By Lea F. Olino
| New and continuing students pose with the faculty members during the Pag-abi-abi welcome program.
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Capiz State University (CAPSU)-Mambusao Satellite College ushered in Academic Year 2026–2027 on August 10 by welcoming freshmen, transferees, and returning students through the Pag-abi-abi program, which highlighted responsibility, perseverance, personal growth, and community.
The program opened with a message from Satellite College Director Dr. Ramy Lloyd Lotilla, who explained that the activity was organized to warmly welcome students and help them adjust to the demands and experiences of college life.
Addressing the freshmen, Dr. Lotilla reminded them that college is different from high school and requires greater maturity, responsibility, and independence.
“You are no longer in basic education. You are now in college,” Dr. Lotilla said.
He encouraged the students to take responsibility for their actions and become more aware of the people and situations around them as they begin their college journey.
Meanwhile, Students Affairs and Services (SAS) Chairperson Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo warmly welcomed the freshmen, transferees, and returning students to the CAPSU-Mambusao community.
“To our freshmen, you are warmly welcomed to CAPSU Mambusao Satellite College,” Dr. Ricardo said.
Dr. Ricardo encouraged students to embrace their place in the campus community and reminded them that they can seek help whenever they encounter academic or personal challenges. She urged them to ask questions, seek guidance, and explore their interests and potential.
She described CAPSU as more than a place of learning, emphasizing that it is a community that fosters growth, nurtures talent, and promotes academic excellence.
Dr. Ricardo also reminded students that succeeding in college requires commitment and perseverance, urging them to remain dedicated to their studies and give their best in every endeavor.
“As we begin this new academic year, let us all remember—not only the first-year students, but all students—that success comes through dedication and hard work,” Dr. Ricardo said.
She ended her message by encouraging students to work hard, stay focused, and give their best in everything they do.
The program also featured an intermission number performed by a student, showcasing the talent of the CAPSU-Mambusao student community.
Following the performance, Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Ms. Trexy Heredero shared her message with the students.
Ms. Heredero described college as a new chapter that can challenge students, inspire them, and help them discover themselves. She reminded them that college life will include meeting new friends, learning from professors, facing difficult examinations, celebrating achievements, and overcoming challenges.
Emphasizing the value of embracing every challenge and learning from each experience, Heredero reminded students that their journey in college will be shaped by both successes and difficulties. “Every experience, whether easy or difficult, will become part of your success,” Heredero said.
She also welcomed the continuing students back to campus and encouraged them to use the new academic year as an opportunity to work hard and become better than they were before.
Ms. Heredero emphasized that college is not only about earning good grades but also about developing character, discovering passions, and preparing to become professionals and responsible citizens.
“College is not about passing or earning good grades—it is about developing your character, discovering your passions, and preparing yourselves to become professionals and responsible citizens,” she said.
As SSC president, Ms. Heredero assured students that the organization would continue to represent their voices, support their welfare, and create activities that would make their college experience meaningful and enjoyable.
She also reminded students not to fear mistakes because these can provide opportunities to learn and grow.
“Believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and never stop striving for excellence,” Heredero said.
The program also provided an opportunity for students to become acquainted with the people behind the campus community. Human Resource Management Officer Ms. Elizabeth M. Magallanes introduced the key officials of CAPSU-Mambusao Satellite College to the students.
To conclude the program, Prof. Michelle Espartero, Students Activities Coordinator delivered an inspiring message, reminding the freshmen that college marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Prof. Espartero emphasized that college is more than simply earning a degree. It is also a journey of discovering one's potential, building character, forming lasting friendships, and preparing to make a difference in the world.
“College is more than just earning a degree. It is a journey of discovering your potential, building character, forming lasting friendships, and preparing yourself to make a difference in the world,” Prof. Espartero said.
She encouraged the students to see challenges as part of growth, pursue their goals with determination, work with integrity, and learn from their mistakes.
“Your potential is greater than your fears, and every great achievement begins with the courage to take the first step,” Espartero added.
She urged the students to " dream boldly, learn with purpose, lead with integrity, and serve with compassion." reminding them that the choices they make today will help shape their future.
The Pag-abi-abi Welcome Program marked a meaningful start to Academic Year 2026–2027, welcoming students into the CAPSU-Mambusao community and reminding them to embrace college life with responsibility, hard work, courage, and a willingness to learn and grow.