University of Luzon News Feed

Canadian dentists touched by Dagupenos' generosity

IN THEIR travels around the world bringing kindness through dental service missions, Canadian dentists belonging to the Kindness in Action (KIA) group have never experienced such hospitality and support as in the Philippines, especially in Dagupan City.

“We were all taken aback by the kindness and hospitality of the people here,” said retired dentist Michael Myer, one of the KIA members who joined in the mission last week in Dagupan, the second time in seven years.

“2005 was a really good experience. We felt close to the people here,” he said referring to the first time the group went to the city to provide dental services to the students of the University of Luzon and outlying areas.

Myer narrated that he was asked to organize that first mission with just more than a week to prepare.

He was expecting the worst then, anticipating the same problems they previously encountered in other countries, but was proven wrong.

“I was pleasantly surprised to find so much help here. The work involved was reduced drastically. Everything was easier here,” said Myer who has since moved and lives in Bacolod.

Another KIA member, Rianna, who came with her mother and sister, said this is her fourth mission with the group and she never experienced such hospitality.

“The volunteers are incredible. A lot of people are wanting to help when we are here to help you,” she said.

Dr. Barry Crowley, the head of the delegation to the Philippines for 2012, echoed the sentiment saying, “You people give up a lot and do so much. You make us feel so welcome coming here.”

Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, director of the Center for Integrated Extension Services of the University of Luzon where the mission was conducted, said the outreach was intended to promote oral health care and reach out to marginalized sectors.

KIA, now with 250 members, is a voluntary group organized in 1994 with just seven members. Their second dental mission in Dagupan City, as well as in Sta. Barbara town, was held January 13-15 as part of their 23 missions this year in different countries.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2012/01/21/canadian-dentists-touched-by-dagupenos-generosity/

UL women's table tennis team shine among the best

1ST GOV. AMADO T. ESPINO, JR. CUP

THE women table tennis team of the University of Luzon (UL) proved it is among the best among national-level players when it grabbed the 2nd runner-up position in the women’s category in the 1st Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Cup Pangasinan National Open Table Tennis Challenge held December 9 to 11 at the Pangasinan State University Gym.

The UL team followed powerhouse Metropolitan Table Tennis Association (METTA), composed of players from UAAP Champion De La Salle University, as champions and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), 1st runner-up.

Espino, who welcomed the athletes during the opening program, expressed elation over the participation of big universities in Manila in Pangasinan’s first open table tennis tournament.

The competition is part of the provincial administration’s sports development program that includes the promotion of table tennis as a major sport.

A facility exclusively for table tennis is now under construction for the proper training of potential Pangasinenses and as a venue for future tournaments.

WINNERS

The UL women’s team is composed of Gelique Montoda, Ro-Ann Laureta, Berlin Kate Bautista, Marife Quidez, Danica Joy Cruz and coached by Benedicto Jose U. Tirante.

Other winners in the competition were:

Men’s division – Champion, METTA; 1st runner-up, Table Tennis Association of North District (TATAND); 2nd runner-up, Ateneo de Manila University.

Men’s Open – Champion, Rodel Valle (ADMU); 1st runner-up, Gil Ablanque (TATAND); 2nd runner-up, Lauro Crisostomo (METTA).

17-under – E Champion, Gil Ablanque (TATAND); 1st runner-up, Mikko Malonda (UP); 2nd runner-up, Walden Ledesma (METTA). (with report from PIO)

UL president re-elected APSCU regional chief

UNIVERSITY of Luzon president Dr. Macarthur Samson Sr. expressed his readiness to lead anew the Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU) following his re-election on November 17 as the group’s regional president for the next two years.

Also elected were Dr. Elita Valdez (Divine Word College of Vigan) as vice president for Higher Education; Elsa Unson (San Carlos College), VP for Technical–Vocational Education; Mario Zamoranos (Gifted Learning Center), VP for Basic Education; Dr. Rebeccah Kathleen Vidal (Joyland School), Treasurer; Demetria Mercado (Juan Luna Memorial Academy), Auditor; Dr. Marina Abella (Fund for Assistance to Private Education), Business Manager; Rex Lor (Escuela Nuestra Senora de La Sallette) and Elizabeth Camara (Lorma Colleges), PROs.

The elected Board of Directors are Dr. Efren Abulencia (University of Luzon), Elmo Olermo (Agno Kiddie School Inc.), Everlita Quinto (Diocesan Seminary of the Heart of Jesus), Dr. Maria Lilia Juan (VMUF), Maria Rondon (Cabugao Institute), Gregora De Guzman (QMA), Lowynne Susannah Pidlaoan (Our Lady of Grace School San Carlos), Lourdes Garcia (Great Plebian College), Jimmy Ramos (Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Academy), and Roy Pandaraoan (Roosevelt High School).

Samson said APSCU will continue to strengthen its ranks through greater collaboration and partnerships by tapping into the insights and experiences of more private educators throughout the region.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/11/19/ul-president-re-elected-apscu-regional-chief/

UL bestows doctorate on VM Fernandez

THE University of Luzon (UL) conferred a Doctor of Humanities in Public Administration on Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez in recognition of her accomplishments in the fields of business and public service.

The degree was conferred during the university's 95th Commencement Exercises held at the CSI Stadia with Fernandez as guest of honor and speaker.

Fernandez is an alumnus of UL, formerly Luzon Colleges, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce.

She was teary-eyed when she received the distinction from UL President Mac Arthur Samson; Atty. Liberato Reyna Jr., chairman of the board; Councilor Luis Samson Jr., executive vice president; and other members of the Board of Trustees.

In accepting the degree, Fernandez thanked UL for helping mold her into what she is now.

UL honored Fernandez for her success in the area of business and industry having founded and led the CSI Group of Companies that has grown into one of the biggest chains of shopping malls and retail stores in Northern Luzon.

Fernandez said she is sharing the honor with her family, especially her late father Jimmy Fernandez who started the family's grocery in Dagupan City 50 years ago and served as her role model and inspiration in setting up the CSI Group 25 years ago.

Fernandez said her late father taught her to value every centavo that she earns, and impressed upon her that “in business, every centavo counts”.

She said she applies the same principle in life as well as in public service, which means not wasting any centavo of the taxes paid by the people.

UL officials said that as a businesswoman, Fernandez shepherded many Dagupenos and other Pangasinenses to become more productive by opening windows of opportunities, a testament to her belief that in helping, others help themselves, which is above and beyond politics.

UL also recognized Fernandez for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for children’s rights and welfare.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/11/13/ul-bestows-doctorate-on-vm-fernandez/

Metro Dagupan retains PRISAA regional crown

Regional Collegiate Games held October 27-30 in Dagupan City and Lingayen.

The group garnered a total of 180 medals, comprising of 105 gold, 65 silver, and 20 bronze.

Powered by some 150 athletes from the Dagupan-based University of Luzon, the delegation dominated most of the 12-team and individual sports events that included athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, badminton, chess, dance sports, karatedo, swimming, taekwondo, and volleyball.

PRISAA Metro San Carlos Division, represented mostly by athletes from the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, amassed 71 gold, 50 of which in athletics, 52 silver, and 41 bronze medals, to bag second place.

La Union Division was at third with 14 gold, 36 silver, and 28 bronze.

Laoag City, Pangasinan I, and Pangasinan II Divisions placed 4th, 5th and 6^th, respectively.

The first place winners will represent PRISAA Region I in the PRISAA National National Collegiate Games to be held in Cebu City and Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in April next year.

Next year's regional games will be hosted by PRISAA Metro San Carlos.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/11/05/metro-dagupan-retains-prisaa-regional-crown/

UL wins SIFE Philippines National Competition

Makati City, Philippines–The University of Luzon SIFE team was named SIFE Philippines National Champion and will advance to represent the Philippines at the SIFE World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this October. Fifteen teams participated in the Philippines National Competition 23 July, and more than 300 people attended this event, including leading business executives who judged the competition.

Every country that operates a SIFE program is eligible to conduct a national competition for the teams in that country. Each SIFE team presents the results of their outreach projects to determine which teams made the most impact on their communities. The national champions then face each other at the SIFE World Cup. Thirty-nine SIFE teams are expected to participate in this year's international competition.

Source: http://www.sife.org/aboutsife/News/Pages/UniversityofLuzonWinsSIFEPhilippinesNationalCompetition2011.aspx

UL-SIFE BAGS NATIONAL EXPOSITION LEAGUE FIRST RUNNER-UP

The University of Luzon Students in Free Enterprise (UL SIFE) is the lone winner from Pangasinan declared as League First Runner-Up in the recently-concluded SIFE National Competition held at the Asian Institute of Management, Makati City, last July 17, 2009.

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Emmanuel Y. Angeles, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr., SIFE International Regional Vice President Dennis Lee and Pilipinas SIFE Chairman Jose P. Leviste, Jr. along with other national and international corporate executives graced this illustrious occasion in support of the promotion of social entrepreneurship via financial literacy and entrepreneurial development and in celebration of the accomplishments of SIFE Teams like Mariano Marcos State University, Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College, Baliuag University, San Beda College and others.

This annual event of bringing together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business convened more than 20 higher education institutions across the country under the auspices of the Pilipinas SIFE Movement is a prelude to the 2009 World Cup in Berlin Germany this October.

This is pursuit of creating global partnership between business and higher education that prepares tertiary-level students in making a meaningful contribution toward a sustainable future as catalyst of change envisioned to address business and economic issues in their communities.

In keeping with the said thrust, UL SIFE, represented by its presenters Blas Jordan T. Matias (BSA), Ela Gabrielle R. Santiago (BSA), Jeffrey V. Marcelo (BSA), Lora Thana R. Santiago (BSEd) and Jerrelie G. Roque (BSA) with their coaches Mr. Rolly P. Soriano, Mr. Michael N. Sison, Ms. Marcella V. Elinzano, Mr. Anastacio B. Aquino and Mr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, outmaneuvered its competitors with the Team?s flagship program dubbed as Agenda for Reforms and Initiatives for Sustainable Economy (ARISE) ably supported by the UL family under the tutelage of Dr. Mac Arthur M. Samson, Sr. and Dr. Aurora S. Reyna, UL President and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, respectively. The Program ARISE focused on 5 high impact and promising projects catering to specific marginalized groups and contemporary issues, to wit: Self-Help Initiatives for Group and Local Advancement (SIGLA): Halina?t Kumita, SHeGuradong Kaunlaran; University of Luzon for the Advancement of Detainees (UNLAD); Business and Entrepreneurial Skills Training (BEST) for Kids; Bolstering Initiatives for the Differently-Abled (BIDA); and Community Actions to Rescue the Earth (CARE).

UL vs. city hall court hearing starts

REGIONAL Trial Court Judge Emma Torio has started hearing the civil case filed against the city government by University of Luzon (UL) over the assessment and payment of business taxes.

Representatives of the two sides met in the judge's sala for the first time last week. The second meeting is yet to be set.

In an interview, UL president Mac Arthur Samson said he is waiting for other private schools, particularly Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU) headed by Atty. Gonzalo Duque, to file a similar legal action.

Duque, for his part, said LNU is prepared to do so and is just waiting for 15 days to lapse after the receipt of city hall of the university's demand letter for a refund of business taxes paid since 2001, even before the city's tax code under Ordinance No. 1855 was enacted in 2006.

Samson said UL and the other private schools in Dagupan including Ednas School, STI, Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy, and the Pangasinan Institute of Marine Science and Technology (PIMSAT) are also preparing to send a similar demand letter to the city government.

Samson said the case of UL against the Dagupan City government represented by Mayor Benjamin Lim, City Administrator Vladimir Mata and City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara has been bolstered by confirmation of former Councilor Michael Fernandez, author of the tax code, that private schools were not intended to be taxed under Ordinance 1855.

Samson said UL is presenting Fernandez, whose wife Maybelyn is an incumbent councilor, as their witness against the defendants.

Lim, meanwhile, shrugged off the issue saying he will simply wait for the court to decide on the matter.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/08/29/ul-vs-city-hall-court-hearing-starts/

Private schools demand tax refund

ALL private schools in Dagupan decided to take a united stand against the city government for the latter’s alleged illegal collection of business taxes.

In a meeting of all presidents of private schools in the city on August 9, the group agreed to stop paying business taxes with a demand for the city government to refund all the business taxes they had paid from 2001 to this year.

"We are uniting against any attempt to collect illegal taxes from us," said Atty. Gonzalo Duque, president of Lyceum Northwestern University.

Also present in the meeting were Dr. MacArthur Samson, president of University of Luzon, Edna Torio Gonzales, president of Ednas School, among others.

Dr. Voltaire Arzadon, president of the Colegio de Dagupan, did not attend but sent his representative. Saying they have "a good leg to stand on” in adopting the consensus to fight city hall, the private schools asserted that there is no ordinance enacted by the city government imposing business taxes on them.

Earlier, former Councilor Michael Fernandez admitted that when the Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted the Dagupan tax code, contained in Ordinance No. 1855, in 2005, private schools were not intended to be taxed.

Fernandez, the author of Ordinance 1855 and the SP chairman on ways and means at that time, said representatives of private schools were not even invited during public hearings conducted on the measure because they were not contemplated to be covered.

“I think we have a strong case against the city government because there was no ordinance imposing business tax from 2001 to 2006 and that Ordinance No. 1855 just codified all ordinances that were earlier passed,” said Duque.

Duque, a lawyer, said the imposition of business tax by the city is “illegal exaction”.

"They earlier called us tax cheats, then what are they collecting from us without an ordinance?" he added.

TAX REFUND

Nonetheless, Duque said they are giving the city government a chance to correct itself by reimbursing the business taxes they have paid over the last 11 years.

As an example, Duque cited that LNU paid the city government some P3 million from 2001 to 2006 and up to P2.9 million from 2007 to 2011 on the assumption that there was an ordinance enacted by the SP imposing business taxes on private schools.

