The Last Days of Lt. John P. Burns

21st Pursuit Squadron, Dalirig Airstrip, Bukidnon

Lt. Burns was a fighter pilot with the 21st pursuit squadron based in Del Monte, Bukidnon.  The events of his life in Mindanao were recorded by Lt. Burns in a leather bound diary.  How the diary ended up in the hands of the Burns family turned out to be a story in itself.

John Patterson Burns was born on September 22, 1917, in Mansfield, Ohio, and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1936.

In June 1940, he graduated from Ohio University with a degree in electrical engineering and a commission in the Infantry of the Army Reserve. Burns received his wings from Kelly Field on February 7, 1941, in the class of 41A, fulfilling a childhood ambition.

He was subsequently assigned to the 21st Pursuit Squadron of the 35th Pursuit Group at Hamilton Field, California, where he served until his squadron and the sister 34th Pursuit Squadron were ordered in October 1941 to “PLUM”, the code name for the Philippines.

On November 1, 1941 the 21st Pursuit Squadron left San Francisco by ship for the Philippine Islands, arriving in Manila Harbor November 20, twenty two years after his first visit there.

FEAF Unit Dispositions 1941 (littlerock.af.mil)

His diary left us with a first person account as to what happened to the remnants of the battered Far East Air Force (FEAF) in Mindanao in 1942. The FEAF was the military aviation organization of the United States Army in the Philippines just prior to and at the beginning of World War II.

Following are some of the entries in Burns’ diary relating to his adventures in the Philippines:

November 1, 1941

“Left San Francisco at noon on the S.S. President Coolidge. An awful day to be starting to go someplace and not know where. Under the Golden Gate bridge at last; by boat, damn.”

November 21, 1941

“Reported to Nichols Field this morning and N.F. is PLUM for the present. We are to be someplace in the P.I.’s. We are not happy about it.”

Nichols Field was just south of Manila, where the 17th Pursuit was then based. Because the movement of American pilots from the US to the Philippines was “top secret” evidently the 21st and 34th Pursuit pilots still thought that PLUM was a base in the Philippines to which they were being assigned.

November 29, 1941

“Today we went on a 24 hr. alert. Available at all times. Moving within three days. All planes fully loaded and charged at all times. Looks like they mean business. Called to field at 9:00 p. Practice.”

Maj. Gen. Lewis P. Brereton, FEAF CG (NARA)

FEAF Commander Maj. Gen. Lewis Brereton had issued an order putting the FEAF on a “readiness” alert. The pursuit pilots including the 21st and the 17th at Nichols Field were put on one hour’s notice to take off in their combat-ready P-40Es and intercept in the event of a Japanese attack.

December 8, 1941


“Two alerts before daylight. War started. Had patrol about noon. Moved to C.F. just before dark. C.F. bombed to hell and while we were patrolling over N.F. No air defense at C.F. Complete surprise.”

C.F. =  Clark Field

April 7, 1942


“Up early, left for Cebu before daylight. Spent day there in Civilization [sic], it doesn’t seem possible, good food, no bombers. I felt like a kid with a new toy. Left for Del Monte, arriving at dusk.”

April 8, 1942

“Today starts the 5th month of this mess and a new era for me. It is wonderful here. Hardly know a war is going on. Food much better as a whole than Bataan.”

The Japanese had not yet invaded Mindanao; it had been barely a month since General Douglas MacArthur took a ride on a B-17 bomber to Australia from Del Monte.

April 11, 1942

“Day quiet. At supper time 10 B-25s and 3 B-17Es came in. Going to do a bit of bombing then back and chance to move on south. I hope I get it. Was a wonderful sight to see them come in.”

One of the B-17Es of the Royce Special Mission in the Philippines that became America’s first aerial counter-offensive against Japan. (defensemedianetwork.com)

At about 5:00 that afternoon, the personnel at the Del Monte Field were startled when three B-17s and 10  twin engine  bombers (B-25’s) a type they had never seen before approached the field and came in to land.

Headed by Maj. Gen. Ralph Royce, they were on a special mission from Australia to raid targets on Cebu (Central Philippines), Mindanao, and Luzon (for the B-17s). The pursuit pilots were to provide support for their operations.

Capt. Frank P. Bostrom (center), led three B-17s on the Royce special mission. He piloted one of 12 B-17s that arrived over Pearl Harbor from the US just in time for the Japanese attack. With no ammunition on his B-17,  Bostrom played tag around Oahu with Japanese fighters before landing safely on a golf course. Bostrom would come back to Del Monte 1 airfield on March 17, 1942 and piloted the B-17E that brought Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his family to Australia on the last leg of their Breakout from Corregidor in one of the most celebrated escape stories of World War II.
(U.S. Air Force photo)

[On April 12, 1942] Japanese floatplanes–Mitsubishi “Petes”-operating in pairs appeared over Del Monte field in the early morning and made unsuccessful bombing attempts on the three B-17s on the ground. In the afternoon they reappeared and again dropped their small bombs on the B-17s, hitting one and damaging two.

The Petes were Mitsubishi F1M2 launched from the Imperial Japanese Navy sea plane tender Sanuki Maru that covered the landings of the Kawaguchi Detachment’s 35th Infantry Brigade HQ and the 124th Infantry Regiment in Cebu. (Watch this actual Gun Camera footage of a Mitsubishi FM1 engaged by US Naval Aircraft by clicking on this link)

A Japanese  Mitsubishi F1M Pete (零式水上観測機) , a two seater biplane manned by a pilot and a rear gunner, used by the Japanese as an observation plane, bomber, and fighter.
(Imperial Japanese Navy photo)

Sanuki Maru was  with the light cruiser Kuma, Destroyers Samidare, Murasame and Kiji, the gunboat Busho Maru and two sub-chasers.  The Petes mission was to destroy the American air fields in Del Monte before their bombers could wreak havoc on the Japanese shipping and their invasion of Cebu.

At the satellite fighter strip at Dalirig, eight miles south of Del Monte field, Gus Williams and John Brownewell (17th Pursuit) took off on the morning of April 13th for a strafing mission of Davao. Then they spotted two “Petes” over the area and in a dogfight Brownewell shot one down, but Williams’ “P-40 Something” went into wild gyrations in climbing, then its engine quit. Williams managed to get his malfunctioning ship down safely, however.

About 12:35, a report came in from an observer post that the bothersome Japanese float planes were again approaching the area and that the one P-40 on the field at the time (a P-40E, perhaps Brownewell’s on his return from the Davao mission?) should be used to intercept.

Lt. John P. Burns and the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk he died in when he crashed upon take-off. (pinterest.ph)

As the alert officer had gone for lunch five minutes earlier, Burns was left to take the mission. In his take-off roll, he failed to hold the ship in the center of the 200-foot wide runway and veered off into large rocks that lined both sides of the strip.

The P-40E plunged over the side of the canyon that bordered the field and caught fire. No one could reach him in time and there was no firefighting equipment at the field. Burns burned to death in the cockpit. That evening the chaplain and friends buried him in a little graveyard in a grove of trees.

