The Innovators

06/05/2026

"𝐂'𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐞"

Gaano man kadilim ang paligid, laging may liwanag na naghihintay sa dulo ng bawat paglalakad. Ang buhay ay tila isang paglalakbay sa dalampasigan sa oras ng takipsilim may mga sandaling pakiramdam natin ay nag-iisa tayo sa gitna ng anino, at ang tanging naririnig natin ay ang hampas ng mga alon ng pagsubok. Ngunit tingnan mo ang langit; sa bawat paglubog ng araw, may pangako ng isang bagong bukang-liwayway.

𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘈𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢

Hindi kailangang mabilis ang bawat hakbang, ang mahalaga ay hindi ka humihinto. Ang iyong silweta sa gitna ng dapit-hapon ay hindi tanda ng pagkatalo, kundi patunay na ikaw ay nananatiling nakatayo sa kabila ng lahat. Patuloy lang sa paghakbang, dahil ang bawat pagsisikap ay may nakalaang liwanag na gagabay sa iyo pauwi sa iyong tagumpay. Tiwala lang sa proseso, tiwala sa sarili, at higit sa lahat, tiwala sa Maylikha.

05/05/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | Senate passes bill expanding private education vouchers for low-income families

Yesterday, the Philippine Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1981, known as the Basic Education Voucher Program Act, to expand financial assistance for students in private schools.

With a unanimous 22-0 vote on May 4, the measure aims to provide underprivileged learners from Kindergarten to Grade 12 with vouchers that allow them to transfer to private institutions.

This initiative specifically targets the decongestion of overcrowded public schools by leveraging the available capacity of the private sector.

Priority for the vouchers will be given to students from low-income households, indigenous communities, and those living in geographically isolated areas.

Co-authored by Senator Kiko Pangilinan and sponsored by Senator Bam Aquino, the bill seeks to institutionalize a more transparent and learner-held subsidy system.

Beyond student aid, the act provides institutional support for participating private schools, including teacher development programs and targeted subsidies.

To ensure the integrity of the program, the legislation includes strict safeguards and penalties to prevent fraudulent practices such as "ghost beneficiaries."

By strengthening public-private partnerships, the government hopes to achieve more equitable access to quality education and improved learning outcomes for all Filipino children.

source: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1592163505602858&id=100044276717044&mibextid=ZbWKwL

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | The Innovators’ staff, one of the representatives of Oriental Mindoro for the PelikulAgraryo 2026 are currently attending an online movie clinic hosted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The training is part of their preparation for the film festival advocating for the SPLIT Project.

04/05/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | CCC's Tourism Students Undergo Basic Life Support and Disaster Preparedness Training

Incoming 4th year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) students participated in a comprehensive training workshop on Emergency Preparedness, Safety, and Basic Life Support (BLS) organized by the Calapan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) at Bulusan Park Gym on May 4–8, 2026.

The training aimed to equip students with essential life-saving skills and disaster awareness as they prepare for their onboard practicum with 2GO. Recognizing the importance of safety in the tourism and maritime industry, the program focused on practical knowledge that students may apply in real-life emergencies.

During the Basic Life Support session, participants were trained on how crucial it is to respond quickly and correctly during emergencies. One of the main topics discussed was the five emergency action principles, beginning with surveying the scene to ensure everyone’s safety. Students were then taught how to activate medical assistance (AMA) by assigning a specific person to call emergency services. This was followed by the initial assessment of the victim using the RAVC method, which includes checking Responsiveness, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Finally, participants learned how to perform a head-to-toe body assessment and conduct a brief interview with the victim to ensure proper referral and further medical evaluation.

The workshop also covered the four important phases of disaster management: disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Students learned how mitigation reduces risks before disasters occur, while preparedness ensures readiness through planning and training. Response focuses on immediate actions during emergencies, and recovery highlights rebuilding and restoring affected communities.

In addition, the CDRRMD discussed common hazards present in Oriental Mindoro, particularly in Central Mindoro, helping students become more aware of environmental risks in their area. This awareness is crucial, especially for tourism students who may work in different locations where safety and quick decision-making are vital.

The training served as a valuable preparation for the students’ upcoming onboard practicum, where they are expected not only to provide quality service but also to ensure the safety of passengers. By equipping them with knowledge in emergency response and disaster management, the program helps shape responsible, skilled, and ready future tourism professionals.

Photo Captured by Sir Alvin Baldon
Written by Marielle Diane Briñas

04/05/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Exit Conference for Faculty Members Recognizes Top 10 Outstanding Teachers

The Top 10 Outstanding Faculty Members of City College of Calapan for A.Y. 2025 – 2026 were named and recognized during the Exit Conference of the college last April 27.

Among the awardees, the Top 1 was received by Ms. Sherly Jane F. Mayores, RL, MLIS faculty form the Institute of Library and Computer Studies and the Director for Student Welfare and Academic Affairs. “Consistency is the key para malampasan pa natin yung mga naaachieve natin ngayon”, Ms. Mayores shared in her message.

R. Ronald F. Cantos also extended his gratitude to the faculty members who go beyond their functions and working hours.

“Teaching is not easy . . . but it is meaningful”, Dr. Ma. Amabella Rosanna M. Cuasay, Director for Academic Affairs, encouraged the faculty members, recognizing the hardships and rewards of teaching. She also expressed her gratitude to everyone for helping each other and making the workload a lot easier.