Duque said he is withholding the plan to bring the city government to court, pending the response of the city government to their demand letter. The letter was addressed to Mayor Benjamin Lim.

The UL already filed a civil case before the Regional Trial Court against respondents Dagupan City Government, Mayor Benjamin Lim, City Administrator Vladimir Mata and City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara seeking to declare their imposition of business taxes as illegal.

Duque said it is incumbent upon the city government to reimburse the full amount paid to it, invoking a principle in civil law which states that where there was error in the imposition of taxes, reimbursement should therefore be made.

On the contention that taxmen of the city government were collecting business taxes from the private schools on the basis of the general provision of the Local Government Code, Duque merely chuckled and said this cannot be done without the necessary ordinance.

He said such contention is untenable as Rep. Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 merely sets the guidelines for Local Government Units on how they can impose taxes.

“The code sets the limitation, defines who should be subject to tax and the necessary requirements of a valid ordinance and does not impose the tax itself,” Duque said.

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/08/14/private-schools-demand-tax-refund/

UL, UPang, CdD drub foes

LIVING up to their title as defending champions, the University of Luzon Golden Tigers beat tournament leader Lyceum Northwestern University Dukes, 83-80, in their game last Thursday held at the DWAD gym for the ongoing 2011 PRISAA-UCAAP Collegiate Basketball Championship.

The Tigers orchestrated a 15-1 jump start with its center John Larry Balmes at the helm pumping in 10 of his team’s 20-15 lead in the first period.

They never relinquished the lead up to the end, surviving a serious threat in the fourth and final quarter, giving the Dukes their first loss after four outings.

The Tigers and the Duke now share the league’s top slots with a single failure, identical with UPang-PHINMA Flames.

“It’s experience that made us victorious. I’ll give credit to my boys especially the veterans Jonathan Panunciar, Balmes and Nikko Cresencio,” said assistant coach Byron Vidal.

Panunciar has a team high 18, Balmes had 17 and Cresencio contributed 12 points.

In the first game, the Flame set another milestone by breaching anew the century mark for points, plastering the AIE-College Golden Eagles, 111-77. The Flames clobbered PIMSAT, 131-67, on August 8.

The Eagles suffered their third defeat with a single conquest.

In the second game, three-point specialist Eugene Ponce nailed a tough shot with 11 seconds left and converted two free throws with one tick remaining to lift Colegio de Dagupan Blue Stallions past PAMMA Sea Warriors, 93-89. The Stallions and Warriors are now tied at fourth place behind leaders UL, LNU and UPang-PHINMA.

“Despite our two consecutive setbacks, our boys’ big heart, determination and confidence still stay and I believe that’s the main reason why we were victorious,” coach PJ Samson happily quipped.

For the games on August 15, to be held at the DWAD gym, LNU faces AIE-C at 1:00 p.m. CdD tangles with UPang-PHINMA at 2:30 p.m., while PAMMA tackles PIMSAT at 4:00 p.m.

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/08/13/ul-upang-cdd-drub-foes/

UL to represent Phl in SIFE World Cup

THE University of Luzon (UL) will be the Philippine representative in the 2011 Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) World Cup to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 3 to 5.

The SIFE World Cup is a competition among higher education institutions for the best “application of business concepts to develop outreach”.

UL earned entry into the competition after besting 14 other colleges and universities in the country. It will present its ARISE (Agenda for Reforms and Initiatives toward Sustainable Economy) Program.

The ARISE Program is aimed at empowering high-risk and marginalized sectors of the community, with particular focus on children, unemployed women, out-of-school-youth, and persons with disabilities, for financial independence. Environmental protection is also addressed.

The program has so far benefitted 4,686 families including creation of alternative livelihood for 800 fisher folks, generation of fund amounting to P150,000 from clean-up drive and garbage collections, training and employment for jobless women in Dagupan City, and the preservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces in Banaue.

ARISE Program comprises Project Save Plus (Sustainable Actions for Viable Entrepreneurship Plus), Project i Care (Intensified Community Actions to Rescue the Earth), Project WELL (Women “Energizement” for Life-long Livelihood) and Project WOW (Wealth on Wonders) Ifugao.

The UL delegation will join some 1,000 students, 100 faculty members and administrators, and 400 business people and judges from 39 countries.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/08/13/ul-to-represent-phl-in-sife-world-cup/

UL hosts youth plan consultation

THE University of Luzon (UL) in Dagupan will host on August 8 the regional consultation for the formulation of its Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP).

Inputs from the discussion, organized by the National Youth Commission (NYC), will be included in the PYDP, which will be part of the recently approved Philippine Development Plan of 2011-2016.

Armando Angeles of NYC Northern Luzon said the PYDP wants a participatory process in identifying key issues and opportunities, enabling condition, proposed strategies and policies which the government and other stakeholders should further create for the youth.

The consultation will also list activities and ideas that the youth can contribute for the improvement of the economy of local communities.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/08/07/ul-hosts-youth-plan-consultation/

Private schools not covered by tax ordinance

TAX CODE AUTHOR ISSUES CLARIFICATION

PRIVATE schools in Dagupan City will likely turn the table on the city government with the admission of former Councilor Michael Fernandez that these institutions were “not contemplated to be covered” by City Ordinance No. 1855, the Revenue Code of Dagupan.

He made the clarification in a meeting with Dr. Gonzalo Duque, president of the Lyceum-Northwestern University, last Wednesday after the latter appeared before the Sangguniang Panglungsod to protest the insistence of the Lim administration of the Dagupan City government to collect business taxes from private schools.

Fernandez told Duque that during the discussions on the tax code, no educational, religious or charitable institution was invited during the public hearing “because they were not contemplated to be covered by the proposed city ordinance.”

This, according to Duque, confirmed what he earlier pointed out that no representative from the private schools was invited during the marathon public hearing held from October 11 to 14, 2005, violating the due process provision of the constitution, thus making it defective.

The former councilor, who authored the ordinance and was then chairman of the committee on ways and means of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), said, “I think it is my responsibility to shed light on the matter to finally put the issue to rest.”

Fernandez said, "There is no specific provision either (in Ordinance No. 1855) citing any educational, religious or charitable institution, whether they are profit or non-profit – specifically on educational institution – because they play a major role in educating the society and the citizenry of Dagupan.”

He explained that while all institutions share the burden of paying regulatory fees, such as sanitary permits for example, these are not taxes as they fall under the police power of the city government as authorized by the local government code.

NOT INVITED

Duque asked for certified copies of documents showing that they were really invited when the proposed ordinance was being heard but Rizalino Uson, acting secretary of the SP, attested that no invitations were sent to the schools.

Councilor Jesus Canto said if the schools were not indeed invited then they should not be taxed.

However, Councilor Brian Lim, son of the mayor, contended that it does not matter whether or not the schools were invited since the revenue code has long been adopted before Duque made his claim.

UL CASE

Last month, the University of Luzon headed by Dr. Mac Arthur Samson filed a civil case on the issue against the Dagupan City government, Mayor Lim, City Administrator Vladimir Mata and City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara.

The case is now set for hearing at the sala of Regional Trial Court Judge Emma Torio.

Duque added that LNU is also contemplating on filing a similar case, which will include the council members as respondents but only incidental to the case.

Duque said the SP should defer any action pending the court’s decision.

“We may run counter to what the RTC may decide eventually. Since the jurisdiction has been passed to the local RTC, we should allow it to decide the case and act accordingly once judgment has been served,” he said.

Duque said if the court finds the assessment on private schools by the city government as illegal, he will ask the city government to reimburse all the business taxes paid by LNU worth about P400,000 per quarter, which they had been religiously paying since Ordinance 1855 took effect.

"We have to proceed with the suit because taxmen of Mayor Lim continue to harass me by sending me letters requiring me to present our gross receipts, including our articles of incorporation," he added.

IRR

Though elated by Fernandez’s admission, Duque said he remains puzzled on what possible legal basis the city government may have used in levying business taxes on private schools.

He suspects that the problem lies in the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) set by the Mayor’s office could have a provision on the imposition of business taxes on private schools.

Fernandez, however, said it is illegal to make provisions in the implementing rules that were not provided in the approved ordinance.

The IRR for the tax code was issued by Lim in 2006.

Councilor Lim earlier said the doctrine of estoppel and laches, or the unreasonable delay in pursuing a right or claim, may already have forfeited any claim for tax exemption.

However, Duque, a lawyer, asserts that the law on estoppel will not apply on them because in this particular case, they paid the business taxes on the assumption that there is a law applied on them and the same is legal, which was what the city government made to appear.

City Ordinance No. 1855 was published in full in The PUNCH on January 8, 2006. (with report from PIA-Pangasinan)

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/07/31/private-schools-not-covered-by-tax-ordinance/

UL, LNU UPANG post opening victories

2011 PRISAA-UCAAP CBC

THREE favored teams led by defending champion University of Luzon Golden Tigers, 2009 titlist Lyceum Northwestern University Dukes and 2005 winner University of Pangasinan-PHINMA Flames won in their respective opening games in the 2011 PRISAA-UCAAP Collegiate Basketball Championship.

The opening was held at the Dagupan People’s Astrodome on July 27 as scheduled despite the onslaught of typhoon “Juaning”.

The Tigers posted a six-point lead in the first half, 31-25, applied a suffocating defense in the third quarter and completely rattled their opponent, the Colegio de Dagupan Blue Stallions, at the last juncture, and finished with a convincing 86-57 victory.

“We didn’t expect a blowout, we just prepared so hard because we’re the defending champions and luckily we picked up a lopsided victory,” said Tigers coach Jack Vidal.

Meanwhile, LNU appears to have found a new gem in George Alipio as the Dukes posted a hard earned 96-92 victory over the stubborn PIMSAT quintet.

With slim leads in the first three quarters, 21-19, 43-42, 62-59, the Dukes’ newly hired coach Angel Gumarang used the rested and energized thin-wily guard Alipio in the fourth and final period who pumped in seven points in the last three minutes, including an important trey that stunned the opponent and secured the team’s victory.

In the third and last game of the day, the Flames started first to score and never let go of the lead in all the four quarters, plastering PAMMA Sea Warriors, 104-89.

The 21^st season of the PRISAA-UCAAP Collegiate basketball Championships, dubbed as the "Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Cup", is participated in by seven teams, including AIE College International-British Academics "Golden Eagles".

GAMES on August 1

(Salvador T. Duque Fieldhouse, formerly LNU gym)

1:00 p.m. AIE-C vs. CdD
2:30 p.m. LNU vs. PAMMA
4:00 p.m. UL vs. PIMSAT

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/07/30/ul-lnu-upang-post-opening-victories/

CITY BIDS FAREWELL TO TWO GREAT SONS

DAGUPAN CITY –Mayor Benjamin S. Lim led City Hall employees in bidding first elected city Mayor Liberato Llamas Reyna Sr. and former city Councilor-son Cesar Calimlim Reyna, farewell as their horse-drawn carriage bearing their caskets were rested for a moment at the city hall lobby in the departure honors given to them by the city last Thursday.

Lim fondly described Mama Libreng as “a champion for those who had none and a man who passionately served this city with intelligence, sincerity, maturity, and integrity.”

He, likewise acknowledge his son Cesar’s contribution to the city in his work as a distinguished member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

“On behalf of the city government of Dagupan, I join you in mourning the parting of two distinguished leaders of our city. However, I also believe that Mama Libreng and Cesar would not want to see us in grief over their passing, but rather they would want to see us celebrate how they live,” he said.

He added that “it was once said that the passage of time never really feels the tragic memory of such a great loss, but we carry on because we have too, because our loved ones would want us too and because there is still light to guide us in the work and the love they gave us.”

“From a grateful city, thank you so much. May God bless Mama Libreng and Cesar and may they rest in eternal peace,” said Lim.

Pall bearers of Mama Libreng’s casket were Lim, former city mayors Alipio F. Fernandez Jr. and Felipe Siapno, former Vice-Mayor Teodoro C. Manaois, former city Councilor Alejandro S. Decano, and city Councilor Luis M. Samson Jr.

For the late councilor, pall bearers were city Councilors Marc Brian C. Lim, Jesus D. Canto Jr., Jeslito C. Seen, Alipio Serafin D, Fernandez, Redford P. Erfe-Mejia, Alvin T. Coquia, Guillermo P. Vallejos, and John Chester Gonzales.

Reyna Sr. was 94 and Cesar was 61.

Source: http://www.dagupan.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=240:city-bids-farewell-to-two-great-sons&catid=35:latest-news&Itemid=12

Reyna father and son laid to rest

IT was virtually a reunion of politicians, past and present, and of relatives when two distinguished sons of Dagupan, former Mayor Liberato Reyna Sr. and former Councilor Cesar Reyna were laid to rest last July 14 at the Eternal Gardens.

Former Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., who was vice mayor when the elder Reyna was at the helm of the city for the third and last time, joined incumbent Mayor Benjamin Lim as pallbearers of the Reyna patriarch.

The other pall bearers were former Vice Mayor Teodoro Manaois III, whose father Cipriano succeeded Reyna as mayor in 1967, and Councilor Luis Samson Jr., whose late father Luis co-founded with 'Mama Libring' the Luzon Colleges, now the University of Luzon (UL); and former Vice Mayor and OIC Mayor Felipe Siapno.

Reyna fought the father of Teodoro, Cipriano, for the mayorship of Dagupan twice — winning the first and losing the second. The two were also balaes as Cesar married the Manaois patriarch’s daughter, Marlyn, mother of Councilor Ma. Librada Fe Reyna.

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who partnered with Reyna in many political battles, and his wife, Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia, were represented by their daughter, former Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Clarissa Cruz Evangelista.