Unmolested, The Japanese Mitsubishi Petes were able to deliver their bomb load and destroyed a B-17E and damaged two others.

That evening the chaplain and friends buried Burns in a little grave in a grove of trees.

One of the pilots who saw Lt. Burns’ crash wrote this last entry in John’s diary:

April 13, 1942
 “Killed in takeoff in attempt to intercept Jap bombers.  John died quickly and bravely, the way if they have to, all pilots want to die.”

Sadly, he was reportedly on the list of pilots the Royce mission was to evacuate on its return flight to Australia.

In 1949, John’s body was returned home after being disinterred from its original Del Monte grave. He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Uniontown, Ohio.

I wonder at times how we keep going here : The 1941-42 Philippines Diary of Lt. John P. Burns, 21st Pursuit Squadron (AirPower History, Winter 2006)

Lt. John Burns diary’s journey home.

According to Rev. Burns, Lt. John Burns’ younger brother, the diary was received in a package in 1945 from an American soldier who had been engaged in the seizure of Buna, New Guinea, from the Japanese in early January 1943.  

The soldier indicated that he had taken the diary off the body of a Japanese soldier killed in the battle.

Following his return to the U.S. at the end of the War, the American soldier–whose name is no longer remembered–was able to locate the Burns family to return the diary.

The Japanese soldier must have been a member of the 41st Infantry Regiment, which on May 9, 1942, had captured the American air base at Del Monte, Mindanao and its satellite fields, ending the Philippines campaign.

The 41st Regiment was subsequently assigned to the New Guinea campaign, arriving in July 1942. It fought its last battle in defense of Buna in early January 1943, at which time the Japanese soldier was evidently killed.

One wonders how the Japanese soldier came into possession of Burns’ diary and why he was carrying it on his body at the time he was killed.  

Burns had been killed in an accident taking off from Dalirig strip, Mindanao, on April 13, 1942, and was buried at nearby Del Monte that evening.

It is likely the chaplain who buried him–probably Joseph V. LaFleur, the chaplain of the 19th Bomb Group who was at Del Monte at the time–found the diary in Burns’ living quarters and kept it for return to the family as part of his duties.

His intention would have been thwarted when he was taken prisoner with the rest of the surrendering American force at Del Monte and turned over the “souvenir” when ordered by the Japanese.

The diary provides an invaluable day-by-day account of the activities of Burns from the time of his departure from the U.S. on November 1, 1940 through April 11, 1942, two days before his death. It is the only contemporary source that exists of the initial operations of the 21st Pursuit Squadron and its subsequent experiences on beach defense and at Bataan Field in January, February, and March 1942.

For full text of the Diary, please click here


Doomed at the Start: American Pursuit Pilots in the Philippines, 1941-1942 (Williams-Ford Texas A&M University Military History Series) is a must read book if one must know about the 21st Pursuit squadron in the Philippines during World War 2. 

I also used the book Flying Cadets of World War II for additional references.

 

General Douglas MacArthur’s iconic “Philippine Field Marshal’s Cap”

Kagay-anon World War II History 101

Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon officially conferred the title of Field Marshal on General Douglas MacArthur in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on August 24, 1936. He was presented at that time with a gold baton and a unique uniform.

General Douglas MacArthur, wearing his trademark Philippine Army Field Marshal’s cap, as he appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine in Apr 1951, the month he was relieved of command of all UN forces in Korea.
(Peter Graham through Pinterest)

Although unofficially considered as the five-star rank in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, MacArthur wore no special insignia as Field Marshal of the Philippines, except for a modification to his army officer’s cap.

To the standard gold-trimmed visor of a United States general’s cap, MacArthur added gilt trim to the front body of the cap, above the visor.

MacArthur referred to this modified headdress as his “Philippine Field Marshal’s cap” and wore it for the duration of World War II and into the Korean War. However, the modified army headdress was against regulations, and MacArthur never officially obtained permission to wear this as a part of his uniform.

The MacArthur Memorial Marker in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines is unique among monuments dedicated to the general in that it is the only one of its kind which was patterned after MacArthur’s Philippine Field Marshal’s Cap. (RMB)

Unique among the many monuments around the world dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur , the MacArthur Memorial Marker at Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, is the only one patterned after the general’s iconic “Philippine Field Marshal’s Cap”, a homage to his great love for the Filipinos and his adopted country of the Philippines.

MacArthur’s iconic cap has also sometimes been referred to as a “scrambled egg cap” but further research shows this is a generic term which did not specifically refer to MacArthur’s iconic headgear which is more properly called his “Philippine Field Marshal’s cap”, a one of a kind cap given to him by Phil. Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, according to former MacArthur Memorial Director Christopher Kolakowski. 

US Navy Hat Admiral (Scrambled Eggs)

Scrambled eggs is a slang term for the typically leaf-shaped embellishments found on the visors of peaked caps worn by military officers and for the senior officers who wear them. The phrase is derived from the resemblance that the emblems have to scrambled eggs, particularly when the embellishments are gold in color.

Today the “scrambled eggs” emblem, in one form or another, has been adopted by the majority of the world’s navies. Exceptions include the French Navy and Italian armed forces, which use, respectively, embroideries or different varieties of chin straps on the officers’ cap bands to indicate seniority. Although the use of the term is principally military, some civilians (such as airline and merchant ship captains and (primarily in the United States) senior uniformed law enforcement officers) have similar embellishments on the peaks or visors of their hats.

 In the United States armed forces, “scrambled eggs” is the nickname for the golden oak leaf and acorn embellishments (known as fretting) on the bills (visors) of framed service and dress uniform caps (called service caps in the Army, combination covers in the Navy and Coast Guard, barracks covers in the Marine Corps) worn by field grade and general officers in the rank and grade of major (O-4) or higher in the Army and Marine Corps, and senior and flag officers in the rank and grade of commander (O-5) or higher in the Navy and Coast Guard.

The embellishments are also on the service caps of (Army) warrant officers serving in the ranks of chief warrant officer 3 with the grade of (W-3) to chief warrant officer 5 with the grade of (W-5).

US Navy Hat Lt. Commander (No Scrambled Eggs)

Thus, Army Field Grade Warrant Officers (those in the grade of W-3, W-4, and W-5) officers have the embellished visors while Army Company Grade Officers, those in the ranks and grades of second lieutenant (O-1), first lieutenant (O-2) and captain (O-3), and Company Grade warrant officers, those in the ranks and grades of warrant officer 1 (W-1) and chief warrant officer 2 (W-2), do not.

Commissioned Officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wear similar uniforms and wear the same embellishments as the Navy while Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service wear similar uniforms and wear the same embellishments as the Navy or Coast Guard depending upon the duties they are performing.

Majors (O-4) and higher ranks in the Air Force wear silver clouds and lightning bolts[2] in lieu of oak leaves, sometimes referred to as “farts and darts”.[2][3] Majors (O-4), Lieutenant Colonels (O-5), and Colonels (O-6) wear silver clouds and lightning bolts where there are two clouds on each side of the visor while all Generals (O-7 to O-10) wear silver clouds and lightning bolts where there are three clouds on each side.

