Back-to-Back SSC Celebration: World Teachers’ Day and Gender-Responsive Seminar

The Siquijor State College (SSC) community gathered on October 17, 2025, at El Pergentina Beach Resort, Tongo, Siquijor, for a one-day celebration of World Teachers’ Day and a Seminar-Workshop on Strengthening Gender-Responsive Policies in the Classroom and Workplace. The event brought together SSC faculty and staff  for a meaningful day of learning, fun, and recognition.

With the theme “Reshaping Teaching as a Collaborative Profession in Building a Better World,” the celebration paid tribute to the beloved SSC faculty and staff’s  dedication and commitment to education and raising awareness about the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive environment both in classrooms and workplaces.  The event was made possible through the College of Education (COTE), led by COTE Dean,  Dr. Rosalina E. Catid, as the sponsoring group.

Each representative came from the combined teams of the different academic units and departments of the College, distinguished by their color-coded attire. These included: the College of Teacher Education (COTE) together with College of Technology (COT) and College of Engineering (COE); College of Business Management (CBM) and College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE); College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and College of Maritime Education (CME); Senior High School (SHS) and Junior High School (JHS); and General Administrative Support Services (GASS).

“I always believe in the statement, ‘Once a teacher, always a student’.  Today’s undertaking is going to have activities in which the contest will be something we have in our Charter Day Celebration. We used to pressure our students. We used to give them deadlines. We used to reprimand them but have we felt putting ourselves in the shoes of these students? This is the way of unleashing the talents that we had when we were still students that had been sleeping for a long time. The student in us has to be revealed!” The ever dynamic SUC President II, Dr. Steven J. Sumaylo enthusiastically shared during his welcome message.

On the other hand, as SSC has been getting bigger in terms of the number of employees, Dr. Sumaylo also welcomed the new members of SSC Family, faculty and staff, who he warmly requested to join him on the stage to be acknowledged.

Adding color and excitement to the event was the Search for Mr. and Ms. (Transforming Education through Collaboration) TEC 2025. Participants from the different colleges and departments showcased their confidence, wit, and talents through different segments such as the Production Number, Beach Attire, Formal Attire, Advocacy, and the Question and Answer Portion. The competition brought out the creativity and charisma of SSC’s faculty and staff candidates, making it one of the most awaited highlights of the day. The venue erupted with excitement as the winners for the minor and major awards of the pageant were announced. Candidate No. 10 from the GASS Department, Mr. Mark Philip Hinaut was crowned Mr. TEC 2025, while Candidate No. 3 from the JHS/SHS Department, Ms. Jazzy Lyle Sarmiento Samson earned the title of Ms. TEC 2025.

Meanwhile, a series of contests took place, including Poster Making, Extemporaneous Speech, Oratorical, Vocal Duet, and Lyrical or Interpretative Dance. These contests gave participants the chance to display their talents, teamwork  and express their ideas creatively while promoting the themes of teaching excellence and gender equality.

The event continued with enjoyable parlor games that encouraged teamwork and camaraderie among the participants. Laughter and cheer filled the venue as everyone joined in the fun activities, strengthening the bond within the SSC family. Indeed! The spirit of unity and shared purpose made the event a meaningful moment for the entire SSC family.