The Estrellas were represented by partylist Rep. Robert Estrella Jr.

Former Councilor Teofilo Guadiz III, now chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the National Capital Region, came to condole with the Reyna family.

Before reaching the Saint John the Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral, the caskets of the Reyna father and son, carried on horse-drawn carriages, passed by city hall where honor ceremonies were accorded by city officials and employees led by Lim and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez.

The UL Band and a squad of honor guards from the Philippine Army preceded the carriages.

At the jampacked cathedral, Auxiliary Bishop Renato Mayugba said not only the Reyna family mourns the loss of their loved ones but the whole of Dagupan as well.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/07/17/reyna-father-and-son-laid-to-rest/

Reyna, one of founding fathers of Dagupan, dies

DAGUPAN City mourns the demise of one of its founding fathers, former Mayor Liberato Ll. Reyna Sr. who passed away on July 1 at the age of 94 due to lingering illness.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod on July 4 passed a resolution conveying its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the Reyna patriarch who served as mayor for three terms, including his stint as officer-in-charge of Dagupan when former President Corazon C. Aquino came to power following the Edsa revolution.

Reyna's two grandchildren, Karlos Liberato Reyna IV and Ma. Librada Reyna, are both on their second terms as members of the SP.

The Reyna patriarch also once served as a councilor of Dagupan as a town, prior to its cityhood.

A lawyer, Reyna is remembered in Dagupan's history as the first elected and re-elected mayor of the city in the late 50s and early 60s.

He first served as mayor for two terms, then was appointed as Dagupan's officer-in-charge by Aquino.

Having served as the steward of the city during one of the nation's turbulent times, Reyna was chosen by the people of Dagupan to lead them anew.

In extolling the late mayor, 4th District Representative Gina de Venecia said the Reyna patriarch represented the best spirits of the Dagupeños — love of country, intelligence, compassion, and an abiding desire to make Dagupan a city of greater freedom and prosperity.

In 1947, he was one of the pioneers in the field of education who helped Dr. Luis Samson Sr. in establishing the Luzon Colleges, now known as University of Luzon.

Reyna is survived by his children Teresita, Lito, Liberato Jr., Ramon and Cesar. His third son Jesus, a doctor, died in a car accident with some other members of his family in the early 80s.

Mayor Benjamin Lim has ordered the display of Philippine flags at half-mast in all city government institutions and buildings starting last Friday.

During last Monday’s flag raising ceremony, Lim led a moment of silence and prayer for the departed former mayor.

The city government will formally honor Reyna in brief ceremonies when the casket is brought to the city hall before the interment.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/07/10/reyna-one-of-founding-fathers-of-dagupan-dies/

FLAG AT HALF-MAST AS CITY MOURNS DEATH OF EX-MAYOR REYNA SR.

DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Benjamin S. Lim has ordered the display of Philippine flags at half mast in all city government institutions and buildings starting last Friday as the city mourns the demise of one of the great leaders that Dagupan ever had, former Mayor Liberato Ll. Reyna Sr., who died at the age of 94.

Reyna Sr. was elected twice as mayor of the city. His first stint was on January 1, 1960, where he served his term well until December 31, 1967. After the EDSA Revolution, he was appointed as mayor from May 21, 1986 up to December 7, 1987.

On February 1, 1987, he was elected for the second time as mayor and served the city for five years until he relinquished his post on June 30, 1992.

He is best remembered as the instrument of bringing Dagupan back to its feet as the leading trade and commercial center in Northern Luzon after the devastating earthquake in July 1990.

Lim, who considered Reyna Sr. as his father, recognized the former mayor as a great leader and described his death as a great loss for the city.

During last Monday’s flag raising ceremony, Lim led a moment of silence and asked every city hall employee to pray with him for the repose of the former mayor’s soul.

The city is planning to give the former mayor the honor that is befitting a city official.

However, Lim said that he will have to consult first with the family of the departed mayor because being a city official and a mayor at that, it is but proper that the city will give him the honor and respect of bringing his casket at the city hall.”

Reyna Sr. is the grandfather of city councilors Karlos Liberato E. Reyna IV and Ma. Librada Fe M. Reyna.

Source: http://www.dagupan.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=234:flag-at-half-mast-as-city-mourns-death-of-ex-mayor-reyna-sr&catid=35:latest-news&Itemid=12

Reyna, first elected mayor of Dagupan, joins Creator

DAGUPAN CITY, July 4 — One of the early forerunners of today’s modern Dagupan City, former three-term Mayor Liberato Reyna Sr., died last Friday, July 1, due to lingering illness. He was 94.

Reyna was remembered in the annals of history of the city as the first elected city mayor of Dagupan in 1957, who was reelected to the same position in 1961.

He did not seek reelection after completing two terms, preferring instead to return to private practice and serve as chairman of the board of the Luzon Colleges, which he helped establish in 1947 with fellow educator, Atty. Luis Samson Sr.

The Luzon Colleges, first known as Luzon Colleges of Business Administration, later became University of Luzon.

Reyna was again reelected in 1987 after a short term as officer-in-charge of Dagupan when President Corazon C. Aquino came to power.

A lawyer, Reyna built the Perez Market here, named after his late political ally, Speaker Eugenio Perez who was author of a law (Republic Act 147) that created Dagupan into a chartered city, separate from the province of Pangasinan.

It was during his incumbency that the 72-hectare national park in Bonuan, near the sea, was established through a presidential proclamation signed by then President Diosdado Macapagal.

Prior to becoming a city mayor, he was also a councilor of the then municipality of Dagupan.

Reyna is survived by his children Teresita, Lito. Liberato Jr., Ramon and Cesar. His third child, Jesus, died in a vehicular accident in1982.

His two grandchildren, Ma.Librada, daughter of Cesar Reyna; and Karlos Liberato IV, son of Ramon Reyna, are incumbent councilors of Dagupan.

The city council with Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez as presiding officer passed a resolution expressing its deep condolences to the Reyna family for the demise of former Mayor Reyna.

The remains of the Reyna patriarch now lie in state at their ancestral home at Barangay Tapuac, just in front of the Dagupan City National High School.

Source: http://bayanihan.org/2011/07/06/obit-reyna-first-elected-mayor-of-dagupan-joins-creator/

Starting the School Year Right

A Thanksgiving mass was held at the Don Luis F. Samson Estadio last June 27, 2011 as a way to thank the Almighty for the blessings and to ask His Guidance in all the university activities. Most Reverend Socrates B. Villegas, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan officiated the mass. An open forum on various topics followed as a way for Archbishop Villegas to bond with the Luzonians.

UL files case vs. city gov't

A CIVIL case for injunction and declaration of nullity of business tax was filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) by the University of Luzon (UL) against the City of Dagupan, Mayor Benjamin Lim, City Administrator Vladimir Mata and City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara.

The complaint, received by the RTC on May 26, 2011, was signed by UL President Mac Arthur Samson for the university.

In its petition, UL asked the court to declare the imposition, assessment and billing of business tax on the educational institution by the Dagupan City government in the amount of less than P1 million void ab initio (void from the beginning).

Samson has been asserting that private schools, under the law, are exempt from paying business taxes.

Moreover, the university asked the court to restrain the respondents from imposing, assessing and collecting business tax from the petitioner and directing all respondents to write off all prior impositions, assessment and billing on business taxes on the petitioner.

UL contends that under the Local Government Code of 1991, private schools are not listed as among the business establishments to be taxed.

It also cited the Local Revenue Code (City Ordinance No. 1855), particularly Section 109, which does not list private schools are among those subject for taxation.

In filing the civil case, UL cited the Latin maxim “expresso unis est exclusion alterius” which was adopted in a decision of the Supreme Court which says: “Where a statue, by its term, is expressly limited to certain matters, it may not, by interpretation be extended to others.”

The university also maintained that statutes levying taxes or duties are to be construed strongly against the government and in favor of the subject or citizen, because burdens are not imposed beyond what statutes expressly and clearly declare.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/06/12/ul-files-case-vs-city-gov't/

Colleges to sue City Hall for "Illegal Taxation"

MEMBERS of the Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU) in Dagupan are filing this week a legal complaint against the city government for “illegal taxation.”

Speaking for APSCU, University of Luzon President MacArthur Samson said private schools in Dagupan are already paying corporate taxes, mayor’s permit and other fees and maintained that are under the law, they should be exempt from business tax.

“Lahat kami nagbabayad. Double taxation nga yong ginagawa nila at illegal… Dinaig nila ang BIR(Bureau of Internal Revenue), based sa gross income ang sinisingil nila,” Samson said, referring to the city’s imposition of business tax computed as one percent of gross income multiplied by 75 percent.

Samson also clarified that that the APSCU members in the city are not seeking a new tax exemption per se for private schools but the enforement of the exemption that is already theirs under existing laws.

He cited that the revised city revenue code of 2007 does not include or mention private schools as among business establishments to be taxed.

“Kung wala ibig sabihin we are tax exempt,” Samson said during the KBP Forum last week.

PRECEDENT

Samson, who heads the provincial and regional associations of private schools, also stressed that their battle with the city hall is being closely watched by other colleges since it could set a bad precedent for private schools in other local government units.

“Hindi lang laban ito ng private schools sa Dagupan but in the whole country… Binabantayan ng lahat ito ngayon. Sabi nila, pag natalo ka ryan isusunod kami,” he said.

On the other hand, Dagupan Mayor Benjamin Lim, in another media forum, asserted that the granting of an exemption from business tax payment to private schools will set a precedent for other businesses.

He asserted that nothing would stop other sectors for demanding for the same exemption by invoking their contributions to the economy.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/05/14/colleges-to-sue-city-hall-for-"illegal-taxation"/

Tax exemption for city's private schools in the works

THE Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Dagupan has passed on second reading a proposed ordinance exempting all private schools, colleges and universities in the city duly accredited by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education from payment of business tax.

The proposed ordinance, authored by Councilor Alipio Serafin Fernandez and co-authored by seven other councilors belonging to the majority, recognizes the important role of private educational institutions to the growth of Dagupan as the educational and trading center of the north.

Fernandez said the private schools are considered as Dagupan’s “sunshine industry”, which drives the growth of ancillary businesses and other investments.

Under the Local Government Code, it would take a two-third vote of all the members to pass such an ordinance which grants exemption certain sectors of the economy in the city.

Councilor Jeslito Seen, chairman on the committee on appropriations, said there were more than nine councilors who voted for the measure on second reading.

When approved on third and final reading next week, the ordinance shall take effect next year and will be effective for just 12 months.

APSCU SUPPORT

The proposed measure is supported by the 33-member Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU) in Dagupan City, pointing out that this is in accord with Article XIV, Section 4 (3) of the 1987 Constitution.

The provision states that “All revenues and assets of non-stock, non-profit educational institutions used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties and that even proprietary educational institutions, including those cooperatively owned, may likewise be entitled to such exemptions.”

APSCU also maintained that it is within the conferred powers of the local sanggunian to grant tax exemptions under Section 192 of the Local Government Code, which states that “Local government units may, through ordinances duly approve, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms and conditions.”

APSCU said the grant of exemption will strengthen private schools, colleges and universities by providing them with increased basic assistance which will allow them to assume an even larger share of responsibility in educating the youth.

Heads of the private schools trooped to the SP session hall on Monday when the legislative body tackled Draft Ordinance No. 0-455.

Among the resource persons present when the measure was being deliberated were Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque, president of Lyceum-Northwestern University; Dr. Mac Arthur Samson, president of University of Luzon (UL); and Dr. Aurora Samson-Reyna, UL vice president.

Samson-Reyna said private schools are “the geese that lay the golden eggs for the city”

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/05/07/tax-exemption-for-city's-private-schools-in-the-works/

New Dagupan seal to be unveiled April 25

THE new Dagupan City Seal will be unveiled and formally presented to the public on April 25 at the Museo na Dagupan by Mayor Benjamin Lim and the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez.

The winning design was submitted by Carmelo John E. Vidal from Poblacion Oeste, director of the Center for Integrated Extension Services and National Service Training Program Unit of the University of Luzon.

One of the seal’s components is a shield distinct from the shield in the seal of the Province of Pangasinan as Dagupan is an independent component city.

There is also a depiction of a highway crossing with railroad track, horseshoe magnet, the slogan “SIGUE DAGUPAN” emblazoned on a ribbon below the shield, a bangus figure, seven waves, rising sun, gear wheel, blazing torch and 31 stars representing the barangays.

The highway crossing with railroad track, retained from the original seal of Dagupan, depicts the city’s strategic position where different cultures meet, which gives rise to the name “Pandaragupan”, which means meeting place in Pangasinan.

The slogan “SIGUE DAGUPAN” was also originally a part of the old seal that was conceptualized and designed by the late Roman Catholic Archbishop Mariano Madriaga.

The seven waves represent the seven tribunaries (Pantal, Patogkawen, Calmay, Tanap, Dawel, Sinolocan, and Bayaoas Rivers) of the city’s rivers system forming part of the mother Agno River.

The numeral “1947” is inscribed at the center of the shield, which signifies the year the city was established as a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act. No. 170.

The panel of evaluators for the seal-designing competition were Paco Santos, a professional artist; Alex Duque, former station manager of DZMQ; and Romualdo Patrick Siapno, president of JCI Dagupan Bangus, Inc.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/04/24/new-dagupan-seal-to-be-unveiled-april-25/

VP Binay is UL commencement speaker

Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay will be the speaker during the 94th commencement exercises of the University of Luzon to be held April 12 at the CSI Stadia.

In recognition of his efforts in championing excellence in local governance, Binay will be presented a Doctorate of Humanities (Public Administration), honoris causa and the Luis F. Samson Sr. Medallion of Honor and Scroll of Commendation, one of the highest awards presented by the university, by UL president Dr. Macarthur Samson Sr.