The top 10 faculty members who were named and recognized were the following.
Top 1: Ma’am Sherly Jane F. Mayores
Top 3: Dr. Joey M. Villanueva
Top 3: Sir. Arvin Padilla
Top 3: Sir Hanz Redoma
Top 5: Ma’am Judy Ann Gonito
Top 6: Engr. Richmond Jett Marasigan
Top 7: Dr. Ma. Amabella Rosanna M. Cuasay
Top 8.5: Sir Denver Bautista
Top 8.5: Sir Randy Familara
Top 10.5: Ma’am Merelyn Quiñones
Top 10.5 Sir Armando Lamboloto, Jr.

The program ended with a meaningful exchange of colors symbolizing, apology, appreciation and hope of getting to know each other more.

02/05/2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | CCC 15th Commencement Exercises

01/05/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Driving Change, Defining the Future: CCC embarks on 15th Commencement Exercises

Standing at the threshold of a new chapter, 684 graduates of the City College of Calapan (CCC) officially closed their undergraduate journey during the 15th Commencement Exercises, held under the theme “CCC Graduates: Driving Change, Defining the Future”, at the Calapan City Convention Center, April 30.

Highlighting the event, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian delivered his stirring keynote address. In a message that resonated deeply with the youth, the Senator challenged the graduates to carry the torch of the institution’s core values beyond the campus walls.

“Patuloy ninyong isabuhay ang core values ng inyong paaralan—Discipline, Literacy, Competence,” Gatchalian urged. “At ano man ang maging hamon ng buhay, piliin nating lumikha ng isang maayos, makatarungan at makataong pag-unlad para sa lahat.”

The college celebrated a significant number of Cum Laude honors across various institutes and also the special award recipients, proving that excellence exists both in and out of the classroom.

Leading the academic ranks is Ann Sevierine O. Mabunga, from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM), who emerged as the Valedictorian and the top-ranked recipient among the Cum Laude awardees.

The Institute of Education boasted top-tier graduates as Francisco Evora, Jr. (Math) and Earl Froilan M. Roco (Science) emerged as the Top 2 and Top 3 overall, proving the college’s commitment to producing high-caliber educators.

Following them, Kim Pearl K. Clanza, from the BS Tourism Management (BSTM), were ranked as the Top 4 of the Cum Laude awardees.

Aside from them, the college produced 11 other Cum Laude graduates: a formidable group of seven from the TM program, two from the HM department, and one from the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS).

On the outstanding student awardees, John Russel D. Dalina and Lance Arvee L. Algire, both from the BS Information Systems (BSIS) program were recognized as the Outstanding Student Leader and Outstanding Student Athlete, respectively.

Presented by Dr. Ma. Amabella Rosanna M. Cuasay, Director for Instructions and Curriculum Development, the Class of 2026 saw a diverse distribution of graduates across its growing programs:
• Institute of Hospitality, and Tourism Management: 392 graduates (223 BSHM; 169 BSTM)
• Institute of Education: 202 graduates (84 Science; 66 Math; 52 BSNED)
• Institute of Library and Computer Studies: 90 graduates (62 BSIS; 28 BLIS).

As the ceremony drew to a close, the air was filled with a poignant sense of 'sending off' as the class performed their graduation song, Ben&Ben’s 'Saranggola.' The lyrics, which speak of letting go to reach greater heights, mirrored the graduates’ transition from the halls of CCC to the vast landscapes of their respective industries.

𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺: 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘰

30/04/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Honarable Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian graced the 15th Commencement Exercises of City College of Calapan as keynote speaker.

30/04/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | ‎Between Faith and the Future: CCC Graduates Gather for Baccalaureate Mass Before Their 15th Commencement
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‎Before the applause, before the march, before the long-awaited turning of tassels, there was a moment of stillness.
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‎Graduating students of City College of Calapan gathered for their Baccalaureate Mass, setting aside the noise of celebration to enter something quieter, deeper, and more enduring. Anchored on the theme “CCC Graduates: Driving Change, Defining the Future,” the ceremony became not just a tradition, but a threshold where endings are honored and beginnings are entrusted to something greater than themselves. The gathering served as a powerful prelude to the institution’s 15th Commencement Exercises.
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‎The ceremony opened with solemn rites and uplifting hymns, echoing the stories of every student who had ever wondered if they would make it this far—and did. A reminder that education, at its core, is not only about intellect but also about character, faith, and purpose.
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‎At the heart of the celebration was the homily, which underscored the responsibility that comes with knowledge and the courage required to lead meaningful change, urging graduates to become not only professionals in their chosen fields but also individuals who embody integrity, compassion, and service, an invitation to see beyond the diploma. Its message lingered as a call: to step forward not only as graduates, but as individuals shaped by purpose, ready to leave a mark defined not by titles, but by the lives they will touch.
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‎The familiar weight of academic robes rested on shoulders that had carried years of deadlines, doubts, and determination. Yet in that shared space, titles and achievements softened, giving way to gratitude. The Baccalaureate Mass was not about recognition, it was about reflection. A pause to remember where they have been, and to quietly ask where they are being led next; a beginning of a deeper calling beyond the classroom.
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‎The ceremony became a bridge that connects who they were as students to who they are about to become as catalysts of change. Later, they will walk the stage. But in this moment, they stood grounded—in faith, in gratitude, and in the quiet understanding that the future they are about to define begins with who they choose to be.
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