Additionally, Generals serving as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) or as the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS,VJCS) wears a row of silver clouds and lightning bolts around the cap band of their service caps or dress caps (refer to the photo of General Nathan Farragut Twining).

The difference in grades when an officer assumes the wearing of embellishments is peculiar to the individual customs and traditions of each service, i.e., the Navy and Coast Guard consider the grade of O-4 to be a junior officer rank versus a senior officer, while the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps consider it to be a field grade officer rank.

At the flag or general officer level, O-7 and higher, additional embellishments are added to distinguish them from the USN/USCG senior officer and United States/USAF/USMC field grade officer ranks. (Compiled by Mike Baños)

References:

1.      James, D. Clayton (1970). Volume 1, 1880–1941. The Years of MacArthur. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 505. ISBN 0-395-10948-5. OCLC 60070186

2.      http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf

3.     ^ Scrambled Eggs on My Hat

4.     ^ *Whittingham, Richard. (December 1985). Saturday Afternoon: College Football and the Men Who Made the Day: Workman Pub Co. ISBN 0-89480-933-4 Phrase used to describe the passenger makeup on the train from Washington to Philadelphia for the Army-Navy game:”There were more scrambled eggs on the train than were served to the invading forces on D-Day”

Civil Society welcomes ACDO leadership transition

Civil society organizations and other people’s organizations closely working with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro welcomed the ACDO’s recent transition of leadership with a simple fellowship dinner at the Bishop’s House on August 31, 2020.

The event was preceded by a Holy Mass at the St Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral graced by recently installed Archbishop Jose Araneta Cabantan, D.D. and his predecessor Most Rev. Antonio Javellana Ledesma, S.J., D.D. who was celebrating the 24th Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination.

“We pay tribute to our mentor, guiding light, and source of inspiration, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma,” said Balay Mindanaw Chairman Emeritus Charlito Manlupig. “We have been truly blessed by his uplifting accompaniment.”

“To Bishop Tony, we do not say goodbye. Instead, we say welcome home to the NGO community. With you around, we look forward to more strategic, dynamic, spirited and passionate initiatives toward equity, development and peace,” he added.

Similar plaudits were shared by Dr. Anselmo Mercado, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board of Trustees for First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Community Outreach Foundation and former dean of the Xavier University College of Agriculture and Director of the South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN), two posts which were also formerly occupied by Bishop Tony.  

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, leads the installation of Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Jose Cabantan. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

“As a student of leadership, I have learned some useful concepts to view our leaders and how their leadership impact on people and communities. Let me mention a few.”

“1. Some great leaders are made of extraordinary, “unusual stuff” that makes them most effective. Some are “born a leader”; others witness and see great leaders, “they are made, not born”.

“In Archbishop Tony, I have no reservation and no hesitation to say, that Divine Hands and Providence have made, molded and chose him to be the kind of a leader he is, in the situations, contexts and places he has served.”

“2. Effective leaders “get things done”, yes good things, for the benefit of others. They “produce good results”. They sow the good seeds; the seeds grow and produce good fruits.”

CDO Archbishop Jose Cabantan listens intently to Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma during a fellowship dinner on August 31 held at the Bishop’s House.
(Kaloy Manlupig)

Mercado cited how Bishop Tony in his homily shared some of his significant experiences and learnings in working and serving in the “vineyards of the Lord”, in the parishes of Ipil Prelature, Zamboanga del Sur, his first assignment as Bishop (June 13, 1996 – 2006):

The establishment of “KRISKA” (Ang Kalihokan Kristohanon’g Katilingban) or Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC); 2) the promotion of the Natural Family Planning methods; 3) a commitment to his personal chosen twin-theme of “Peace and Development” and several programs to pursue its goals amidst “troubled times” of terrorism, banditry, poverty, etc.; and 4) the advocacy for political education to establish the culture of Good Governance, called “Managsilingan Ta“.

“When he was assigned as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, he replicated many of the Ipil Prelature ministries and programs, and expanded on them with the establishment of the Archdiocesan “Ad-Intra” and “Ad-Extra Ministries”, multi-faceted social, economic and spiritual apostolate,” Mercado added.

Archbishop Tony

ABP Tony and ABP Joe welcome guests from the CSO Community during the 31 Aug fellowship at the Bishop’s House. (photo courtesy of Fr. Rickets Dancila)

Archbishop Ledesma was born March 28, 1943 in Iloilo City. He attended elementary school at St. Aloysius School, and finished his degree in History and Government, graduating magna cum laude in 1963 at the Ateneo de Manila.

He studied Philosophy and Theology at the Loyola House of Studies, and attained his master’s degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the United States, completing his doctorate in Development in 1980.

On May 30, 1963, Bishop Ledesma entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained priest on April 16, 1973.

He served as an assistant parish priest in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay on 1980-1981. Afterwards, he worked as a professor and was assigned to various positions in Xavier University where he taught Sociology, Economics, and Religious studies from 1982-1996.

Gifts for Abp Tony and Abp Joe from the rehab patients of the CSWD, a joint project with the ACDO.
(photo courtesy of Fr. Rickets Dancila)

On June 13, 1996, Pope John Paul II appointed him as as Coadjutor Prelate of Ipil on June 13, 1996, later succeeding Federico O. Escaler as the Prelate of Ipil on June 28, 1997.

During this period, he was also active as chairman of various civil society organizations and non-government organizations (NGOs), a trait which would mark his later episcopacy as archbishop.

On March 4, 2006, he was appointed Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro  by Pope Benedict XVI . In the interim, he led the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines as Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Inter-religious Dialogue since 2009, in which capacity he convened local religious leaders in inter-religious dialogues on different social issues. \

In the aftermath of the deadly Tropical Storm Sendong flashflood of December 16-17, 2011, he stepped up to lead the multi-sectoral relief effort to address the needs of the flood victims.

Bishop Tony also supported efforts to resolve Mindanao‘s protracted struggle with Muslim separatists and was an outspoken advocate of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

On June 23, 2020, Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro and he was succeeded by then-Malaybalay Bishop Jose Cabantan.

ABP Tony Ledesma with VOICES Volunteers Coordinator Myrna Siose & CDO City Administrator Teddy Sabuga-a.

During the mass, Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Teodoro Sabuga-a Jr. talked about Archbishop Ledesma’s leadership in engaging the archdiocese with the local government under Mayor Oscar Moreno.

“Imagine the church championing the service to the poor and the needy nagsalig lang sa volunteers for  personnel and logistics. Dako nako nga learning kining spirit of voluntarism as the real mode in public service,” Sabuga-a stressed.