Before his election as the country's vice president last year, Binay was mayor of Makati from 1988 to 2010 in various terms.

He also served as chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, board member of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and director of Metro Manila Transit Corporation.

Dr. Aurora Samson-Reyna, UL vice president for academic affairs, said more than 700 degree candidates will be graduating from the Dagupan and Pozorrubio campuses of UL.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/04/10/vp-binay-is-ul-commencement-speaker/

UL confers doctorate on FAPE exec

THE University of Luzon conferred an Honoris Causa degree on Carolina Catenza-Porio, executive director of the Fund Assistance for Private Education (FAPE) on March 15.

Catenza-Porio was conferred the Doctor of Pedagogy, honoris causa in recognition of her eminent stature as educator-administrator and book author.

The honoris causa conferment is part of UL’s commitment to dedicate school year 2010-2011, its 63rd year anniversary, to acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals like Catenza-Porio who was cited for “strengthening the country’s education fiber by widening educational opportunities for the youth and elevated the role of women in nation-building.”

Private school owners to BSL: "We can talk!"

LAWYER Gonzalo Duque, president of Lyceum-Northwestern University, said he and the other college and university presidents are ready to hold a dialogue with Mayor Benjamin Lim at the latter’s instance.

Duque said they will meet with the mayor “if he will call for us”.

Last week, Duque lambasted Lim in reaction to the mayor’s statement in a public forum that insinuated that private school owners are “tax cheats”.

“I am sorry that we had to react the way we did,” Duque said, pointing out that he considers the mayor a family friend.

At the same time, Duque said he and the other school owners are standing firm on their position that under the law, private schools are exempt from paying local business taxes.

Duque, along with Dr. Mac Arthur Samson, president of UL, and Dr. Voltaire Arzadon, president of Colegio de Dagupan, sent letters on February 18 protesting the imposition of business taxes by the city on their institutions, since there is a ruling of the Department of Finance exempting educational institutions.

The letter was addressed to Lim, Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez and the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

SP CLARIFICATION

Duque also welcomed the statement of Councilor Luis Samson Jr. that private schools are exempt from business taxes based on City Ordinance No. 1855 or the Revenue Code of Dagupan.

Duque said the private schools would now like to get a clarification from the SP on the matter.

“If ever the schools paid under the wrong notion, it does not mean that the practice of paying makes the same legal,” he added referring to the regular payments of taxes to the city government by all private schools in the city in the past.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/03/13/private-school-owners-to-bsl-"we-can-talk"/

UL students boost blood donation drive

THE Philippine National Red Cross in the province collected last week 133,150 cc of blood from 303 donors who were mostly students of the University of Luzon.

Dr. Carmelo Vidal, school director for extension services, said the activity was aimed at increasing the awareness of students on voluntary blood donation, which the school organizes twice a year.

"We are fortunate to have an increasing number of donors every year. Our students even brought their family members to donate blood," Vidal said.

Red Cross chapter administrator Florame Magalong thanked the university for complying with the agency's 'Pledge 25' program, which targets 16-25 year olds, mostly students, to donate blood.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/03/13/ul-students-boost-blood-donation-drive/

Councilor hits city hall's tax assessments on schools

DAGUPAN Councilor Luis Samson Jr., chairman of the Dagupan city council's committee on education, said denounced the city government for sending tax assessments to private schools in the city it deemed delinquent.

He aid the city government has no legal basis to demand local business taxes from private schools based on the current revenue code of the city.

Samson, also an official of the privately-owned University of Luzon (UL), said private educational institutions do not fall under the category of ordinary enterprises.

In a privilege speech before the Sangguniang Panlungsod last week, Samson cited the Local Government Code of 1991, Book II, Title II, Chapter 1, Section 130 (b), which states that taxes, fees, charges and other imposition on private schools "shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, or confiscatory, and not contrary to law, public policy, national economic policy, or in the restraint of trade”.

This, he said, is in accord with the 1987 Philippine Constitution which explicitly grants tax exemption to educational institutions, the rationale of which, according to Constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas, is to preserve the democratic choice of students, enable educational institutions to improve their quality, and make quality education more affordable to students.

Earlier, lawyer Gonzalo Duque, president of Lyceum-Northwestern University, denounced Mayor Benjamin Lim for insinuating in a public forum that owners of private schools are "tax cheats".

The city government earlier sent notices of tax assessments to private schools in the city.

NO POWER

Samson stressed that the city government does not possess "inherent power" to impose local taxes “unless there is a valid tax ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panglunsod to support it".

“The recent notice of assessment on educational institutions in the city is a material and substantial invasion of the right of private schools because the city government is insisting the imposition of local business taxes even without the proper tax ordinance,” Samson said.

He called on the city government “to correct this travesty and reverse this policy on imposing taxes on educational institutions who have owned up to the bigger chunk of shared responsibility for our city."

The councilor added that private schools are willing to lend support to the city’s development in terms of tax payments but will do so with the right legal basis.

He compared the city government’s move to the fable of the goose that lays the golden egg.

"The moral of the golden goose is simple: Short-sighted tax impositions like this can end up making all of us suffer. In its zeal to get more gold from the goose, the city government may well have cooked its own goose," Samson said,

He cited the example of Marikina City which passed an ordinance exempting all private schools from business taxes.—

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/03/13/councilor-hits-city-hall?s-tax-assessments-on-schools/

EDUC Team to compete on the choric speech tilt

UL students from the College of Education are now rolling up their sleeves in preparation for the upcoming Regional Choric Speech Competition slated this February 24 2011, and will be held at the Lyceum North Western University.

The team who will compete with 13 other contenders from Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and San Fernando La Union is a merging of 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year and 4th year Education students majoring in English.

As the competition approaches, the team rigorously prepares for the battle to bring another glory to the University of Luzon. The competition initiated by the Commission on Higher Education attempts to strengthen the inclination of the Filipino students into the English language. The team will compete with their piece "Voice in Silence" and will be supervised by Prof. Jocelyn Limjoco.

UL prepares for its 63rd foundation anniversary

The College of Engineering and Architecture at the forefront of this year’s university-wide activities, assures an exciting and surprising 63^rd Founding Anniversary for Luzonians this coming February 28 to March 4, 2011. It would be a week loaded with fun and exciting programs. The line of events that will materialize the entire revelry will include: Academic and Cultural Competition (March 1-2), DBC Concert and Field Demonstration (March 3), Student Jam, Faculty and Non-Faculty Grand Ball (March 4). The celebration will kick-off with a motorcade on February 28, and the most anticipated highlight of the affair, the search for Mr. and Ms. University of Luzon, will push through on February 28 and March 3, respectively.

Alannah Guselle Cuison, reigning Ms. UL, and presently holding the Ms. RAHEI stint and vying for the Ms. NAHEI crown will pass her title to the contender who can embody beauty, intelligence, and talent in the said competition. A preliminary pageant was already conducted by Mr. Resty Fernandez, Chairman of the Search for Mr. and Ms. UL.

UL Holds Recognition Day

The University of Luzon held its Recognition Day for outstanding academic students from the various colleges last January 28, 2010 at the UL Multi-Purpose Hall.

The program opened with a Doxology followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by the ULCC. UL Pres. Dr. Mac Arthur M. Samson delivered the opening remarks followed by the introduction of the guest speaker by Mr. John Eddie Gonzales.

Arch. Emmanuel P. Palaganas, Deputized Zoning Administrator City Planning & Development office Dagupan City, was the guest speaker in the said event and was presented the Salamat Po Award by Dr. Mac Arthur Samson, Dean, CEA-AIT assisted by Engr. Florentino Cuison, Assistant Dean, CEA-AIT.

Certificates of Merit were awarded to the outstanding students by their respective deans assisted by the parents/guardians. Engr. Jeanila M. Ballesteros, Administrative Officer, CEA-AIT delivered the closing remarks.

The 202 outstanding students topped their respective classes and were the in the Dean?s List during the first semester SY 2010-2011. The College of Accountancy had the most number of Dean?s listers with 70, Computer Studies-33; Education-22; MedTech-Pharma-20; Nursing-14; Liberal Arts-12; Business AD-6, HRM-Tourism-6;Criminology-5; UL Pozorrubio Campus: Accountancy-1; Computer Studies-2.

A true mark of Excellence, from these roster of outstanding students will emerge the future leaders in their respective fields. A proof that University of Luzon is a university of leaders.

3 schools protest city taxes

THE presidents of three leading private schools in Dagupan are questioning the city government’s continued imposition of business tax on their institutions despite a tax exemption given them by the Department of Finance (DoF).

A letter of protest, dated February 18, 2011, was signed jointly by Dr. Mac Arthur Samson, president of the University of Luzon; Atty. Gonzalo Duque, president of Lyceum-Northwestern University; and Dr. Voltaire Arzadon, president of Colegio de Dagupan.

The letter was addressed to Mayor Benjamin Lim, Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod in reaction to the innuendoes uttered by the city mayor chiding "three schools" for underpaying business taxes in the city.

In a speech last February 14, the mayor said “All of these x x x are of the same size, and more or less, have similar student populations. In 2010, one of the schools declared gross sales of P275 million and paid about 2 million in Business Taxes. The second school declared gross sales of P46 million and paid approximately 342,000 pesos in business taxes; while the third school declared gross sales of P1.5 million, and paid 50,000 pesos in business taxes."

The three acknowledged the need of the city government to generate funds with the best intentions, but cited that the Constitution itself, under Section 28 (3) Article best that provides for exemptions which the DoF has cleared to include permit and other license fees for educational institutions, among others.

The three schools have requested for the "writing-offs of previously imposed business tax of and kind and for the city to cease the imposition of business taxes in all private schools."

They cited the law that states: “Charitable institutions, churches and parsonages or convents appurtenant thereto, non-profit cemeteries, and all lands, buildings and improvements, actually, directly and exclusively used of religious, charitable or educational purposes shall be exempt from taxation.”

Also citing a ruling of the Department of Finance in 1992 on the San Beda College's case, the three contend that “local government units cannot impose Mayor’s permit fees and other license fees in educational institutions similarly situated as San Beda College”.

Moreover, they asserted that educational institutions are not subject to business tax under the local Government Code (Book II, Local Taxation and Fiscal Matters) and the City Revenue Code of Dagupan City (City Ordinance No. 1855).

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/02/19/3-schools-protest-city-taxes/

UL gathers successful alumni to inspire students

THE University of Luzon (UL), formerly known as Luzon Colleges, gathered some of its distinguished alumni to inspire students to follow in their respective stories of success.

Dubbed as “Success Forum: Sharing the Secrets of the Luzonian Brand of Excellence,” more than a thousand students listened to the success story of keynote speaker Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. who spent one year and a half in the school 44 years ago.

He was hailed as the ‘Luzonian Transformational Public Servant’ having contributed significantly to improvements in infrastructure in the province, which in turn translated to improved public service.

“My very presence today is enough evidence that I am grateful to this learning institution. Let us give thanks to the pioneers of education, teachers who persevered to uplift education and pave tremendous opportunities and advancement for our people,” Espino said

Espino also shared his formula for success: to dream because “libre mangarap” and to have the passion to turn the dream into reality, hone skills and have good education.

He also told his listeners to maintain good values and develop integrity because “even if you are the best, if your ways are crooked, your success will be temporary.”

Other former students who shared their secrets of success were Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen, also chief executive officer of her family-owned CSI Group of Companies; Dr. Leah Solmerin- Corpuz, a faculty member of the graduate school of the University of the Cordilleras; and Mario Panoringan, the co-founder and former president of the Fil-Am Star News in San Francisco, USA.

The success forum is a prelude to the university’s celebration of its 63rd founding anniversary.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/02/27/ul-gathers-successful-alumni-to-inspire-students/

UL Quintet captures first game

UNIVERSITY of Luzon Junior Golden Tigers forward Paul del Moral received an in-bound pass in the last two seconds of the game and quickly released the ball for a conversion that gave his team a come-from-behind 78-76 victory over the top seed University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) Patriots in their first of the best-of-three championship series of the Second Jimmy Fernandez Cup held last Tuesday at DWAD gym.

The Tigers, trailing in the first three quarters, 12-15, 23-33, 52-62, and behind by as high as 16 points in the third, bounced back during the fourth and final period. Slowly and surely, they chomped the gap with Aljick Aquino and Moral at the helm before their coach Byron Vidal called a time out when the score was tied 76, with two seconds left to set up a strategy.

The line of attack paid off, bringing the crowd, which was predominantly UL students, to a boisterous roar. The UEP supporters, especially Patriots coach Renato "Jackal" Vidal, sat stunned.

According to Seato Gonimil, the league's chief organizer, the winning shot by Moral was the first of its kind in the two-year history of the tourney.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/02/19/ul-quintet-captures-first-game/

UEP, UL clash for title

THE University of Luzon (UL) Junior Golden Tigers scored a come-from-behind hard-earned victory against the AIE-College Eagles, 95-88, on Wednesday, landing them the second slot for the championship in the ongoing 2^ndJimmy Fernandez Cup 2011.

The Perez Boulevard-based young cagers of Dagupan City’s dad Chito Samson, appeared to be on the verge of defeat after 30 minutes of play, put up a stifling defence and released bombs from outside in the fourth, frustrating the Eagles’ surge and finally casting them out for the finals.

Our game today was a must-win to enter the finals and my boys knew it. We could not afford to lose because in case of defeat we’d have a deadlock with PAMMA and that would create a huge problem… Our victory today was an assurance to do battle for the championship,” said UL coach Byron Vidal.

UL's Mark Maure scored a team high 16 points, mostly done in the first three quarters. Rifleman Niccon Cresencio finished with 14 and Aljick Aquino had 11, nine of them made in the last quarter. The Tigers finished with a 7-3 win-loss card, the second best in the league.

