STI WNU Graduate School Induction Celebrates New Student Leaders in Silay City

STI WNU Graduate School Induction

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STI WNU School of Graduate Studies Induction Ushers in a New Era of Leadership in Silay City

Leadership, lifelong learning, and public service came together in one inspiring afternoon as the College of Business Management and Accountancy – School of Graduate Studies (CBMA-SGS) of STI West Negros University formally inducted its new student government officers and program representatives for Academic Year 2026–2027 at the Silay City Civic Center.

More than a ceremonial oath-taking, the event underscored the growing influence of the University’s graduate programs in shaping today’s business executives, public servants, and community leaders across Negros Occidental.

Silay City’s top leaders warmly welcomed the participants of the induction ceremony. Hon. Thomas Maynard Ledesma, City Vice Mayor of Silay, delivered the welcome remarks, while Hon. Joedith C. Gallego, City Mayor of Silay, inspired the graduate students with his message on servant leadership and lifelong learning. Their presence made the occasion even more meaningful, reflecting the strong partnership between the City Government of Silay and STI West Negros University’s College of Business Management and Accountancy – School of Graduate Studies.

Silay City: A Partner in Graduate Education

The induction ceremony was made even more meaningful through the gracious hospitality of the City Government of Silay, led by Mayor Hon. Joedith C. Gallego and Vice Mayor Hon. Thomas Maynard Ledesma, who warmly welcomed the graduate students to the city’s historic civic center.

Their presence reflected more than ceremonial support. Both Mayor Gallego and Vice Mayor Ledesma are currently pursuing their Master in Public Administration (MPA) at STI West Negros University, demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning and servant leadership even while holding two of the city’s highest elected positions.

Their decision to pursue graduate studies speaks volumes about the University’s reputation as a premier institution for advanced education in business and public administration.

The strength of the program is likewise reflected in its growing roster of distinguished alumni, with numerous local government officials, department heads, and public administrators across Negros Occidental having earned their graduate degrees from STI West Negros University. These graduates continue to serve in key leadership positions throughout the region, reinforcing the University’s contribution to developing competent, ethical, and visionary public leaders.

The City Government of Silay, led by Hon. Joedith C. Gallego, City Mayor, and Hon. Thomas Maynard Ledesma, City Vice Mayor, received Certificates of Appreciation from the College of Business Management and Accountancy – School of Graduate Studies, STI West Negros University, in recognition of their invaluable support and warm hospitality in hosting the Induction of Officers and Program Representatives for Academic Year 2026–2027.

In photo (L–R): Dr. Buddy Sigaya; Councilor Israel “Ising” Salanga, DBA; Dr. Mima M. Villanueva, PhD, Dean, CBMA–School of Graduate Studies; Brigid Stella Maris S. Tan, Student Government President; Hon. Joedith C. Gallego, City Mayor of Silay; Hon. Thomas Maynard Ledesma, City Vice Mayor of Silay; Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, Inducting Officer; Dr. Jennifer Pomperada; and Dr. Jojo M. Vito Jr.

A Celebration of Leadership [ STI WNU Graduate School Induction ]

The program commenced with registration, followed by the opening prayer, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and the STI Hymn.

Outgoing Student Government President Mr. Ariel Guides delivered his Valedictory Address, reflecting on the accomplishments of the previous administration while encouraging the incoming officers to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose. He also formally turned over the symbols of leadership to the incoming officers.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the Induction of Officers and Program Representatives, officiated by Bacolod City Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, who served as the Inducting Officer. Administering the oath, he reminded the newly elected leaders that genuine leadership is measured not by titles but by one’s willingness to serve others, inspire positive change, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

The newly inducted officers of the CBMA–School of Graduate Studies Student Government pose for a commemorative photo with their Inducting Officer, Bacolod City Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, whose inspiring message on leadership, integrity, and public service set the tone for the officers as they formally assumed their responsibilities for Academic Year 2026–2027.

The newly inducted officers of the CBMA–School of Graduate Studies Student Government of STI West Negros University officially begin their term for Academic Year 2026–2027. Leading the organization are President Brigid Stella Maris S. Tan; Vice President Dr. Marianito M. Vito Jr.; Secretary Rogelyn G. Mayagma; Treasurer Aileen V. Palma; Auditor Elyza Gwyn A. Molinos; together with Ex-Officio Mr. Ariel Guides, the immediate past president. United by a shared commitment to servant leadership, the new officers are set to champion academic excellence, collaboration, and meaningful student engagement across the graduate programs.