“Mao ning dako nga challenge sa Government kay nagkolekta ta sa taxes and we need to deliver that back in form of services to the people yet still the church is closer to the people. Kita sa Government we have to bring Government closer to the people pa. Busa maayo mapakusog ang partnership sa church ug local Government after all we share the same people to be served. Hulaman nako maka inspired nga words ni Bishop Ledesma pulong nga  STEWARDSHIP, kitang tanan busa dili nato abusohan ang tinubdan sa kinabuhi angay kini nato panggaon ug amomahon ang KINAIYAHAN para himsog nga kapuy-an sa sunod nga henerasyon.”

Sabuga-a gifted both archbishops with a prancing horse figurine made by drug rehab patients courtesy of the local government and explained the symbolism behind the tokens.

“Initiative to nila Rhyzelle in-charge nato sa anti-drug campaign naa baya sulod sa archdiocese ang center nabutang. Only in the Philippines kini nga partnership between sa church ug local government ‘cause we believe that there is life after rehab thanks to Bishop Tony for this.”

“I still can recall 2 months pag assume ni Mayor Moreno as city mayor gi invite mi ni Bishop Tony sa iyang sala. To our surprise naa didto iyang mga volunteers ministry heads.”

“Iyang tuyo nga ma forge ang partnership busa nag workshop mi with Myrna (Siose) and Bishop Tony, iyang nga ministry ug mga division heads sa City Social Welfare Dept. kay gusto ni Mayor Oca nga naay system of referrals. For every ministry ug CSWD ug unsa nga services sa church dapat naa sab ang city. Usa ana atong migrants worker program sa CSWD gidugang nato then all special bodies sa city naa jud interfaith group as member.”

In addition to delivering their tributes to Archbishop Ledesma, other civic leaders attending the mass also welcomed the new archbishop of Cagayan de Oro.

“To Archbishop Joe, we say welcome home to your flock. We hope to nurture, sustain and even take to new heights the meaningful inter-religious dialogue, promotion and protection of human
rights and the various peace building initiatives with the new Archbishop’s wisdom, guidance and support,” said Balay Mindanao Chairman Emeritus Charlito Manlupig.

Ann-an Pielago Denuyo of the Health Ministry Network shared similar sentiments for the two prelates.

“It’s an honor to be one of ACDO’s  Ad Extra Ministry Heads. We thank you for your love, trust and support. With your guidance, we have reached the goal. You’ve been so generous and kind Tatay to us whose heart is willing to listen to our tears and smiles.”

“We just want you to know how much we care for you. We have learned so much from you on how to live with others in the Peripheries. We have learned how to stand and be strong despite of hardships in the journey.”

“We wish we could serve more specially to those who need us most. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the direction of Archbishop Jose A Cabantan, we are praying to do more and to continue what has been started.”

Archbishop José Araneta Cabantan was born in Lagonglong, on June 19, 1957. He completed his secondary education at Saint John the Baptist High School in Lagonglong and received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Cebu Institute of Technology in Cebu City, his Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from St. John Vianney Theological seminary in Cagayan de Oro, and his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Manila.

He was ordained a priest on April 30, 1990 in Lagonglong for the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

After a year as associate pastor at the Cathedral, he was Administrator of the San Roque parish of Catarman, Camiguin; then Dean of Studies at the San Jose de Mindanao Seminary in Cagayan de Oro.

After three years study at the Loyola School of Theology and a year as Director of the San Jose Seminary in Quezon City, he was appointed formator at the St.John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro, and later pastor of the Medalla Milagrosa parish in Cagayan de Oro.

He was elected Bishop of Malaybalay on February 18, 2010, and consecrated on April 30.

Within the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines, Bishop Cabantan serves as President of the Episcopal Commission for Basic Communities.

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Jose A. Cabantan to head the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines on June 23, 2020, and he was subsequently installed on August 28, 2020 at the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral during the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo, patron saint of Cagayan de Oro. (RMB)

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PCCI Mindanao advocates Health Care Capacity Initiatives for business survival & continuity

29th Mindanao Business Conference 2020

The affiliate chambers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mindanao will push a package of health care capacity measures aimed at ensuring business survival and continuity during the 29th Mindanao Business Conference on September 10-11, 2020.

DOH-10 TB Reference Center now also has RT-PCR testing equipment now being used for COVID-19 testing.

The first ever virtual hosting of Mindanao’s biggest business conference of the PCCI will be hosted by the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) through online live streaming via ZOOM with a record audience expected to participate in the virtual event despite restrictions on travel and gatherings brought by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“With theme, Mindanao: Journeying to the New Normal, we recognize the urgent need to boost confidence to overcome emerging challenges and opportunities,” said Ma. Teresa A. Alegrio, PCCI Area Vice President for Mindanao. “This stems from a deep understanding of what the new normal presents so that responses to meet them are carefully crafted.”

The Xavier University (XU) – Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital (MRXUH) Reverse Transcription — Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Laboratory.

MinBizCon is an annual event organized by the PCCI that aims to create a venue for businessmen, key industry players, government executives, and other private sector leaders to discuss economic concerns and opportunities in Mindanao resulting to policy actions for the development of the region.

Through PCCI Mindanao Resolution no. 2020-004 (A Resolution Endorsing To The IATF-EID Proposed Intervention Measures For Business Survival And Continuity of Mindanao MSMEs and Other Industries) the 42 local Chambers of Mindanao will be requesting the National Government’s immediate and urgent intervention to prioritize a package of proposed recommendations aimed at ensuring  the business survival and continuity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in the manufacturing and industry, and agricultural sector.

The newly-completed COVID-19 testing laboratory of the Lanao del Norte LGU at the Old Kapatagan Provincial Hospital. (PIA ICIC)

MSME’s constitute over 90 percent of the number of business establishments nationwide and in Mindanao.

The resolution covers Health Care Capacity, Infrastructure, Economic Stimulus, Structural Reforms, Capacity Building, and Domestic Tourism.

Health Care Capacity

Among the resolutions proposed by PCCI Mindanao to build Health Care Capacity are the following.

·       For DOH to partner with Philippine Red Cross and other private hospitals in establishing an RT-PCR Testing and Confirmatory Labs in Highly Urbanized and 1st Class Provinces all over Mindanao;

·       For DOH, DA, and DTI to grant workers employed in the food supply chain in Mindanao (production, manufacturing and logistics) first priority in mass screening, contact tracing, access to quarantine facilities and vaccines to ensure its stability and unhampered operation;

·       For DICT and IATF to spearhead the aggregation of contact tracing solutions using digital technologies, cell site triangulation and location methods, and whatever further means deemed necessary, which could impact on the effective tracing of Covid 19 cases in the country and subsequent treatment of infected individuals.

. The foregoing proposals were extensively discussed across all the 42 Local Chambers of Commerce in Mindanao during several Regional Consultations with PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, PCCI Mindanao Area Vice President Maria Teresa R. Alegrio, and PCCI Regional Governors Arturo Milan (South Eastern Mindanao), Roderico R. Bioco (Northern Mindanao), Paul Gudmalin (Western Mindanao), Pete Marquez (Central Mindanao), Aldrin Ibbo (BARMM), Julie Senense (Eastern (CARAGA) Mindanao) and Loreta Sy (South Western Mindanao) with Promote NorMin Foundation President Elpidio M. Paras. (PCCI Mindanao)

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PCCI Mindanao champions Infrastructure Initiatives for business survival & continuity

29th Mindanao Business Conference

The affiliate chambers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mindanao is championing a package of infrastructure intervention measures aimed at ensuring business survival and continuity during the 29th Mindanao Business Conference on September 10-11, 2020.