On the losing side, prolific guard Amadito Perez tallied a game high 33 points while the league’s leading scorer Jeffrey Yanes contributed 25.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/02/05/uep-ul-clash-for-title/

UL quintet upsets AIE in double overtime

THE University of Luzon (UL) junior Golden Tigers won the hard way against last year's runner-up AIE-College Eagles in double overtime, 123-119, to register its first win after three outings in the ongoing 2nd Jimmy Fernandez Cup 2011.

The team, highly-charged in the first quarter, 23-12, its center-forward Paul del Moral rifled eight points mostly from the shaded lane. Not contented, the boys of Dagupan City alderman Chito Samson poured it on during the second period and led by as much 16 points, 33-17, spearheaded by its four reliable gunners Del Moral, Joey Laurian, Kevin Neri and Niccon Cresencio combining 27 points to lead the half, 56-43.

But the never-say-die eight-man Eagles mentored by Noah delo Vieres slowly but surely crept from behind to trim down the gap at the third juncture, 72-67, with its marquee players Jeffrey Yanes, Amadito Perez and Jason Villareal at the helm.

Yanes, sinking three treys plus free a throw after a basket by Tigers' Lurian, tied the game at 86-86 and then his team took the lead for the first time through a penetration shot by Villareal.

A see-saw battle then ensued and the fourth quarter ended with both teams having 94 points, extending the game by an extra five minutes.

The additional period turned out to be another see-saw match despite Yanes fouling out 2:25 minutes still remaining. After a reversed basket by Cresencio with 39 ticks left, Perez forced the tight game into another overtime by converting two free throws with just three seconds left, tying the game at 109-109.

Tired and confused, the incomplete Eagles yielded the second five-minute extra period to the delight of the UL fans.

The Eagles are now tied with the UPang Flames at the cellar in the six-team field with one win and three losses.

The first of the two-round-robin matches ends on January 24 at the Divine Word Academy gymnasium with guest team LNU Dukes against AIE College at 1:00 p.m. and PAMMA against UL at 2:30 p.m

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2011/01/22/ul-quintet-upsets-aie-in-double-overtime/

Nursing Licensure exams set Dec. 19-20

SOME 3,591 local nursing graduates are scheduled to take the Nurses Licensure Examination on December 19 and 20 in four universities in Dagupan City.

Room assignments are now posted at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Baguio Regional Office (BRO)’s website, www.prcbaguio.blogspot.com.

Examinees whose names might have been misspelled are advised to call Marlon Aquino at telephone no. (074) 304-3180 to correct the data.

The updated list of non-programmable calculators allowed to be used in the exams is also posted in the website.

The PRC registered 12,524 examinees in the areas covered by the BRO, of which 3,591 will take the tests in Dagupan.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/12/11/nursing-licensure-exams-set-dec-19-20/

UL hosts Academic and Cultural Festival

STUDENTS from some 30 public and private universities and colleges in Pangasinan are expected to attend this year’s Academic and Cultural Festival to be hosted by University of Luzon (UL).

The festival is an annual event that provides an avenue for students of tertiary institutions, both public and private, to showcase their academic and cultural talents.

“The pride of every community is the ability of its youth to excel in various fields. This festival supports youth development by fostering unity and cooperation through healthy competitions,” said Dr. Macarthur Samson, UL president and head of the Regional Association of Higher Educational Institutions (RAHEI).

The festival, jointly organized by the RAHEI and the Commission on Higher Education, conducts competitions for the academic festival include impromptu speech, oration, poetry interpretation, storytelling, debate, and science, math and computer quizzes.

The cultural festival is comprised of awit-saya (vocal solo and vocal duet), sayawitan (choir), tipa at tugtugan (solo instrument), likhawit (song writing), sayaw pinoy (Philippine creative folk/ethnic dance), and the Ginoo and Binibining Pamantasan (pageant category).

The provincial eliminations are slated on December 2 and 3, with qualifiers advancing to the regional meet on December 14 and 15.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/11/28/ul-hosts-academic-and-cultural-festival/

GOLDEN TIGERS conquer UCAAP Basketball 20th Season

UL once again proved that we are "Una Sa Lahat", as the Team A of the UL Golden Tigers varsity showed their dominance in basketball in the UCAAP 20th Season. With our team gaining 93 points against their opponent, the LNU Dukes assembled 73 points; This 20 point-lead definitely made the Tigers conquer the top.

Non-stop aggression and a strong alliance are one of the techniques employed by the basketball team of our university to earn one more championship trophy. Ushered by the desire to prove the team's vigor in playing this popular sport, Luzonians unwaveringly supported their team. After the yelling and shouting from the audience during the roll of the game, Luzonians finally whooped for a victory earned by the Tigers, making them the hardcourt champions for this season.

College of Criminology still undethroned

The College of Criminology once again emerged as the Over-all Champion in the Annual University-Wide Palaro held last September 27 to October 4, 2010. They have been undefeated for four consecutive years. The College of Engineering and Architecture only shied five points from the dominating team, a slim margin that should have dethroned the College of Criminology its title. The College of Criminology did not fail to grab a slot as it marked its own victory by reaching the third spot in the over-all ranking.

The week-long activity packed with ball games and other popular indoor sports commenced on September 27 at the ULDFS Estadio with an opening program enthusiastically attended by Hon. Luis ?Chito? M. Samson who formally declared the opening of the UL Palaro. The Palaro Proper immediately began after the program, and continued on its second day. Though the games were interrupted on September 29 to give way for the secondary students taking a National Exam, this hiatus did not quench the drive of the athletes to play harder, and the supporters, to cheer more for the succeeding games.

October 4 marked the culmination of this year?s Palaro, with the best spectacle saved for last. Championship for the ball games drew a crowd of supporters from competing teams since each team is just a bounce away from their coveted title.

207 Dean's Listers, recognized

A total number of 207 students from the different colleges made it to the Deans List for the second semester of the school year 2009-2010. The success brought by the labors of these Dean's Listers was given proper credit during the Recognition Day on September 15, 2010 at the UL Multi-Purpose Hall.

Municipal Mayor Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay of Calasiao, Pangasinan illuminated the students with his words of inspiration as this recognition days guest speaker. With his talk, he encouraged the students to pursue higher dreams and not simply dwell on their present victories.

The College of Accountancy obtained the highest number of Dean?s Listers, 74. Other colleges produced the following number of Dean's Listers: Business Administration, 4; Computer Studies, 37; Criminology,4; Education, 17; Engineering and Architecture, 8; HRM-TAT, 8; Liberal Arts, 8; Medical Laboratory Science and Pharmacy, 21; Nursing and Midwifery, 25.

This semester's recognition created its own mark as it was the first time that a Dean's Lister from UL Pozorrubio was duly recognized by the mother university. This Deans Lister who was recognized is Dina P. Laguit, a student of Pozzorubio, Computer Studies. With the expanding number of students at UL Pozzorubio, the number of Deans Lister from this branch is certain to increase. Under the policy of this university, Dean's Listers who acquired a specific average grade determined by the Guidance Centercan enlist as one of the Academic Scholars and enjoy different rates of discount relative to their computed average. A student who consistently was a Dean's Lister during the duration of his course automatically becomes an honoree (Cum Laude) during his graduation rite.

All Set for RAHEI Academic and Cultural Competitions

The University of Luzon is Preparing for the Academic and Cultural competitions set by the Regional Association of Higher Education Institutions -RAHEI I. Student contestants will pit talents and skills in both academic and cultural events, with contestants from other schools here in Pangasinan. It will be held on December 2 & 3, 2010 at the University of Luzon. This province-wide competition will determine who would represent Pangasinan in the Regional competition and eventually in the national competition.

The academic events in the competition are debate, extemporaneous speech, oration, storytelling, quiz bee (science, math, computer),poetry interpretation (English and Filipino). The cultural competition events are Awit-saya (vocal solo and duet), Sayawitan(choir), Tipa at Tugtugan (solo instrument), Likhawit (song writing), Sayaw Pinoy. The highlight of the competition will be the Selection of the Mr. & Miss RAHEI.

Luzonians are looking forward to surpass the victory they had in the national level in last year's RAHEI competition.

Our Lady of Manaoag visits UL

October 12, 2010, The miraculous image of Our Lady of Manaoag was brought to UL.Each college was invited to spend some time to pray the Holy Rosary, on their scheduled hour. This is in observance of October as the Month of the Holy Rosary and this day was devoted to the divine mysteries of the rosary. With God-centeredness instilled in our institution’s core values, the UL Campus Ministry administered the Praying of the Holy Rosary of the students, faculty, and non-teaching staff.

October 13 revealed the staunch devotion of Luzonians with the Living Rosary portrayed by the University of Luzon Theater and Dance Company. A mass officiated by Archbishop Socrates Villegas followed the Living Rosary. On his sermon, Archbishop Villegas did not fail to encourage everyone to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Church. The devout Catholics manifested their devotion by joining the procession of Our Lady of Manaoag. A large crowd of Luzonians participated in this procession in which the Archbishop himself took part.

It is a great privilege UL to be visited by the miraculous image since, UL is second school in the entire country where the Lady's image was brought. Truly, UL is blessed. UL is for MAMA MARY.

Nat'l Jr. cagefest on Nov. 25-26

DAGUPAN City plays host in the two-day basketball games exclusively for 19 year olds and below on November 25 and 26, dubbed “SBP National Junior Championship Area 2 Regional Elimination”.

Renato “Jack” Vidal, one of the organizers of the tournament, said four teams from four regions in Luzon will participate, namely: the University of Cordillera representing Cordillera Region, Saint Louis University Tuguegarao representing Region 2, Holy Angel University or Angeles University Foundation for Region 3, and University of Luzon for Region 1.

The games will be held at the Dagupan People’s Astrodome and DWAD gym.

Vidal said that in case of a double tie, the win-over-the-other method will be implemented or in case of a triple tie, the international rule or FIBA quotient system will be adopted.

The winner of the tournament will represent the area in the national championship to be held December 5-11 in Iloilo City.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/11/21/nat’l-jr-cagefest-on-nov-25-26/

UL earns Center of Excellence tag

THE University of Luzon’s teacher education program has earned the prestige of being a Center of Excellence, considered as the highest possible recognition conferred by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Dr. Macarthur Samson Sr., UL president, said the entire university is proud of this achievement following the conferment of the award last November 5 in Manila.

“UL has always attracted more students to our teacher education program than anywhere else because we provide the best practical professional preparation for teaching in elementary and secondary schools, and is designed and delivered in partnership with many public and private schools within and outside Pangasinan,” he said.

This award complements the status of University of Luzon as a premier higher education institution in Northern Luzon and one of the best universities in the Philippines with a solid reputation for excellence in teaching and research, strong links with industry and an unrivalled sporting achievement, said Samson.

Aside from being a Center of Excellence in teacher education, UL is the country’s lone Center of Excellence in Criminology and holds the singular distinction as an autonomous university among all higher education institutions throughout Region 1.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/11/14/ul-earns-center-of-excellence-tag/

UL recycling program earns P100,000

EARNING money from garbage is easy as students from the University of Luzon have recently shown.

Dr. Macarthur Samson, UL president, said sales receipts from the university-wide plastic bottle collection campaign, dubbed as “Scraps for a Cause”, have now reached P100,000 over the last two years.

“Managing and selling plastic bottles is not just about the money, it is also about the environment. When our students collect plastic bottles and place them in UL’s recycling bank, not only are we earning money but we are taking part in the global campaign to save our environment,” Samson said.

Dr. Carmelo John Vidal, program coordinator for UL’s National Service Training Program (NSTP), said millions of plastic bottles are produced each year, mostly for beverages, and two-thirds of them end up in landfills.

Vidal said the plastic bottle collective drive has dramatically raised the awareness of the university community to segregate and recycle garbage and help in putting a stop to the 30-year garbage problem the country is facing and at the same time, earn from it.

He said revenues generated from the drive are used to finance UL’s livelihood activities and community extension efforts for residents of Doña Josefa Samson – Gawad Kalinga Bangusville in Bonuan.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/11/14/ul-recycling-program-earns-p100000/

Dagupan City regains PRISAA crown

THE contingent of Dagupan City harvested the most number of medals in the PRISAA Regional Meet held in Laoag City, last October 27-30 with 81 gold, 48 silver and 25 bronze medals.

Dagupan’s total of 154 medals bested the 151 gained by San Carlos City Division, which has been leading the PRISAA games for the past two years.

San Carlos has 77 gold, 45 silver, and 29 bronze. Powered by about 120 athletes from the University of Luzon out of a 180 total, the Dagupan City Division bagged medals in all the eleven sports events it participated in.

Meanwhile, the San Carlos City Division won in four events and dominated in athletics.

The 2010 PRISAA sporting event was participated in by some 800 athletes, coaches and officials representing six (6) provincial and city divisions/chapters.

The gold medalists in the various team and individual events will represent PRISAA Region I in the PRISAA National Games, renamed as National Collegiate Games (NC Games), slated on February 20-26, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

The 2011 NC Games will be participated in by 17 regional delegations from around the Philippines.

The events will include basketball, men and women; sepak takraw, men; football, men; baseball, men; softball, women; volleyball, men and women chess, men and women; dance sports, men/women; badminton, men and women; table tennis, men and women, lawn tennis, men and women; karatedo, men and women; taekwondo, men and women; boxing, men and women; and, swimming, men and women

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/11/07/dagupan-city-regains-prisaa-crown/

RAP Celebrates its 40th Anniversary and 2010 Asian Literacy Conference

MANILA, Philippines – The Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) will convene today (Wednesday) at the Historic Landmark Manila Hotel to celebrate its 40 years (Ruby Anniversary) of enlightening the nation by bringing together practitioners in the field of literacy as they host the 2010 Asian Literacy Conference on November 3-5, 2010.

