DSSC Chronicles

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 | 𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀: 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

The familiar sound of footsteps echoed across the campus as students returned to classrooms, hallways, and spaces that would once again become part of their everyday lives. At Davao del Sur State College, the first week of classes was more than just the beginning of another academic year it was a fresh start filled with anticipation, curiosity, reunions, and new possibilities.

Freshmen ready to explore, sophomores ready to grow, juniors ready to lead, and seniors ready to make every moment count. Though each year level carries a different story, they all share the same excitement of stepping into another chapter.

For the freshmen, the first week felt like entering an entirely new world. New classmates, unfamiliar rooms, new schedules, and new faces filled their days with both excitement and uncertainty. Every hallway became an opportunity to discover something new, while every introduction could be the beginning of a lasting friendship. They came not only to attend their first classes but also to find their place in a community they would soon call their own.

Meanwhile, the sophomores returned with a little more confidence. They already knew the rhythm of college life the rush between classes, the search for classrooms, the deadlines, and the occasional confusion that comes with a new semester. But this time, they were no longer simply adjusting. They were ready to grow, carrying lessons from their first year and turning them into experiences that could shape the year ahead.

For the juniors, the first week marked a deeper step into their college journey. With more responsibilities and greater expectations, they walked into campus with a stronger sense of purpose. Their experiences had taught them how to navigate challenges, work with others, and take initiative. This year, they were not only students preparing for their future but also becoming examples for those following behind.

Then came the seniors, whose first week carried a different kind of feeling. The same classrooms and familiar campus paths suddenly seemed more meaningful. What once felt ordinary had become something worth remembering. With graduation slowly coming into view, every conversation, activity, photograph, and shared laugh became another piece of a final college chapter.

Beyond the different year levels, the first week brought everyone together in one shared atmosphere. The campus became a meeting place for old friends reconnecting, new friendships beginning, and students discovering what the year might hold. There were schedules to remember, lessons to catch up on, organizations to explore, and countless stories waiting to happen.

The first week may have been filled with simple moments walking to class, exchanging introductions, laughing with classmates, or finding a comfortable corner on campus—but these are often the moments that become the memories students carry long after the semester ends.

As the days move forward and the excitement of the first week slowly settles into the routine of college life, one thing remains certain: every student has a story to write. For the freshmen, it is the beginning. For the sophomores, a chance to grow. For the juniors, an opportunity to lead. And for the seniors, a final chance to make every moment count.

The first week may be only the opening pages, but the chapter has officially begun. At Davao del Sur State College, students have stepped forward with new dreams, renewed purpose, and stories still waiting to be written.

✍️: Wylah Marie Pamintuan
📸: John Dablo
💻: Jane Francislyn Canonigo

𝗗𝗦𝗦𝗖 𝗕𝗣𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

Four Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) students from Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) earned international recognition after their community-led initiative to strengthen the leadership and governance of Blaan women was featured in the United Nations University (UNU) publication Youth in Charge: RCE Leaders Shaping Sustainable Societies, published on August 12, 2026.

The recognized students—Cherry Mae M. Rabaño, Winston Y. Malud, Joana Leah C. Aradan, and Kristine C. Aballe, along with their mentors, Neil Shane D. Ngojo, MPA and Dr. Roel Jr. D. Apas, conceptualized and implemented the project, "Empowering Indigenous Cultural Communities: Strengthening Leadership and Governance from the Ground Up," under the Bachelor of Public Administration program.

Conducted in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, the student-led initiative directly engaged 62 Blaan women leaders through capacity-building activities focused on legislative processes, financial management, and inclusive community participation. The project aimed to strengthen grassroots governance by equipping participants with practical leadership and decision-making skills.

The initiative produced measurable results, with more than 80 percent of the participants demonstrating improved leadership and governance competencies following the training and mentorship provided by the student team.

Beyond leadership development, the project promoted sustainable development by integrating environmental stewardship, climate-smart agriculture, and the preservation of traditional Blaan practices, including weaving and beadwork. These efforts sought to strengthen community resilience while safeguarding indigenous cultural heritage.

Kristine C. Aballe, one of the student editors of the project brochure, reflected on the experience, saying, "It was an honor to help share this project's stories and lessons. Ensuring that the brochure properly represented the team's work and the Blaan women's experiences was challenging, but teamwork helped us overcome it. It was meaningful to see how empowering women contributes to the SDGs and creates a positive community impact."

The project's inclusion in the UNU publication highlights the global relevance of student-led community initiatives. Published by the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability in Tokyo, Japan, the book features case studies from institutions worldwide that advance sustainable development through youth leadership.

Through the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Davao and the work of the BPA students and mentors, DSSC became one of only five institutions from the Asia-Pacific region featured in the publication, underscoring the College's commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and youth-driven development.

The initiative advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By empowering indigenous women leaders and promoting inclusive governance, the project has created a lasting impact on the Blaan community while serving as a model for future sustainability and community development initiatives.