Aboitiz InfraCapital VP for Finance Jimbo Reverente presents their vision for the expanded Laguindingan Airport during the 29th MinBizCon in Iligan City. (RMB)

The first ever virtual hosting of Mindanao’s biggest business conference of the PCCI will be hosted by the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) through online live streaming via ZOOM with a record audience expected to participate in the virtual event despite restrictions on travel and gatherings brought by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“With theme, Mindanao: Journeying to the New Normal, we recognize the urgent need to boost confidence to overcome emerging challenges and opportunities,” said Ma. Teresa A. Alegrio, PCCI Area Vice President for Mindanao. “This stems from a deep understanding of what the new normal presents so that responses to meet them are carefully crafted.”

In May 2018, the DOE certified the MVIP as an Energy Project of National Significance to streamline and expedite the needed documents for the construction & completion of the project.

MinBizCon is an annual event organized by the PCCI that aims to create a venue for businessmen, key industry players, government executives, and other private sector leaders to discuss economic concerns and opportunities in Mindanao resulting to policy actions for the development of the region.

Through PCCI Mindanao Resolution no. 2020-004 (A Resolution Endorsing To The IATF-EID Proposed Intervention Measures For Business Survival And Continuity of Mindanao MSMEs and Other Industries) the 42 local Chambers of Mindanao will be requesting the National Government’s immediate and urgent intervention to prioritize a package of proposed recommendations aimed at ensuring  the business survival and continuity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in the manufacturing and industry, and agricultural sector.

President Duterte lay the time capsule for the Paguil Bay Bridge on Nov. 18, 2018 at Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

MSME’s constitute over 90 percent of the number of business establishments nationwide and in Mindanao.

The resolution covers Health Care Capacity, Infrastructure, Economic Stimulus, Structural Reforms, Capacity Building, and Domestic Tourism.

Provisionally approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission last 2017, the MVIP is considered the biggest power infrastructure project in the history of the country. (NGCP)

Infrastructure Initiatives

Among the infrastructure intervention measure being championed by PCCI Mindanao are the following:

·        For DOE, DPWH & DOTr to re-start the implementation of the following strategic infrastructure projects which are included in the Build-Build-Build program and the approved RDC Infrastructure projects of the national government: Shelter Projects under the Marawi Rehabilitation project; Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project; Rehabilitation of the Agus and Pulangi Hydropower Complexes; Mindanao Railway; Expansion of the Laguindingan Airport; Panguil Bay Bridge, and Improvement of Night Landing and Runway facilities of Secondary Airports all over Mindanao.

·        For the Department of Finance (DOF) to prioritize funding allocation and procurement of services for all pending DPWH-DTI ROLL-IT projects to expedite and efficiently transport raw materials from agricultural areas to main processing or manufacturing centers;

·        For the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to provide access for local/Private Telecommunications Companies, Cable TV, Internet and Value Added Service Providers to their existing tower facilities and infrastructure including unused internet bandwidth, to fast track deployment of broadband internet services to underserved areas in compliance with its mandate of bringing information and communications technology to all Filipinos;

·        For DICT to enjoin the National Electrification Agency (NEA) to suspend its recent rate increase in Pole Rental Fees for rural electric cooperatives to reduce the costs for Telcos, Cable TV and Internet Service Providers to consequently stop these being passed on to consumers, and ultimately enable more people especially in remote areas, gain access to affordable communications that provide urgent, essential and timely information during this time of the pandemic;

·        For DILG to order the LGUs and other government agencies, to reduce the number of permits now being required in the building and erection of Telco cell site tower and radio facilities and in the roll out and installation of fiber optic and coaxial cables underground and aboveground, in order to fast track the deployment of much needed Broadband Internet infrastructure nationwide which is crucial to the success of DepEd’s online education program.

The foregoing proposals were extensively discussed across all the 42 Local Chambers of Commerce in Mindanao during several Regional Consultations with PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, PCCI Mindanao Area Vice President Maria Teresa R. Alegrio, and PCCI Regional Governors Arturo Milan (South Eastern Mindanao), Roderico R. Bioco (Northern Mindanao), Paul Gudmalin (Western Mindanao), Pete Marquez (Central Mindanao), Aldrin Ibbo (BARMM), Julie Senense (Eastern (CARAGA) Mindanao) and Loreta Sy (South Western Mindanao) with Promote NorMin Foundation President Elpidio M. Paras. (PCCI Mindanao)

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Fr. Mars Tan is the new Xavier Ateneo President

Fr. Bobby Yap is the new Ateneo de Manila University President

Effective August 1, 2020 Fr Mars P Tan SJ assumes his new important mission of leadership as President of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

Fr Mars succeeds Fr Roberto “Bobby” C Yap SJ who also takes the reins of Ateneo de Manila University on the same date. 

Fr Roberto Yap SJ is the new president of Ateneo de Manila University succeeding Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, also a former president of Xavier Ateneo.

In his last memo Fr Bobby left Xavier Ateneo with this assurance “ I leave you in the most capable hands of Fr Mars Tan SJ, a dear friend and brother. Fr Mars has served XU for the past 10 years and he will continue to bring his many gifts of conviction, determination, compassion, wisdom and human warmth to his new role as President.”

Fr Mars P Tan SJ is the new president of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

Fondly called as “Father Mars” by his friends and colleagues in the field, he holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Notre Dame Australia; an MS in Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines; an MA in Theology from the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila; and a BS Biology from Ateneo de Davao. 

Born and raised in Surigao del Norte, Fr. Mars has deep roots in Mindanao. He was a Jesuit Regent assigned to teach at XU High School from 1992 to 1994. 

For the past ten years, Fr Mars has been Rector of the Jesuit Community at Xavier Ateneo. He is a current member of the XU Board of Trustees and incumbent director of the McKeough Marine Center of Xavier Ateneo. 

Fr. Mars Tan, SJ (center in black with red piping) and friends from Xavier University visit Manila Observatory’s 150th Anniversary Discoveries Exhibition.

Since 2009, he has been an assistant professor at the XU Biology Department. His other leadership roles include board memberships at Manila Observatory and Xavier Science Foundation. His teaching, research, publication and advocacy has focused on environmental concerns.

The whole Xavier Ateneo community welcomes Fr Mars and assures him of the all-out support as he begins his new journey as University President. ∎

Xavier Ateneo ready for online learning

While other universities in Cagayan de Oro are still in the process of preparing for modified learning this school year, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan already started classes last July 6. 