Established in 1970, RAP is composed of more than 2,000 educators, parents, librarians, researchers, media specialists, and education students. The convention which carries the theme: “Literacy Across Cultures: (Re) Reading Asia” is held in collaboration with the International Development in Asia Committee (IDAC) and the International Reading Association (IRA).

A country that reads is an informed nation because reading is the beginning of wisdom. Reading improves the mind and develops the character of the person. Of all the activities that a person does, perhaps it is in reading where he achieves and learn so much by just being still. It is the candle that lights up the dark dungeon of ignorance. It stimulates the brain, improves the imagination, and opens up a whole new world of adventure and discovery.

Sir Francis Bacon, the English philosopher, jurist, and author said, “Reading makes a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.” The American film producer and entertainer Walter Elias Disney confirmed that “there is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”

We congratulate the Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) headed by its President and also University of Luzon's Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Aurora S. Reyna, Officers and Members, on the occasion of their 40th Anniversary and 2010 Asian Literacy Conference. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.

Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/285499/reading-association-philippines-celebrates-its-40th-anniversary-and-2010-asian-liter

UL quintet sees action in PCCL North-Central Luzon game

THE University of Luzon Golden Tigers, newly-crowned 2010 PRISAA-UCAAP Inter-Collegiate Basketball champions, will represent Pangasinan in this year’s Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) North-Central Luzon tilt to be held on October 15-18 at the UNP gym in Vigan City.

Seato Gonimil, UCAAP executive director, said the Golden Tigers of Dagupan City Councilor Chito Samson are expected to face stiff competition from the defending champion Lyceum of Subic, Cordillera region titlist University of Baguio, and Ilocos titleholder University of Northern Philippines based in Vigan.

Gonimil, also the sports director of UL, said the four-day, four-team cagefest will be on a single round-robin system and the champion will be sent to Manila to represent north and central Luzon area for the ‘zonal’ games to be held next month.

“Hopefully UL will pass the Vigan City test that will pave the way for it for the Manila stint,” said Gonimil.

“And if UL is lucky to win in Manila, then UL will be included in the PCCL’s ‘sweet 16’ for the final phase that will comprise the powerhouse teams of Ateneo, FEU, La Salle, San Sebastian to name a few plus the champions from Visayas and Mindanao,” he added.

The cagefest will be under the auspices of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the national governing body of amateur basketball.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/10/10/ul-quintet-sees-action-in-pccl-north-central-luzon-game/

UL's Ravanzo to join ASEAN training

UNIVERSITY of Luzon information officer Ryan Ravanzo has been chosen as one of the young Filipino leaders who will participate in the ASEAN Young Leaders Training Program in China from October 11 to 31.

The ASEAN Young Leaders Training Program is a key program launched by the All-China Youth Federation aimed at enhancing friendly relationship between China and ASEAN countries and promoting the friendship and mutual trust among young people.

During the three-week program, Ravanzo, will learn basic Chinese language; study Chinese history, culture, politics, economy; visit enterprises, governments, universities, communities and rural areas in Guangxi, Nanjing and Beijing, and interact with Chinese youth.

Dr. Macarthur Samson Sr., UL president, expressed his elation over Ravanzo’s selection saying that it will be a great opportunity to re-strengthen and enrich Philippine-Sino relations and establish international linkages with Chinese universities and promote mutual cooperation in the field of education.

Samson said Ravanzo’s goodwill mission to China is the latest addition to the international linkages profile of UL which has earlier forged agreements with China Jiangsu Service Center of Overseas Education, I-Shou University in Taiwan, Universitas Kristen Maranatha in Bandong, Malaysia, Birmingham Young University in Utah, USA, Universititeit Leidin, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the The Hague University in Netherlands, among others.

He added that the University of Luzon is also set to ink a twinning pact and pursue student exchange program next with the University of Indonesia this month.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/10/10/ul’s-ravanzo-to-join-asean-training/

PRISAA regional meet set Oct. 27-30

THE Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Region 1 will hold its 21st Regional Meet on October 27-30 at the Marcos Sports Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte with about 1,000 athletes, coaches and officials representing seven provinces and divisions/chapters participating.

The athletes will be vying for top honors in 14 team and individual sports and events.

PRISAA regional executive director Philamer C. Celi announced that up for grabs are 900 gold, silver and bronze medals in the team and individual events, namely: basketball, sepak takraw in men division, softball in women, volleyball, athletics, badminton, chess, dance sports, karatedo, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo, all with boys and girls categories.

The first place winners will represent Region 1 in the national PRISAA Games scheduled in February next year in Cebu City.

Seasoned with light pomp and pageantry, the four-day sporting activity to be hosted by PRISAA Laoag City-Ilocos Norte Chapter, will be ushered in by the traditional athletic parade and opening ceremonies in the afternoon of October 27 at the city’s Centennial Arena with Ilocos Norte Provincial Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” Romualdez Marcos as the occasion’s guest of honor and speaker.

Laoag City Mayor Michael Farinas will give the welcome greetings while CHED Region 1 Regional Director Caridad Abuan will deliver CHED’s message.

University of Luzon (UL) of Metro Dagupan PRISAA and 25 other member-institutions will be presented the Most Outstanding Achievement Award for emerging as the member-institution that garnered the first and second highest number of medals (gold, silver and bronze), respectively in the last past two PRISAA regional meets.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/10/03/prisaa-regional-meet-set-oct-27-30/

UL Golden Tigers are champs again!

DOWNED but not out in the first game, the University of Luzon Golden Tigers refused to give up and won the second clash against defending champion Lyceum Northwestern University Dukes in a convincing 75-66 victory on Monday, forcing a third and decisive match Wednesday, where the team again clobbered LNU, 93-75.

The Golden Tigers' victory gave them back the PRISAA-UCAAP Inter-Collegiate Basketball Championship crown, which they won in 2008.

Leading by five points in the first quarter, 22-17, and trailed by two in the second period, 39-41, the Golden Tigers played with a lot of energy in the last two junctures, applying a run-and-gun game where they delivered a 16-3 salvo in the third period to regain the lead with playmaker Jonathan Panunciar and rookie Joshua Gutierrez rattling the offensive plays.

The Golden Tigers' zone-defense also confused their opponents, especially at the homestretch, forcing the Dukes to commit numerous miscues that added to their humbling defeat.

"History repeats itself because this also happened ten years ago," said Golden Tigers coach Renato Vidal..

"We took advantage of my boys' quickness and that stunned them somewhat. We executed our game plan well offensively and defensively, kept on fighting until we got the big breaks and I have to give that credit to all my boys,"Vidal said.

Meanwhile, Dukes coach Jason Vinluan said, "My boys came out a little soft and the Tigers were able to take advantage of that," adding, "We broke their zone-defense early but collapsed in the end. Talagang sa kanila ang laro."

Only two Golden Tigers' dribblers came in double figures, but the points were delivered when it mattered most. Panunciar scored a game high 30 points, half of them from the three-point area while Gutierrez contributed 29 points, 12 of them beyond the arc.

On the losing side, forward Michael Indoy had a team high 21 points. Labitoria banged in 15 while Lennel Manalo and Antonio Mejia contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Golden Tigers of Dagupan City alderman Chito Samson will represent defending champion Dagupan in the coming 2010 Region 1 PRISAA Meet slated October 26-30 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/09/26/ul-golden-tigers-are-champs-again/

It's UL vs. LNU for PRISAA-UCAAP 2010 title

DEFENDING champion Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU) Dukes will seek to retain its crown in the 2010 PRISAA-UCAAP Inter-Collegiate Basketball Championship against the determined efforts University of Luzon Golden Tigers to wrest it as the best-of-three finals start on Wednesday at the Dagupan People’s Astrodome.

UL made it to the championship round after Jonathan Panunciar scored a game high19 points and forward Harold Deocares contributed 18 to power the Tigers past traditional rival University of Pangasinan-PHINMA Flames, 93-86, in a controversy-marred semi-final match last Thursday.

The Tigers, with a precarious lead in the first three quarters, 20-19, 46-42 and 67-59, found themselves in peril in the dying minutes of the game with the Flames engineering a 9-2 spurt that forced UL coach Renato Vidal to call a timeout.

Leading by just three points, 89-86, 1:09 left, after seldom-used Joshua Gutierrez split his two free throws, Flames assistant coach Renato Soriano was given two technical fouls due to misconduct that almost resulted in a free-for-all brawl. Panunciar converted all four free throws to seal the game at 93-86.

“As we expected, the referees again committed a lot of bum calls like in the past,” said the fuming Flames head coach Jay Ronquillo. “Even the spectators were infuriated because they know the rules. It’s very obvious these referees are inept and had no right to be there at the court,” he added.

Meanwhile LNU defeated Colegio de Dagupan Blue Stallions, 93-86, in an uncontroversial game because of good officiating by the three referees, Danny Villanueva, Ferdinand Mangonon and Conde Padillo.

The first championship game is set at around 2:30 p.m. The Flames tangle against the Stallions for third place at 1:00 p.m.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/09/12/it’s-ul-vs-lnu-for-prisaa-ucaap-2010-title/

UL Golden Tigers take top spot

AS the 2010 PRISAA-UCAAP Inter-Collegiate Basketball Championship heads into the semifinal round, the University of Luzon is at the top of the league with a 10-win, 1-loss card while the defending champion, Lyceum Northwestern University comes in second.

The Golden Tigers subdued the Colegio de Dagupan Blue Stallions, 79-75 in their last game on September 2 while the LNU Dukes suffered a shocking defeat against Pangasinan-PHINMA Flames, 87-90 on the same day.

The Tigers stalked in the first two quarters of the match, 16-20, 35-37, but drew power in the third to lead by five, 64-59, and finished the contest four points ahead.

“Our defense was weak in the first three quarters but luckily we got the breaks in the fourth and final period and that made the disparity of the game, said Tigers head coach Renato Vidal, adding, “Hopefully we’ll still improve in our coming games.”

The Tigers collide with the Dukes on Monday, September 6.

The winner of that game will take the number one spot for the semifinals, securing the twice-to-beat-advantage and will face fourth placer Stallions on September 9. The loser on Monday’s game clinches the second position and also notches the twice-to-beat-advantage clashing with third placer the Flames on the same date.

Flames’ victory was paced by its court-general Marlon Ramos, contributing a team high 27 points. Slotman Gian Cruz had 18 and Bryan Agulan who was fouled out in the fourth quarter contributed 15.

“We always do our best in every game not only to win but to please the paying public so their money is worth for and that’s all I can say now,” said Flames head coach Jay Ronquillo before leaving the hardcourt.

MAJOR UPSET

Last August 31, the Golden Tigers scored their second in-a-row victory on Tuesday over arch-foe University of Pangasinan-PHINMA Flames, 73-72.

The Tigers tamed the Flames during their first encounter in the elimination round.

The regional multi-titled Tigers, who escaped a narrow victory at 80-78 over cellar team AIE-C on August 23, fielded its veterans Harold Deocares, Jonathan Panunciar, Larry John Balmes and Ramil Baniqued most of the time and the four worked hard to combine a total of 66 points.

‘GARBAGE SHOT’

The Flames, taking the first two quarters by two and four points,18-16,34-30, respectively, succumbed in the third quarter by five points, 51-46, after a buzzer-beater ‘garbage shot’ thrown by its forward Erwin Cervas beyond the court’s half-line was nullified by the time-keeper.

The call fumed coach Jay Ronquillo, who would later claim that “We should have won the match if the time-keeper counted that ‘garbage shot’ by Cervas.”

The Tigers later led by five points, 73-68, after Deocares converted a trey with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth and final period. But Flames center Allan Roquin immediately countered with a shot, putting the game within the reach, 73-71.

With eight ticks left, the Tigers made a wrong pass and the Flames’ Bryan Agulan was fouled, but he unfortunately split his two free throws, trimming the score to 73-72. Panunciar was immediately fouled after the in-bound and he could have sealed the match had he not misfired his two free throws, four seconds left, keeping the Flames in contention. Flames forward-center Gian Cruz controlled the board but threw a long pass to Agulan until the final buzzer sounded.

Defending champions Dukes edged PAMMA, 73-71, in the no-bearing last match of the day.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/09/05/ul-golden-tigers-take-top-spot/

54 UL examinees pass nursing exam

FIFTY-FOUR examinees from the University of Luzon (UL) passed the licensure examination for nurses given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)  in July this year.

Dean Virginia Terrado of the College of Nursing said UL registered a 53.51 percent passing rate, higher than the national rate of 41.40 percent.

Dr. Mac Arthur Samson, UL president, congratulated the successful examinees and their  parents saying the university and its faculty are proud of their achievement.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/09/05/54-ul-examinees-pass-nursing-exam/

Proposed establishments of international hotel and resort in Dagupan backed

DAGUPAN CITY, Aug. 18 — A university professor considers that the plan of a local investor to build an international hotel in Dagupan City is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the city drawn up by the people in 2003.

Professor Nicanor Melecio, who teaches in the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program of the University of Luzon (UL) , said the CSI Hotel and Resort will be built in Barangay Lucao, one of the areas pinpointed in the CLUP as well as in the zoning plan of the city as a growth area.

Melecio was consulted by five committees of the city council to provide inputs that could guide their decision on a draft resolution pending in the council seeking to endorse the application of the CSI Group of Companies for a location clearance of its project.

The plush CSI Hotel and Restaurant, proposed to be of international standard, will consist of floating cabanas with a wide fishing area, a day resort open to the public and a five-storey hotel that will have three swimming pools reserved for the public as well as hotel guests.

Melecio, who admitted being part of the group that prepared the CLUP, believes the project will not impact on the ecology of the place even if it will be built on former fishponds that used to produce the tasty Dagupan bangus and malaga (siganid).