New Graduate Student Leaders [ STI WNU Graduate School Induction ]

Leading the CBMA–School of Graduate Studies Student Government for Academic Year 2026–2027 is Brigid Stella Maris S. Tan, who now assumes the presidency together with the newly elected officers:

President: Brigid Stella Maris S. Tan
Vice President: Marianito M. Vito Jr.
Secretary: Rogelyn G. Mayagma
Treasurer: Aileen V. Palma
Auditor: Elyza Gwyn A. Molinos

In her inaugural address, Tan challenged her fellow graduate students to become leaders who not only excel academically but also make meaningful contributions to their organizations, professions, and communities.

Graduate Program Representatives [ STI WNU Graduate School Induction ]

The ceremony also recognized the newly elected representatives from the University’s graduate programs.

Doctor in Public Administration (DPAd)

Pinky Pamela S. Guanzon
Israel P. Salanga
Julius P. Antenero

Doctor of Business Administration (DBAd)

Paul Dennis G. Gerasmia
June Sheen N. Seraspe
Rodel H. Noceda

Master in Public Administration (MPAd)

Joedith C. Gallego
Honelyn D. De Asis
Chavelle F. Alonso
Sarah D. Aromin

Master of Business Administration (MBAd)

Alfie I. Aposaga
Girlie R. Cataraja
Francis E. Dela Cruz

Together, these representatives will serve as the voice of their respective graduate programs and work closely with the student government in advancing initiatives that strengthen academic excellence, leadership, and student engagement.

Hon. Joedith C. Gallego, City Mayor of Silay, warmly welcomes and spends time with some of the Doctor in Public Administration (DPA) students before the start of the induction program.

Taking a quick photo before the program began. In the photo are Dr. Jennifer Pomperada, a Public Administration professor from the Bacolod City Government; Dr. Mima M. Villanueva, Dean of the CBMA–School of Graduate Studies; Councilor Israel “Ising” Salanga, DBA, who recently and successfully defended his doctoral dissertation; Dr. Pinky Guanzon of the Department of Education; and yours truly. Dr. Pinky and I are currently pursuing our second doctoral degree in Doctor in Public Administration at STI West Negros University.

Messages of Inspiration

The guest speaker was introduced by Dr. Wilfredo Hermosura, who highlighted the importance of principled leadership and continuous professional development.

Delivering the keynote inspirational message, Mayor Hon. Joedith C. Gallego encouraged the newly inducted officers to view leadership as a platform for service rather than privilege. He emphasized that the knowledge gained through graduate education should ultimately benefit their workplaces, organizations, and communities.

The ceremony concluded with the Closing Remarks delivered by Dr. Mima M. Villanueva, CPA, Dean of the College of Business Management and Accountancy – School of Graduate Studies. She congratulated both the outgoing and incoming officers while reaffirming the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are academically competent, professionally accomplished, and socially responsible.

Above: Inside the classroom, my MBA students and I wrapped up the final topic in our syllabus before making our way to Silay City. No shortcuts—we made sure learning came first before the celebration.

Below: Just a few hours later, the same group gathered for the Induction of Officers and Program Representatives at the Silay City Civic Center. Moments like these remind me why I love teaching. Beyond the lessons and lectures are friendships, shared milestones, and the privilege of watching these talented young professionals grow into future leaders. They truly make every class meaningful and every weekend something to look forward to.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today [ STI WNU Graduate School Induction ]

The induction ceremony reflected more than the installation of a new set of officers. It celebrated the University’s enduring mission of developing leaders equipped to navigate the challenges of business, governance, and public service.

As the Master of Business Administration, Doctor of Business Administration, Master in Public Administration, and Doctor in Public Administration programs continue to attract professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and government officials, STI West Negros University further strengthens its reputation as a center for graduate education in Western Visayas.

With the continued support of partners such as the City Government of Silay, the active participation of distinguished public officials, and an expanding network of accomplished alumni serving in local government and industry, the University’s graduate programs continue to shape leaders who are prepared not only to succeed in their careers but also to create lasting and meaningful impact in their communities.