Tuesday, January 4, 2011

College of Education entitled to CHED grants, benefits

Through its recognition as a Center of Develoopment (COD) by the commission on Higher education (CHED), the College of Education (CoEd) is now entitled to the following grants and benefits: 1. priority in the selection of CHED partners with regards to CHED development projects; 2. Entitled to other non-monetary subsidies and awards such as faculty scholarships for graduate studies and priority for CHED research grants; and 3. Financial assistance.

As provided for by CHED Memorandum Order No. 26, Series of 2007, CoEds and CODs that would like to avail of financial assistance / support from CHED must submit project proposals. The CHED will evaluate the proposals based on the criteria which shall be issued by the Commission. Higher Education Institutions will be granted financial assistance once a proposal will be approved, subject to availability of funds.

The recognition was given on 14 July 2010 in Quezon City, Philippines. It will be valid, along with its entitlement, for Calendar Years 2010 to 2013.

College Dean Alex b. Facinabao, Ed.D hopes that the faculty members would avail of these grants and benefits within the period of duration of the recognition and entitlement, especially for scholarships in the masterate and doctorate degrees, as well as in researches in the field of education.


Source: J.V. Pedregosa – Communitas November 2010 issue

USA now Wi-Fi connected

On the second week of September 2010, the campus Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi system at the University of San Agustin already started its broadcast services.

Installed in mid-August this year, the Cisco certified equipment included a Cisco controller (2010 series), 5 access points (Aironet 1130g), and a broadband router (Linksys). Access into the system does not require any password. The connection speed is 5mbps.

Open 24/7, the system’s access points are placed in the following locations: one each in front of Blanco Hall, at the Gamboa Building, and inside the internet section; and two at the Administration Building/Quadrangle area. Each access point is configured with the same SSID, thus users need not repeatedly log in when transferring from one zone to another.

The expenses in installing the Wi-Fi system was partly shouldered by the students, through the USA Student Council’s donation of Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00).

The installation of the Campus Wireless Fidelity System aims to facilitate access to internet so as to help students and faculty members in their various assignments and research work. It forms part of the effort of the administration to improve services and facilities in the University.



Source: Office of the VP for Student Affairs / UCRP / Communitas-November 2010 issue

USA Library offers new services

Access to the Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi system is now available at the library main reading area as one of the additional services provided by the University Library. This aims to help the clients in their researches as well as to provide them an alternative in accessing different professional sites.

In addition, ProQuest Online Database is also available and can be accessed at the Periodicals Section located at the ground floor of the Fray Luis De Leon Building. It can also be accessed via the Wi-Fi system. ProQuest constains subjects like Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, and Zoology. It has full text on researches as well as instructional videos.

In order to accommodate our growing number of collections, the library made some new arrangements at the circulation and reference sections. Added were sixty four feet high book shelves placed outside the stack room. Collections, which are now located at the left side of the Main Reading Hall, are categorized using the Library of Congress Classification. There is also a counter wherein the recording of all books borrowed and returned are being done.

The Library Instructional Media Center (IMC) has been transferred to the Dolce Garcia Hall where the USA Training Center was formerly located. Two viewing rooms are available for students, faculty and personnel use.

In-charge of the IMC is Mr Dominador Suyom and the new technician is Mr. Paul John Orleans.


Source: A.C. Natividad / Communitas – November 2010 issue

Augustinian musician bags top prize in hymn writing tilt

Prof. Arne Lubasan, an Augustinian resident musician, bagged the top prize in a Hymn Writing Contest sponsored by the Iloilo City Government on the occasion of its 73th Charter day celebration. The contest was held on 20 August 2010 at the SM City Iloilo.

A faculty member of the Conservatory of Music and the Director of the USA Choir and Troubadours, Prof. Lubasan composed the lyrics and the music of the winning hymn entitled  Dakbanwang Iloilo, Bugal Ko. The hymn speaks of pride, honor, love and loyalty for the City of Iloilo. It bested four other entries that made it to the final round of the competition. Lubasan received a cash prize and a trophy.

The proposed official hymn of the city was performed for the first time to officials and employees of the city government last 13 September 2010 during the flag raising ceremony. It was also featured in the early morning program Sikat Ka, Iloilo of the ABS-CBN Iloilo. If approved by the City council, the winning composition will become the official hymn of Iloilo City.

According to Hon. Jed Patrick Mabilog, city mayor, the hymn will be played during the flag ceremony of the city government. “As soon as the City Council approves it as official hymn, we will use it in all activities of the city, including playing it in public elementary and secondary schools, “he added.

The hymn hopes to inspire Ilonggos and give them sense of identity and pride as a people.


Source: K.Z. Bajoco/Communitas-November 2010 issue

USA Troubadours named MBC choral champ

The USA troubadours was adjudged regional champion of the Paskong Pinoy Choral Competition of the Manila Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) held at SM City Iloilo on 7 October 2010.


The MBC Paskong Pinoy Choral Competition is a fast becoming prestigious choral event, being part of the Aliwan Festival held annually at Star City in Pasay City Metro Manila.


The USA Troubadors competed with six(6) other school-based and parish-based choral groups in the city. As winner, it will represent the region to the national competition to be held on 7-10 December 2010 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay City.




Source: A.S. Lubasan / Communitas-November 2010 issue