The professor, who once served as environmental consultant of Mayor Benjamin Lim during his first and second terms of office, observed that the project will be built beside the new Jose de Venecia Expressway Extension.

He admitted that when the CLUP was prepared starting in 2001 and finished in 2003, the highway named after the late father and namesake of then Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. was still but a dream.

The new highway cut through vast tracts of fishpond lands, marshland and estuaries, complemented by a long bridge that spans across the Pantal River that bisects the city of Dagupan into two parts.

Then Speaker De Venecia, who used his Priority Development Funds for many years in building the project, was regarded as the 'architect and builder' of the new highway which many Dagupenos never expected to rise even in their wildest dream.

In his talk before the city council, Melecio said that with the expressway extension already in place, the fishponds in Barangay Lucao were no longer receiving much water as they should and never faulted the fishpond owners if they now opt for other better uses of their lands.

Melecio said in raising bangus, there should be all the time correct mix of seawater and fresh water.

To date, he said, the new highway practically blocked the flow of freshwater into the fishponds in Barangay Lucao.

“I don’t wonder why some fishpond owners would no longer want to operate their property as fishponds. It is a fact now that many land owners (in the area) no longer want to operate their fishponds as fishponds,” he said.

“The introduction of that development (Jose R. De Venecia Expressway Extension) that cut across the fishponds has to my mind drastically changed the nature of the natural fishponds that we know of,” he added.

Asked by members of the city council committees to expound on this, Melecio said that a fishpond is a fishpond for as long as it is in its natural state —that it has a source of sea water as well as fresh water.

He added the De Venecia Expressway Extension ensured only limited freshwater to the fishponds in Barangay Lucao, thus making them lost their competitiveness as compared to the fishponds in the Bonuan area.

On the other hand, Retired Municipal Trial Court for Cities Judge George Mejia believed that the proposed CSI Hotel and Resort will not violate any national or local law.

He concurred with Melecio that under the city’s Zoning Ordinance of 2005 which was drawn up from the CLUP of 2003, the area where the hotel and resort will build its project Barangay Lucao was identified as a growth area, same as Caranglaan-Tebeng and Bonuan.

Moreover, based on Tax Declaration of the CSI property issued by the City Assessors' Office, it was found out that the land was classified as non-agricultural.

This appeared to be one of the basic considerations why the city council gave the nod for the construction of the CSI Hotel and Resort.

Mejia believed there is no need for a formal conversion of the fishponds in Barangay Lucao into commercial because the Zoning Ordinance of 2005 already effectively converted the land in Lucao as a growth area.

Regarding fears that the project will violate Section 20 of the Local Government Code that gave the city council authority to reclassify agricultural lands to other uses, Mejia said, it is his honest opinion that the term agricultural lands mentioned in that section pertains to public agricultural lands or agricultural lands of public domain and does not refer to private agricultural lands.

“With due respect to all those who disagree, I believe it is within the power of the city council —in fact it is not just its power but a mandated duty– to act on the application of the CSI Group.

He added the early planners of Dagupan City are also to blame because when then Speaker de Venecia was telling on radio that a highway will rise soon over the fishpond lands from Dawel to Lucao, they did not take him seriously.

He said all people of Dagupan, including the city planners and environmentalists, were all caught unaware when the new highway and a modern bridge in the middle finally took shape.

Two Pangasinan educators oppose longer basic education

DAGUPAN CITY, Aug. 6 – Two leading educators in Pangasinan have appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to reconsider his proposal to add two years to basic education, saying this is impractical, especially if the present structural problems in the educational system remain.

The appeal was made by Dr. Mac Arthur M. Samson Sr., regional president of the Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU), and Dr. Aurora Samson-Reyna, vice president for academic affairs of the University of Luzon in Dagupan City.

Dr. Samson said the country’s educational system is fraught with the perennial lack of classrooms, teachers, textbooks and other school equipment, so adding two more years to basic education will only compound the problem.

“It would only compound the problem as there will be a need for more teachers, classrooms, books, chairs and other materials to support the curriculum," he added.

He said this may further cut back the number of children financially unable to finish school.

Samson said if the plan is implemented, higher educational institutions (HEI) would lose prospective freshmen-enrollees and drive away good faculty members for lack of teaching opportunities created by this vacuum.

He added that there cannot be a dramatic and qualitative change with the addition of one year in the elementary and another one year in the secondary schools.

There is also a need for a pre-university, or "bridge" course, to prepare the incoming freshmen of the requirements of college education, he added.

He called for adoption of a scholastic assessment test (SAT) which is different from the NSAT and its predecessor, the NCEE, after hurdling the pre-university course to determine the proficiency and readiness of incoming college freshmen.

Once the deficiencies are addressed, Samson said, another practical approach would be to establish a formal public pre-school system.

On the other hand, Dr. Aurora Samson-Reyna lamented that many children aged three to below six years old still do not have access to pre-schooling.

As a result, many children lack preparation and "are not ready to learn" when they enter Grade 1, she said.

“Lack of universal pre-schooling is one of the reasons we are being left behind by our neighbors in basic education. We have to improve access to pre-schools if we want to make our children highly competitive at an early age,” Samson-Reyna said.

She commended efforts by local governments supportive of existing barangay day-care centers but the latter are still inadequate to meet the needs of children, she added.

President Aquino’s proposed 12-year education cycle is included in his 10-point agenda where the elementary education will have seven years and five years for high school.

The two educators stressed that Aquino's education advisers said the plan will cost the Philippine government an additional P100 billion spread out in 5 years.

A compulsory pre-school education will only cost the government an additional budget of P41.5 billion, Samson said.

Samson said the new administration should instead strengthen the existing technical and vocational courses for the benefit of the labor market.

President Aquino should first review the existing educational programs of the government because these can be more cost-effectively reformed if given the additional resources, Samson said.

Source: http://balita.ph/2010/08/07/two-pangasinan-educators-oppose-longer-basic-education/

UL seeks Center of Excellence status for teacher program

THE University of Luzon (UL) is aiming for a Center of Excellence (COE) status for its Teacher Education Program under the College of Education.

Representatives from the Technical Board for Teacher Education, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Teacher Education Council visited UL last July 21 for an ocular inspection and validation of its application.

Dr. MacArthur M. Samson Sr., UL president, said the entire UL community has been working hard to achieve the highest levels of competence for its College of Education.

"We are ready to demonstrate the strongest evidence of our devotion to excellence and become a shining example in teacher education," he said.

UL has been recognized by the CHED as a COE for its Criminology program.

In March 2009, UL was elevated to autonomous status by CHED in recognition of its integrity and reputation as an academic institution, adherence to quality education, commitment to public responsibility and accountability as a higher education institution.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/07/25/ul-seeks-center-of-excellence-status-for-teacher-program/

UL holds fire drill

AS more than 3,000 students and officials of University of Luzon watched, Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) rescue unit volunteers rappelled down from the fifth story of the library building, put up ladders and performed a simulated rescue from a non-toxic smoke-filled building.

The demonstrations were part of the building fire scenario rescue operation held July 16 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the July 16, 1990 earthquake.

University of Luzon president Dr. Macarthur Samson Sr. praised the hard work of the 70 complimentary rescue team members from the PDCC headed by Col. Paterno Orduna.

Samson said the simulation drill was needed to remind everyone of the need to be alert.

“The school population needs to know and understand the standard procedures and actions to take in an event of an emergency,” he said.

Source: http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/2010/07/18/ul-holds-fire-drill/

Pangasinan PDCC conducts fire drill on National Disaster Consciousness Month

DAGUPAN CITY, July 17 — In line with the National Disaster Consciousness Month observance this July, the Pangasinan provincial government, through the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), conducted a fire drill at the University of Luzon last Friday.

The exercise was also a fitting commemoration to the July 16, 1990 killer earthquake that struck Dagupan, Baguio and Cabanatuan City that destroyed properties and caused deaths.

UL was chosen as the venue of the drill because it was one of the institutions that suffered huge damage during the 1990 killer earthquake, plus the fact that in later years, one of its buildings was gutted by fire.

The drill sought to sharpen the skills of local firefighters who are set to compete in the 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition in Albay on July 26.

PDCC Executive Officer Paterno M. Orduña said the exercise also sought to remind that 20 years ago, Pangasinan was one of the provinces devastated by the killer earthquake.

Orduña further noted that the exercise heightened awareness among the people on how to react when disaster strikes and to enhance response capability of agencies involved in disaster management.

"This is just a reminder from the provincial government on the need to be prepared for any kind of disaster," he said.

In that exercise, personnel of the Dagupan Bureau of Fire Protection presented their skills by rescuing a semi-conscious and an unconscious 'victim' trapped inside a building.

The Provincial Health Emergency Response Team (PHERT), Water and Rescue (WASAR), Emergency Medical Responder (EMP) and the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) medical personnel also showed their skills in medical response.

Orduña credited Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. for establishing and strengthening the disaster response network of Pangasinan.

Ryan Ravanzo, spokesperson of University of Luzon, thanked the PDCC members and all the agencies involved in the fire drill.

“We believed that the demonstration fire drill conducted by the Provincial government through the PDCC was to remind everyone on the need to be prepared and be alert," he said.

The University of Luzon students, he said, are pleased to know and understand the procedures and actions to take in the event of and emergency.

"We hope this event will raise the level of awareness of our students, faculties and other personnel to apply safety measures to prevent further disaster,” Ravanzo added.

Source: http://balita.ph/2010/07/17/pangasinan-pdcc-conducts-fire-drill-on-national-disaster-consciousness-month/

'Pigar-Pigar', Dagupan's gourmet delicacy, takes center stage anew

DAGUPAN CITY, April 21 – A gourmet delicacy which is now as famous as the Dagupan bangus, took center stage here anew on Monday with the holding of the "Pigar-Pigar" Festival on Galvan Street.

Only in its second appearance in the Dagupan Bangus Festival, the "Pigar-Pigar" Festival again attracted thousands of people who rave on taking a bite of this gourmet delight but which incidentally can be bought here only during the night.

Pigar-pigar is deep-fried thinly sliced beef or carabeef seasoned with salt and pepper, then garnished with onion rings before serving. Sliced cabbage, cauliflower, or broccoli may be added depending on the customer's preference.

Councilor Luis Samson Jr., whose late bosom friend, Magno Ventura Cornel, was first to concoct the ingredients for this kind of delicacy, was again chair of the "Pigar-Pigar" Festival.

Samson said though "Pigar-Pigar" was Cornel's original recipe, his cook then was a girl named Isaw of PNR Site here.

Isaw outlived Cornel and is still cooking today at her sister's "Pigar-Pigar" stall on Galvan Street, a stone's throw from the Malimgas Market from where fresh beef come from beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Samson said that after the first "Pigar-Pigar" Festival that popularized the famous Dagupan delicacy all over the country and the world, those who are serving this dish to customers had easily quadrupled their income.

There are more than a dozen establishments serving the delicacy to customers nightly on Galvan Street. All said they benefited much from the maiden "Pigar-Pigar" Festival in 2009.

Nightly patrons of Pigar-Pigar shops include weary travelers who may not find any restaurant opened anymore.

Samson believes Dagupan's "Pigar-Pigar" could be a close cousin of Vigan's "Imbaliktad" or the "Bengbeng", a famous delicacy in adjacent Mangaldan (Pangasinan) town.

But he said "Pigar-Pigar" has a lot more tastes than either the "Imbaliktad" or "Bengbeng", that is why even those from the Ilocos or those from Mangaldan town come to Dagupan to have a bite of this home-grown delicacy.

He said once you have taken a bite of "Pigar-Pigar" gourmet, you will keep asking for more.

Samson, who is an executive vice president of the University of Luzon, said since the "Pigar-Pigar" Festival is already a permanent fixture in the Bangus Festival, said he will propose the putting up of uniform stalls for all the shops serving this commodity on Galvan Street.

"In this way, we can popularize Pigar-Pigar more and really make it as one of the tourist attractions in Dagupan City," he said.

Samson announced that those who topped in the Pigar-Pigar cooking tilt this year was Maeevin's Eatery which bagged the first prize of P5,000 while Ty-Anns bagged the second and third prices of P3,000 and P2,000.

There was also a contest for the best meat chopper which was won by Sirmont, with Ty-Anns adjudged as the best and most beautiful stall.

Source: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:XZ9FFplvOJYJ:balita.ph/2010/04/21/pigar-pigar-dagupans-gourmet-delicacy-takes-center-stage-anew/+University+of+Luzon+balita.ph&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

EBDANE Speaks for Graduates

Hon. Hermogenes Edejer Ebdane Jr., Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary and an alumnus of the University of Luzon (formerly Luzon Colleges) Civil Engineering Department graced the 89th Commencement Exercises of the University of Luzon held on November 12, 2008 at the Divine Word Academy of Dagupan gym. Ebdane felicitated the mid-year graduates as the affair's commencement speaker.

UN advocate promotes peace

The United Nations Information Center Manila representatives visited the University of Luzon last September 23, 2008. This is a reply to the invitation of ULCLASC (University of Luzon College of Liberal Arts Student Council) President Ralph Pagarigan to disseminate information about the organization's program with the theme, Unity in Diversity.

Ms Agnes Shari Aliman, National Information Officer graced the affair as the resource speaker. Ms. Aliman stressed UN's role in promoting peace in the Philippines specifically in the Mindanao regions, which has been experiencing sporadic clashes that greatly affected the lives of every Filipino living in those regions. The speaker discussed the UN 8 Millennium Development Goals in order to build a better world focusing on poverty, education, equality, child morality, health, HIV/AIDS, environment and development. She emphasized that the role of peace is a significant part for the development of every nation.

Ms. Aliman encouraged the students of UL to be a part of Stand up and take Action (SUTA), to be involved in such program of UN wherein students can participate by taking part in the voluntary work of donating and distributing used books or distributing vitamins to poor communities and through it one can take action against poverty.