Xavier Ateneo, following CHED COVID19 Advisory No. 7 dated 24, May 2020, opened SY 2020-2021 for Higher Education Colleges and Basic Education (Grade School, Junior High and Senior High) last 06 July 2020 (03 August 2020 for Law and Medicine) using full online education and will implement Cautious Return to On-Campus Learning, if and when government allows.

Despite radical changes, XU’s enrolment rate was better than expected among its various pre-COVID 19 projections.  

In an online conference broadcast live to the university social media accounts, outgoing XU President Fr Roberto C. Yap SJ assured parents: “I thank you for continuing to believe in Xavier Ateneo. We are really in an extraordinary time and extraordinary times call for creative and flexible moves so that we can continue to deliver quality Jesuit education to all our learners. We have really tried to provide the best possible mode and program under this pandemic. Xavier Ateneo is ready and we will do our best so that our students will truly experience excellence.”

Flexible Learning 

Flexible Learning is a seamless combination of Home-based Learning and Cautious Return to On-Campus Learning that aims to minimize learning interruption, ensure learning continuity, and guarantee that minimum standards of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are met.  

To begin the school year, Xavier Ateneo starts with Home-Based Learning. Xavier Ateneo has emphasized it is not rushing to implement the Return to On-Campus Learning in so far as public health and safety are concerned. 

Home-based Learning features synchronous (real-time) classes held over the internet. This is allowed by DepEd and CHED provided (1) it is agreed upon by the students, (2) attendance is not required, and (3) classes are recorded for students who are unable to participate. 

Xavier Ateneo recognizes the challenges posed by online learning and will utilize traditional instructional materials such as “low-tech” soft- and hard-copy learning packets for students to pick up or access over the internet when available. 

Asynchronous (self-paced) learning will also be available for students through recorded classes. All requirements for both synchronous and asynchronous mode of learning are to be submitted online. Learn more about Flexible Learning by viewing this video.

Before starting the school year, Xavier Ateneo faculty underwent rigorous training and retooling to properly facilitate live online classes. 

For learning platform uniformity, the Basic Education Cluster (Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School) uses Microsoft Teams.

 Xavier Ateneo’s online classroom, XU eLearn, is utilized by the Higher Education Cluster (College, Graduate School, and Professional Schools of Law and Medicine).  

Four Campuses of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan

While there is no definite date on the resumption of on-campus classes, Xavier Ateneo is already preparing for its eventuality by planning for the necessary and critical infrastructure adjustments for all four of its campuses (Divisoria, Pueblo, Macasandig, and Manresa).  

No Tuition Fee Increase

To help parents cope with the present crisis, the university has opted not to increase tuition fees, matriculation and laboratory fees. Miscellaneous fees have also been reduced, if not entirely omitted, from the yearly billing. Future adjustments will be made accordingly should there face-to-face learning not be possible within the school year. 

Xavier Ateneo Treasurer Lennie Ong said the reduction in fees have been made possible by operational changes for the school year such as reduced academic loads and class sizes. 

Perks and Partnerships

Xavier Ateneo has been striking partnerships with various companies to help the XU community adjust to the new normal. 

Parasat HD, in partnership with Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, is now offering Study-at-Home discounted internet plans to help XU employees and students cope with the New Normal.

XU is in partnership with EO-Executive Optical for a 10% discount on their anti-radiation and multi-coated lenses, perfect for Flexible Learning which necessitates students to spend hours in front of their computer screens. 

Various gadget sellers (Interpace Computer Systems, Power Mac Center, Acer, Samsung), and internet providers (Globe, Smart, Parasat HD) have also been tapped for discounts in their products and services. 

XU students may also avail of various productivity applications available from Microsoft Office 365 for free. 

Online Freshmen Orientation

Xavier Ateneo finished its first virtual freshmen orientation seminar on July 3. 


Xavier Ateneans made #ORSEMOneBearHug, #eLearn, and #XavierAteneo trend in the Philippine Twitter space. 

Like past orientations, a mass presided over by Fr Bobby was live-streamed in the official Facebook account of Xavier Ateneo. 

The two-day event ended with a talent expo and a tribute to Fr Bobby who is set to become the next president of Ateneo de Manila University by August this year. 

Despite being away from the familiar walls of the classroom, students were thanked by incoming XU President Fr Mars P Tan for continuing to study in Xavier Ateneo. “This is the new normal and we have to live with it.” 

“We expect that under this new mode, you really have to push back your comfort zones.” Fr. Yap added.

 “We will do our best to help and assist you to adjust, learn, and make the most out of the quality, holistic, Jesuit education which Xavier Ateneo will offer you under the new flexible mode of learning.” (RMB)

Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan 80th Commencement Exercises (Photo by R. Amarille)

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Cover photo courtesy of Tom Udasco Photography.

Flexible Learning is Key for Underserved Students

PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College

(This is our third in a series on what students, parents and the general public can expect when school opens next month for some of Cagayan de Oro’s Universities and Colleges)

Things are going to be a bit different when students of Cagayan de Oro’s four universities resume classes next month.

Most of the city’s tertiary level institutions are shifting to online learning as the primary method of instruction in compliance with the guidelines issued by government agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Local Government Unit (LGU), and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

With one notable outlier.

PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College (COC), whose students primarily come from underserved families, will provide an innovative “4-10” scheme where students will have face-to-face classes four times every 14 days as soon as permitted and while complying with all guidelines for the resumption of classes.

Mark C. Macaventa, Executive Vice President & COO, PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College

“Distance learning using purely online methods is just out of the question,” said Mark C. Macaventa, PHINMA COC Chief Operations Officer. “Most of our students cannot afford a stable internet connection, so we designed something that matches their needs and situation. We are also designing the system so that we can go full home study if required by IATF, CHED, or LGU rules by providing students with modules at the start of the semester.”

But for PHINMA COC, face-to-face classes cannot truly be replaced. “Our research in PHINMA Education tells us distance learning is not really that effective especially for complicated and technical subjects,” he added. “Nothing matches face-to-face learning, but adjustments need to be made in light of the circumstances.”

FlexLearning@PHINMAEd

When the college begins student orientations on August 24, PHINMA COC will adopt FlexLearning@PHINMAEd. The system was developed by PHINMA Education to enable their students to sustain their education and preserve their quality of learning.

“Although we face a huge uncertainty in this pandemic, we also see a great opportunity to face a meaningful challenge, bearing inspiration to our students in their quest for a better life. Life goes on,” Macaventa noted. “And because it is imperative that we continue to move forward, we are poised to deliver a creative and efficient response.”

Among the salient features of the new system are the following;

A maximum class size of 25 students (down from 50) to comply with social distancing, reduce the chances of infection, and provide students with close support and mentoring.

A blended learning model consisting of in-campus learning that observes social distancing and off-campus independent learning for the tertiary level.

Modular distance learning for Grades 1-12 where all learning activities will be done at home until the DepEd allows in-person classes.

Remote teacher and peer support systems to help students through this adjustment.

“Teachers will do regular check-ups via texts, messages, or phone calls when students are off-campus. We are already finalizing negotiations with mobile data providers to give the connectivity our students need,” Macaventa noted.

