Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez, RN, MPA 

🥈Cedrick Zabala, MPA 

🥉Sheena Siglos, MPA 

 Best Research Poster: 

🥇Cedrick Zabala, MPA 

🥈Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez, RN, MPA 

🥉Emerissa Jane Tendero, RN, MPA 

 Best Slide Design: 

🥇Cedrick Zabala, MPA 

 🥈Joseph Van Bue, RN, MPA 

Congratulations, DPA students for successfully presenting your research studies in preparation for your dissertation. Thank you, WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena for support this endeavor. Special thanks to the stakeholders for taking their time and sharing their expertise.