1st Youth Summit tackles

The Circle of NSTP (National Service Training Program) Educators and Implementers of Dagupan City in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education, Region I, PENRO, City Government of Dagupan City, CENRO, and Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan ng Dagupan conducted the 1st Youth Summit on Climate Change last October 4, 2008 at the Dagupan City People's Astrodome.

Luzonians excel in academic tilt

Five students from the College of Accountancy brought home the bacon after grabbing the top 5 stints in the PICPA- Pangasinan Accounting Quiz Bee last July 29, 2008 held at the University of Pangasinan campus. Universities and colleges from Pangasinan gathered to compete among each other for a battle that tested their knowledge and wit about accounting. Christopher Lalangan and Diana Tenorio clinched the 2nd place. Blas Jordan Matias and Edlyn Joy dela Paz ranked 5th. They were under the supervision of Mr. Renante Balocating and Ms. Cherry Salvador, both faculty members of UL College of Accountancy. The quiz bee was conducted in line with the celebration of the 2008 Accountancy Week with the theme "Vision in One."

College of Nursing holds

After two years of abiding within the classroom and simulated hospital settings, nursing students from the third year level were formally declared worthy of hands-on work with real life patients through the 49th Capping and Pinning Ceremonies held at the City de Luxe Restaurant, Dagupan City last September 12, 2008.

Dr. Mary Grace C. Lacanaria, Dean of the College of Nursing of Saint Louis university, Baguio City graced the ceremony as the affair's Guest of Honor and Speaker. Dr. Lacanaria stressed that since they are now midway on their becoming professional nurses, it is the most ample time for them to be accorded larger and greater responsibilities, duties that would hone their skills necessary for future practice.

UL Gym erected

After several months of its construction which began last summer of this year, the elevated open gymnasium can now be utilized for the different affairs of the university. Dr. McArthur Samson, President of the University of Luzon and an engineer himself, secured the stability and safety of the structure with the Building Supervisor Engr. Nelson Rosario.

The open gym which was allotted P 6M was blessed during a mass which was officiated by Fr. Rojohn Ramirez last December 2, 2008. Dubbed as Don Luis F. Samson Estadio the 660 square meter gymnasium is already at sight.

Sudanese team visits UL

The Educational Monitoring Committee from Sudan comprising of Prof. Alfahiz Elhatir, General Director, General District of Admission and Certificate on Evaluation and Authentication from the Department of Higher Education of Sudan, Prof. Marghani A. Yousef, Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research from the University of Gezira and Prof. Mahjona Sharif, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Omdurman Islamic University visited the University of Luzon last August 28, 2008.

Literacy Month invokes reading

The College of Education together with the Reading Association of the Philippines and Rotary and Innerwheel Clubs of Dagupan East organized a two-day celebration of the 2008 Literacy Month with the aim of encouraging students to return to reading.

The celebration kicked off on September 18 with a whole-day program held at the Muti-Purpose hall with the theme: "Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader." This was graced by Assistant Regional Director of CHED, Dr. Caridad O. Abuan as the Guest Speaker. Dr. Aurora Reyna, the Vice-President of UL and President of the Reading Association of the Philippines also gave a speech about how education with the proper reading develops leadership. Dr. Dominador Rayos, President of the Rotary of Dagupan East was also present.

Creative displays of instructional materials created by the education students were set to encourage all students of UL to appreciate the fun in learning through reading.

A Community Outreach Program on Salisay Day Care Center and St. John Day Care Center on September 19 was observed by the education students as a part of the two-day affair.

UL Kicks off Diamond Year

The University of Luzon in celebration of its 60th anniversary opened with a motorcade along the major thoroughfares of Dagupan last December 15, 2008.

Lead by no less than the Dr. Aurora Samson-Reyna together with the college deans ,faculty , employees and students donned their costumes and rode on their respective floats essaying "the world of fantasy". Popular telefantasia characters were aped. From Dyosa to Gagambino, Dyesebel to Encantadia, Snowhite and the Olympian Gods and Goddesses seemed to have left their kingdoms to join the UL celebration. It was an array of color and excitement that UL was suddenly transformed into a fantasy land.

In line with the Christmas celebration, other events were the MR. UL 2008 Pageant. MS. UL 2008 Beauty Pageant, Student's Jam, Faculty-Employee Frolics, Employees' Night, MS. Gay UL 2008. The celebration culminates in February, 2009.

Luzonian Bags MS. Dagupan 2008 Beauty Title

The University of Luzon is truly at its best as Aimee Flor Romero, a Tourism freshmen bagged the Ms. Dagupan 2008 beauty pageant last December 16, 2008 held at the city plaza. Aimee bested 21 other candidates representing the different barangays of Dagupan. Two other Luzonians shared the limelight as Lotis Vallejos of College of Nursing landed 4th runner-up and Maureen Mendoza of the College of Education as one of the 10 semi-finalists.

A few weeks after winning the Ms. Dagupan Title Aimee Flor was named MS. Liberation 2008 in a pageant held in Lingayen, Pangasinan. The 17 year old stunner is also the reigning Ms. UL Valias 2008.

SOMINTAC LEADS NEW UL CRIMINOLOGISTS

Dr. Ester B. Vedaña, dean of the College of Criminology of the University identifies the new UL Criminologists who passed the licensure examinations given by the Professional Regulation Commission last May 2006.

Sally A. Somintac from Lingayen, Pangasinan who placed 16th in the said examination led this batch of successful examinees.

The others who made it include: Jimmy R. Abbatuan, Jorge T. Ambeguia, Rechie Q. Camacho, Albert S. Dela Cruz, Dialyn T. Dela Cruz, Mario M. Domantay, Rodel D. Fernandez, Crisanto F. Lemon, Jr., Renante A. Niebres, Mark Oliver A. Quinto, II, Emerson D. C. Sison, Grace L. Tactac and Abe L. Velasquez.

According to Dean Vedaña, our graduates performed well in the May exams of last year as UL was rated as the number 1 Criminology school in Region 1 with the highest passing percentage.

“Just the same, we are happy and proud of this batch who made it because its collective performance eclipsed the national passing percentage”, Dean Vedaña, emphasized.

“Our immediate goal is the Level III accreditation of our program which will place the university prominently in the educational map of the Philippines as the first university to be granted level III status for its BS Criminology program not only in Region 1 but in the whole country as well”, Dean Vedaña enthusiastically enthused.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE YIELDS BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

The College of Engineering and Architecture of the University with Engr. Elmer U. Nazareno at the helm bounces once more with its traditionally high passing percentage in licensure examinations.

Dean Nazareno identifies the new master electricians, electrical engineers and mechanical engineers who passed as of April 2006.

The following are our successful master electricians: Bryan C. Alipio, Jerome T. Almonte and Elmer T. Tabin, Albert V. Martin, Wilton J. Senin and Ryan V. Rosario are our new electrical engineers.

Completing the list of our successful mechanical engineers are: Ehmil Rex Q. Agas, Joseph C. Balanza, Benjamin Bernard C. Biason, Mark Gianfranco S. Estonillo, Juneden Save P. Telina, Jayvee D. G. Fernandez, Jester Paul K. Foronda, Wilbert A. Tindoc and Vicente L. Uy.

On the other hand, Mac Daniel G. Ferrer, Jesus O. Pastorin and Renato V. Soriano are our new Civil Engineers.

Dean Nazareno expressed elation ones these impressive records chalked up by our graduates in the licensure examinations.

UL COLLEGE OF NURSING RANKS NUMBER 1 IN REGION 1

Dean Virginia S. Terrado of the College of Nursing and Midwifery proudly announces that in the recent Licensure Examinations for Nurses given last December 2005, UL ranks number 1 in Region 1 with the highest passing percentage.

Dean Terrado identifies the following new UL nurses: Pena P. Arenas, Rousselyn A. Bernardo, Ryan Jeremy Z. Beltran, Alexandra R. Bruno, Karen Grace R. Bulatao, Ricardo Calulut Jr., April Dianne A. Carcha, Nicole Ann P. Cruz, Corleto Emmanuel S. delos Santos, Princess Jacel A. Esguerra, Lyra C. Jimenez, Raymund C. Padilla, Amihan R. Pascua, Mylene Sagaoinit, Maricel G. Serquina, Nancy V. Sison, Jerome R. Solomon, Camelle Carol M. Soriano, Maria Laureen Cecilia C. Suarez, Freddie Umali II, Lani Velasquez and Eric M. Reloza.

"Our record of achievement speaks for itself", Dean Terrado concluded.

UL, CANADIAN DENTAL TEAM STEERS 2ND ANNUAL KIA DENTAL DRIVE

The University of Luzon (UL) has once again broken new grounds for the 2nd Annual Kindness-in-Action (KIA) Dental Driveheld in the province, listing up quite a number of beneficiaries for the weeklong provincial dental mission.

Kindness-in-Action Service Society of Alberta, a non-partisan Canadian-based socio-civic oriented group of dental luminaries-cum-volunteers sent a tem of seven men for the 2006 Philippine Dental Mission which kicked off in the province last January 9. The University of Luzon, for its part, detailed the entire staff of its integrated Extension Services Unit headed by the UL integrated Extension Services Director, Prof Carmelo John E. Vidal, and Unit Coordinator Mr. Anastacio B. Aquino, and a lineup of competent working staff composed of students and faculty members from the university’s College of Nursing under the deanship of Prof. Virginia Terrado and the University Clinic headed by Officer in charge DR. Teresita Celestina Fuentes, University in-house Dentist Dr. Herminia Abulencia and in coordination with the Luzon Medical Center.

MISS UNIVERSITY OF LUZON AND FILIPINO WOMANHOOD

Last Friday, the University of Luzon observed the final culminating event of its 57th Anniversary - the much awaited and much talked about - Miss UL 2005.

The pageant is one of the most widely anticipated events in the university calendar as glamorous and talented contestants from each college vie for the honor of winning the much-coveted Ms. UL crown.

Madame Aurora M. Samson Reyna, vice president for academic affairs of the UL, intimated that the holding of the annual search for Ms. UL is a celebration of the Filipino womanhood.

"Historically, the East and West met in the Philippines and happily blended. Of this happy marriage no better manifestation can be found than in Filipino womanhood. Truly, it can be said in our women, East is West and West is East. It will be vain, if not fruitless effort to attempt to draw a dividing line between what is East and what is West in the sterling qualities that adorn the Filipina of today," Madame Reyna said.

For the winners, Lady Luck smiled upon the candidate representing the College of Education/High School, Ms. Noriellyn A. Lasam, who won the Miss U. L. 2005 crown. First runner award went to Ms. Catherine D. Wee of the College of Hotel & Restaurant Management - Tourism & Applied Technology who also romped off with almost all the minor titles while Ms. Novilaine R. Navato of the College of Nursing was adjudged second runner up.

* * * * *

The academic Olympics 2005, one of the features of the weeklong anniversary festivities of the University, was truly a remarkable success. The winners were: Debate - College of Commerce & Secretarial (Champion); College of Accountancy (1st Runner Up); Quiz Bee - College of Accountancy (Champion); College of Hotel & Restaurant Management (1st Runner Up); College of Medical Technology & Pharmacy (2nd Runner Up); Extemporaneous Speech - College of Accountancy (Champion); College of Engineering & Architecture (1st Runner Up); College of Commerce & Secretarial (2nd runner Up); and for the Essay - College of Liberal Arts (Champion); College of Accountancy (1st Runner Up); and College of Commerce & Secretarial (2nd Runner Up).

To all the winners, congratulations!

CONSISTENTLY ON TOP

The University of Luzon (UL) is celebrating its 57th year anniversary as an institution of higher learning devoted to the cause of true education from February 28 to March 4, 2005.

Madame Aurora M. Samson-Reyna, vice president for academic affairs of the UL, announced to the mammoth crowd during the opening ceremonies that UL, aside from having been granted its Level II second reaccredited status in 2003, is the most accredited University in the Region.

Also in 2003, UL was awarded as one of the top 10 private higher education institutions in the country with the most number of accredited academic programs being the lone provincial HEI - awardee by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, Commission on Accreditation (Pacucoa).

This feat was replicated, when very recently, UL was chosen as one of the very few HEI's all over the Philippines with the highest number of accredited academic programs and majors under Category B by the Pacucoa, the only one to have made it in Pangasinan and the region, making it strongly manifest that UL is the most accredited deregulated university in Region 1.

Continuing, she said during the almost six decades of our institution's fruitful existence, UL has been a bulwark in the local education scene. Its high standards and the success of thousands of its graduates have helped enrich the country and guard its freedom.

For this, Reyna commended such selfless, unpretentious but distinguished educators and patriots like Dr. Luis F. Samson, Sr., Dean Basilio Fernandez, and Atty. Liberato Ll. Reyna Sr. who founded the then Luzon College of Commerce and Business Administration in that fateful year of 1948, which is the forerunner of what is now known as the University of Luzon, acclaimed as the people's university.

Aside from the traditional mass demonstration, the UL Drum and Bugle Corpse exhibitions, UL Theatre and Dance & Company and UL Chamber Chorus cultural presentations, the Search for the Miss UL, Academic Olympics, and Food Feast, another featured activity during the commemorative rites will be the launching of the University of Luzon as a call center training institution in the province and the region with a symposium on "UL: Responding to the Challenges and
Opportunities in the Call Center Industry" with Prof. Elvira Lim, chairman of the English Department of the University of the East as resource lecturer.

This corner salutes President Luis F. Samson Sr. who has been at the helm of the University since 1948 to the present for his energy and vision.

As head of this institution for the past 57 solid years, Samson is probably the longest ever reigning president of an institution of higher learning not only in the Philippines, and Asia but the whole world.

Congratulations, sir!