But even if the economic status of most of its students has precluded its adoption of distance learning using online systems, PHINMA Education still adopted online systems for ancillary activities such as enrolment and distribution of digital diplomas and transcripts of records (TORs). “We developed these systems so students and parents do not need to go to the campus for these matters,” he added.

PHINMA Education Ever Onward

Last semester, PHINMA COC had some 10,000 students in the tertiary level, about 5,000 in Senior High School, and approximately 1,000 students in their K to 10 program. It currently maintains a Main Campus at Barangay Carmen and a satellite campus at Barangay Puerto.

Although the community quarantine measures mandated by the global pandemic has meant it had to suspend operations from March until August, the college still has managed to retain all of its 144 regular teaching and non-teaching staff as well as extend financial and non-financial aid to its 200 casual teaching and non-teaching employees.

One advantage PHINMA Education has in dealing with the economic fallout from the global pandemic is the strength and flexibility in being a subsidiary of the Filipino-owned conglomerate, PHINMA, which has investments in education, property development, hospitality, and construction materials. PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI) owns and operates seven schools across the Philippines, including PHINMA COC, and manages one in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia.

PHINMA Education has an 80 percent average first-time passing rate for licensure exams with some 81 percent of students getting hired a year after graduation. It has 94 board exam top notchers since its inception in 2004.

 “The safety and welfare of our students are paramount, but the continuation of their academic journey is fundamental to their future success. FlexLearning@PHINMAEd will help us and our students continue to advance – ever onward,” Macaventa assured. (RMB)

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FLEx@Liceo U: Scaling the heights with Flexible Learning

Things are going to be a bit different when students of Cagayan de Oro’s four universities resume classes next month.

Dr. Alain Marc P. Golez, Liceo U President

“Education should be all-inclusive,” said Dr. Alain Marc P. Golez, Liceo U president. “We have reshaped our learning management system through flexible learning to help our students continue their education with minimal distractions from health protocols mandated by the global pandemic which is crucial to their attainment of quality education.”

 Golez said Liceo U has reshaped the design and delivery of instruction to suit her students’ unique needs and situation by considering  their individual access to technology and availability of devices, and how they can continue their education even if they  have limited or no access to the internet.

Pilot Program and Survey

Fortunately, Liceo U gained valuable experience with FLEx Learning when it piloted Online Learning in 2017 with her Physical Therapy Department.and in 2018, Information Technology, Psychology and Radiologic Technology also conducted some aspects of instruction online.

In addition to the learnings and experiences  gained through this pilot program, Liceo U also conducted a student survey to determine the  best approach to fulfill their specific needs and expected learning outcomes through the Learning Management System Committee chaired by Dr Florecilla C Cinches and co-chaired by Dr Denise O Orong.

Liceo U Founders Rodolfo & Elsa Pelaez

Founded in 1955 by the couple Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez, Liceo U gained her University status in 1997-1998, and she has numerous LEVEL IV Accreditation Certifications from the PACUCOA.

Liceo U now has three campuses: RN Peleaz Campus (former Liceo Hospital) along Macapagal Avenue (formerly Patag Road), Main Campus on RN Pelaez Boulevard and Paseo Campus (for Senior High and Medicine-related courses such as nursing, , Physical Therapy, MedTech, Pharmacy, Radiologic Technology)

Home-based FLEx Learning

“Liceo U will introduce Flexible Learning as the best approach offering the best outcomes for our learners’ even as we continue to follow strict health precautionary measures,” Golez noted.

“It is designed to meet the needs of our students. Whether they’re connected to the internet or not, in school or in the safety of their  homes, no one is left behind. Liceo U will continue to offer accessible and inclusive quality education for all her students,” he added.

Liceo U’s FLEx Learning is basically a Study-from-Home system will utilize either synchonous (real-time virtual conferencing) or asynchronous (self-paced learning) instruction. This includes but is not limited to the provision of printed and technology-assisted learning materials for students with limited or no internet connectivity.

Real-Time Virtual Learning has been designed for learners’ with reliable internet connections that would enable them to participate in real-time synchronized meetings through a prescribed online platform, with learning modules and materials to be accessed online, and virtual laboratory  (may require delayed laboratory return demonstration).

On the other hand, Self-Paced Learning is for students with none or limited internet connection, thus access to materials/modules will depend on the student’s availability to pick up the learning materials either through the use of a flash disk, or printed modules and materials at the campus, comply with the requirements at their own pace, and upload the completed compliances online after.

School-based learning includes face-to-face (lecture and laboratory) sessions to ensure the achievement of the outcomes or competencies that require demonstration of skills with strict compliance upon the advice of the local and national government and their agencies: DepEd, CHED and the IATF.

Liceo U will take further steps with school-based learning when the university administation determines that COVID-19 has been contained.

FLEx Features

FLEx @ Liceo U features Learner-Material Flexibility, Learner-Support Services and Trained Faculty for Virtual Learning.

With Learner-Material Flexibility students will enjoy real-time learning instructions, self-paced learning, and delayed laboratory demonstration with printed modules and learning packets prepared by departments.

Learner-Material Flexibilityassures that all students learn through online and can work at their own pace within a given time framework using online and offline activities accessible through both personal computers or smart phones. Those with  limited online access can retrieve learning materials and modules through flash drives or materials printed by their respective departments.

Liceo U’s FreeLearner-Support Servicesis designed to meet the unique demands of online learning. It provides online personal counseling with peer-to-peer support, health and wellness, spiritual, legal, and ethical services, online libraries, bookstore services, technical support and online academic mentoring and advising.

The University partnered with various online resources and platforms for teachers and learners to have seamless learning connection offline and online. Among these are Google, GSuite, Quipper, Microsoft, Edmondo, Zoom, YouTube and Facebook.

While the University’s libraries remain closed, Liceo U continues to support teachers and learners through its free online library resources.

Even with the implementation of FLEx Learning, Liceo U assures that her trained experts in Online Teaching who are professionally competent to undertake online learning.

“Liceo U faculty participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in online instruction and latest educational technologies to meet learner’s individual needs. Teachers lead classes with more effective and innovative online teaching methods to cater to 21st century learning skills,” Golez noted.

The university considers its faculty trained in Virtual Learning as indispendable in the enchancement of 21st Century Learning Skills.

In 21st century education, skills enhancement is the priority of the University for the globally competitive learner. The University aims to further enhance critical thinking, collaboration, creativity with the inclusion of digital literacy in communication as important learning domains these times, Golez stressed.

To ensure that all students regardless of their choice of Real-Time or Self-Paced Learning, have access to the support they need to complete their requirements, Liceo U has established the Liceo Educational Learning Center whichensures access to and proficiency in technology for creative integration to enhance delivery of instruction and reinforce educational needs.

The center offers skills-based and curriculum-integrated professional development opportunities, collaborative initiatives with other curriculum departments, with software tools that are current and necessary for 21st century education.

Enrollment ongoing till August 3 to 14 for  late enrollees, classes start August 3  (Medicine) and August 11 (all  levels).

