Almost seven months after its groundbreaking ceremony last November 27, 2023, the Sorsogon State University (SorSU) community proudly witnessed the official turnover ceremony of the Angat Buhay Women’s Dormitory at the SorSU Castilla Campus (SorSU-CC) on June 28, 2024.
The event began with a Ribbon ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Counselor for Development at the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, Mr. Peter Adams, Chairperson and President of the Angat Pinas Inc., Atty. Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo accompanied by SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus and SorSU Castilla Campus Director Prof. Andrew F. Detera. This was followed by the blessing of the facility with Very Rev. Fr. Roger Joseph B. Erestain, Jr. (Judicial Vicar – Diocese of Sorsogon). Immediately after is the Unveiling of the Metal Marker. The Metal Marker, signed by Atty. Robredo and the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Hae Kyong Yu, PSM, FCPA – is a symbol of the strong developmental efforts and support of the Australian Government in partnership with the Angat Pinas, Inc. in the construction of the Dormitory for the benefit of the students of SorSU Castilla Campus. Moreover, the turnover gesture of the ceremonial key also signifies the facility’s readied capacity to house the selected 26 qualified and deserving students.
Among the attendees of the event were Mr. Gerald E. Fulay, JD (Vice President for Administration and Finance), Dr. Leny D. Berdin (CAO-Finance Division), Dr. Ma. Sylisa J. Estur (CAO-Administrative Division), Ms. Sally D. Labitag (SAO-Finance Division) Ms. Gloria B. Despuig (Budget Officer), Arch. Luisita F. Gegajo (Director, Project Management Office) Prof. Maria Crisanta M. Jarque (Director, SorSU-Student Development and Services), Ms. Myrna D. Leoncito (Director, SorSU-PIO), Prof. Abner L. Dellosa (Head, HRMDO), Prof. Lanie L. Berjuega (Head, ILDO) and other SorSU officials, faculty members, personnel, & students. Notably, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Director, Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, CESO III was also in attendance.
During the Acceptance Ceremony, Dr. De Jesus shared her immense gratitude to the people behind the project. She said, “Seven months have passed since we gathered here for the groundbreaking ceremony of the fully completed edifice now being turned over to the University. In such a short period, one part of our aspiration to expand the infrastructure of this campus has been transformed into reality… We consider this girl’s dormitory as a very meaningful gift from the Angat Pinas, Inc. as well as the Australian government and people.”
Further, Mr. Joshua Fajardo (Student Representative, SorSU-CC), and Prof. Achilles G. Honasan (Faculty Representative, SorSU-CC) presented their message of acceptance, meanwhile, solidarity messages were also given by the project partners namely, Ms. Rey Rentoy (Principal Designer, Rye Rentoy Interior Design), Engr. Rolando Yalung (RDCY Construction), Mr. Hiren Mirchandani (CEO, Masflex), Ms. Marela Alinea (Vice Director, Tahilan Residence and Study), Mr. Ronald Rodriguez (SLB Chairman), and other individuals who made the facility possible.
The Australian Embassy in the Philippines Counselor for Development, Mr. Adams also shared that the Embassy is proud to partner with Angat Pinas Inc. and local organizations whose approaches mirror the developmental priorities of the Australian government. He said that the dormitory will greatly benefit young women scholars of SorSU from remote areas.
“We are pleased that this dormitory will reduce the barriers to the learning faced by some students, by enabling them to reside within the campus and free up their time to participate in learning activities and the life of the University. Better access to the university education facilities will give students more time to invest in their learning.”
Atty. Robredo highlighted the values that Angat Pinas Inc. represents, one is to ensure to ‘make more with less’ and pursue affordable and quality projects. With regards to the partnership, Atty. Robredo also shared that of the three individuals shortlisted for a project, only President De Jesus responded, she believed that the opportunity allowed the success of establishing the dorm.
“I think what made the partnership with SorSU Castilla Campus very very fruitful was the fact that everyone was a joy to work with, kaya salamat sa lahat ng officials who made the assignment for everyone ‘magian sa pamati’… We are so inspired by working with you, yan na inspiration na yan ang nagbibigay saamin ng energy to do more.”
Significantly, Atty. Robredo also mentioned that all the borders will be given free tablets for their studies (from the Jaime Del Rosario Foundation^).
In closing, Prof. Detera reciprocated the warm appreciation towards Castilla Campus by thanking the key individuals responsible for the establishment of the dormitory. Prof. Detera gave heartfelt advice to the student beneficiaries. “To our student recipients and beneficiaries, big congratulations to you. It’s not every time we receive this gift from anyone. When the right time comes, when you have the power to change lives, always remember this moment… Kung bibigyan kayo ng chance, kayo naman ang tumulong.”
The Angat Buhay Women’s Dormitory of SorSU Castilla Campus is composed of four fully furnished rooms. Three of the rooms serve as the bedroom quarters, adjacent to them are fully functional comfort rooms and shower rooms. One room is also designated as the pantry and study area which is equipped with appliances and computers for students to use.
Again, SorSU extends its heartfelt gratitude to Angat Pinas Inc., the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, and its local partners for the Angat Buhay Women’s Dormitory. Dios Mabalos po saindo gabos! (SorSU PIO)