All-Inclusive Community

During its latest academic year, Liceo U had enrolled some 10,000 students who were nurtured  by a teaching/non-teaching staff of some 500 employees.

“We managed to survive the transition period for the mandated implementation of K+12 which was really tough and I am confident we can manage to meet the challenges posed by the New Normal, ” Golez said.

Expected Aftermath

However, should  the global pandemic pan out longer than expected, Golez cautioned their students and employees to expect the present non-medical protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to continue, even if schools would already be allowed to re-open with face-to-face instruction.

“Expect the present physical distancing, footbaths at the gates and classrooms, temperature checks, hand washing and mandatory face masks to continue,” he warned.

Meantime, the gates to all three campuses remain closed, with personal interactions for those doing business with Liceo U limited to a roped-off  Extended Service Area near each campus gates where the present health protocols are strictly implemented. (RMB)

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Capitol University – Preparing for the opening of classes under the New Normal

Things are going to be a bit different when students of Cagayan de Oro’s four universities resume classes next month.

In fact, when classes on all levels at Capitol University resume on Monday, August 3, 2020, there will be practically no students coming in through the gates of their main campus at Corrales-Osmena Ext and satellite campus at Gusa.

Dr. Fe Rosales Juarez, CU Executive Vice President

“Capitol University has developed  CUDDLE (CU Dedicated Distance Learning Environment) which is CU’s answer to the call for delivering quality education to our students without compromising their safety,” said Dr. Fe Rosales-Juarez, CU Executive Vice President.

“CUDDLE involves Flexi-Learning featuring many modalities, mostly online, but also includes hybrid learning, offline for students without connectivity- to cater to the needs of the times,” Dr Juarez added.

Flexible Learning Opportunities

With CUDDLE, learning opportunities are made available to students in consideration of their present situation with regards to current IATF guidelines in response to the global pandemic.

Flexible Learning Opportunities with Capitol University’s CUDDLE

CU offers three learning modes: Entirely Online learning, Modified Hybrid Learning, and Blended Learning.

Entirely Online Learning is for students who have the connectivity to access and fulfill all course materials online. For this coming school year, classes will be conducted via Google Classroom-CU’s official Learning Management System Platform.

CU uses Google Suite for education with each student and faculty given an institutional Google Account to maximize all its advanced educational features.

Modified  Hybrid Learning is for students with unstable internet connections but can communicate via mobile phones or Facebook chat. Students can choose from either Entirely Offline (for those who do not have computers or internet access) or Mostly Offline (for those who have functional ICT equipment but no reliable internet connection).

Those opting for Entirely Offline can either pick up campus learning packets with printed and digitally-stored (USB flash disks to be provided by the student)  copies of the materials make a one-time download of the learning packets which they can comply with offline, and later upload online after they have fulfilled all learning requirements.

On the other hand, Blended Learning is for courses that require competencies and activities not feasible through distance education. Minimal face-to-face classes can be scheduled when conditions allow.

Students are only allowed to choose one modality which best suit their current situation and cannot change to other modalities within a semester.

There will  be no changes to the present grading system as specified in the CU Student Manual.

No tuition fee increase

For the First Semester of school year 2020-2021, CU will not implement any tuition fee increase and will further realign some fees such as for athletics, library, et al for service which cannot be availed of during the current pandemic to further reduce the fees.

“So far, we have managed to maintain our present employees despite the pandemic,” Dr Juarez noted when asked about the economic impact of the community quarantine imposed on the city as a result of  the pandemic.

“However, we still have to see how many students will be enrolling in the coming semester to say how we can face the near future and what is needed to be done to maintain the quality of education in our school,” she added.

Capitol University maintains two campuses. Its Main Campus at Corrales & S. Osmena Ext  for Graduate, Undergraduate and  Senior High School students, and its Gusa Campus for Pre-School, Grade School and Junior High School.

Summer Pilot Program

CU will not be moving into this new milieu unprepared.

During the May – June 2020 hiatus when the city was practically at a standstill under the initial onslaught of the global pandemic,  CU piloted an online summer program involving 829 students to test the new teaching modalities. Training of its faculty was also done rigorously,  and is continuing at present.

 “Fortunately we had some very positive results, especially with helping students develop a sense of personal responsibility and accountability for their performance, instead of leaving most of that burden on their teacher under traditional classroom teaching.” Dr Juarez noted.

In addition to testing the new modes of teaching, the program also included individual e-counseling for students, and an orientation for parents at the Gusa Campus on how to do home schooling once classes resume this August.

CUDDLE Help Links

CU’s online guidance counselling and consultation services for students facilitated  by their Guidance Center will be available to support students especially regarding their mental and emotional health. These services can be accessed online, SMS or phone calls.

Student support services and co-curricular activities that are appropriate under the current set-up are also being designed in pursuit of the development of CU graduates as the “Total Person.”

About Capitol University

Capitol University (CU) formerly Cagayan Capitol College was established in 1971 as a non – sectarian, co – educational private academic institution,  that operates with the authority of the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

It was granted University Status by CHED on February 3, 2003 and was formally inaugurated as Capitol University with Atty. Casimiro B. Juarez, Jr. as its first University President on May 3, 2003.

Capitol University was granted Autonomous Status per CHED Memo No. 12,  s.2019 effective June 1, 2019. Having evolved as one of the premier academic institutions in the country, CU continues its thrust towards excellence in the areas of instruction, research and community engagement in order to achieve its mission of developing the youth into “Total Persons”.

In 2019, in preparation for the Golden Anniversary celebration of her Foundation (in February 14, 2021), CU reviewed her Vision-Mission with the purpose of making it more relevant and meaningful:

VISION

Accessible excellent education for enhanced quality of life.

Mission

Capitol University is committed to develop the youth into “Total Persons,” mature and responsible individuals who are intellectually, professionally, and technically competent, imbued with desirable attitudes, and steeped in moral and spiritual values, who will serve as catalysts for social transformation.

Core Values of the CU Graduate

Character

Capitol University strives to develop the “Total Person,” one who has a strong foundation of integrity, courage, and moral virtue. CU prepares her students to be engaged catalysts of hope and change in challenging times by developing their social consciousness and ethical leadership skills.

Competence

CU seeks to transform students into professionals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to enable them to respond to challenges and excel in the modern global arena.

Commitment

The Total Person is dedicated to excellence in all endeavors. CU ingrains among her students the value of hard work and a sense of responsibility, not only for their personal duties but also their role in the greater community. They know that the future of the country and the world rests in the work of their hands.

Culture

CU cultivates excellence in the arts, letters, and scholarly pursuits for the enrichment of the Filipino nation. CU also fosters progressive and tolerant individuals who appreciate and respect diverse histories, beliefs, and identities.

Care

CU engenders a culture of care characterized by showing concern, kindness, affection, and respect for other people. This begins by molding compassionate individuals with a sincere appreciation of the value of each person. Total Person development entails a balance between academic excellence and emotional intelligence thus, CU nurtures the capacities for high performance and high care.

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