✍🏻: 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚
📸: 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐨
👨‍💻: 𝐑𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐕. 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨

𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗨𝗠𝗣 | 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗙𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 ☁️✨

Swapped the stiff opening-day outfits for soft fabrics, easy layers, and maximum lounge energy. Just a collection of low-effort, high-reward fits getting us through the third day of school, because if we’re going to survive the week, we might as well do it comfortably. 💅

✍️: 𝕵𝖔𝖍𝖓 𝕯𝖆𝖇𝖑𝖔
📷: 𝕵𝖔𝖍𝖓 𝕯𝖆𝖇𝖑𝖔/𝕵𝖆𝖓𝖊 𝕮𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖓𝖎𝖌𝖔
💻: 𝕵𝖔𝖍𝖓 𝕯𝖆𝖇𝖑𝖔

𝗗𝗦𝗦𝗖 𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Marking the first day of the DSSC Academic Support Services Orientation series, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), through the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), oriented first-year students on the institution's academic and student support services on August 11, 2026, at the DSSC Gymnasium to help them transition successfully into college life.

The whole-day orientation, conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., gathered new students from the College of Teacher Education (CTED), College of Mathematics, Arts, and Sciences (CMAS), College of Engineering and Technology (CET), and College of Information and Digital Sciences (CIDS).

Participants were introduced to key institutional offices and services, including Student Services, Admission and Scholarship Services, Student Discipline and Formation, Guidance Services, Medical and Dental Services, Registrar's Services, General Services, Gender and Development (GAD) Office Services.

Christine May Mangubat, MAEd-PE, of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), said the orientation was designed to familiarize first-year students with the various offices that support their academic success and overall well-being.

"The orientation aims to make students aware of the different offices in the College, particularly those under OSAS, as well as other units such as the GAD Office, Library, Admission and Scholarship, and many other services dedicated to supporting our students' welfare," Mangubat said.

Mangubat also expressed hope that the knowledge gained during the orientation would help students throughout Academic Year 2026–2027.

For many participants, the orientation provided practical guidance on adapting to college life and understanding their responsibilities as college students.

Joana Grace Agustines, a Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) student from CTED, said the activity highlighted the importance of demonstrating respect, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to institutional policies.

"There should always be respect for one another, cleanliness, and the rules of this institution that we must follow," Agustines said.

Meanwhile, a first-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino student likewise shared that the orientation helped them understand the greater level of responsibility expected in higher education, particularly in managing academic documents and complying with institutional requirements.

"Now that we are in college, we have to take greater responsibility for our documents and requirements. We cannot always rely on our teachers, so we need to take the initiative to monitor and complete our requirements to avoid problems," the student said.

Following the orientation, the students participated in a Club Fair and Campus Tour, where they explored student organizations, visited campus facilities, and became more familiar with the services and opportunities available to them.

The Academic Support Services Orientation will continue on August 12 for students from the College of Business Education and Governance (CBEG) and the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences (CARS), followed by the Sulop Extension Campus on August 13 and the Sta. Cruz Extension Campus on August 14, ensuring that all incoming first-year students are introduced to the College's academic and student support services as they begin their academic journey at DSSC.

✍🏻: 𝐊𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳
📸: 𝐀𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐂. 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐨
👨‍💻: 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐑. 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧

𝐃𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕; 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟭𝟲𝟯𝟭 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

The familiar bustle of eager conversations, hurried footsteps, and cheerful reunions filled the halls of Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) as students returned to campus, marking the beginning of another academic journey.

DSSC officially opened Academic Year 2026–2027 on August 10 through a convocation program that welcomed both new and returning students. According to records from the Registrar's Office, the College has officially enrolled 1,631 first-year students as of today, marking another milestone in its commitment to providing quality higher education.

DSSC President Dr. Augie E. Fuentes welcomed the students, faculty, and staff with a message emphasizing excellence, unity, and service.

“As we begin this new academic year, I remind everyone to give your best, work as one, and always remember whom we serve,” Dr. Fuentes said.

Following the convocation, the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Filipino (SAMAFIL) officially launched the Buwan ng Wika celebration through interactive presentations and games that highlighted the Filipino language, culture, and student unity.

Meanwhile, to help first-year students transition into college life, the Supreme Student Council (SSC) conducted campus tours introducing them to the institution's facilities, offices, and academic support services.

“The campus tour made it easier for me to get to know the school. I feel more comfortable and confident now because I already know where the important offices and classrooms are,” said Vergel Sedon, a first-year Bachelor of Secondary Education student majoring in Mathematics.

As DSSC ushers in another year of learning and opportunities, the Admissions Office remains open for late enrollment until August 14, while the adding and dropping of subjects will be allowed until August 20, 2026, giving students ample time to complete and finalize their enrollment for the first semester.

✍️📷: 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚
💻: 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧

𝑷𝑶𝑽 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚 | 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲

International Cat Day, observed every August 8, is more than a celebration of our feline companions. According to International Cat Care, the annual observance promotes awareness and the welfare of cats worldwide. At Davao del Sur State College, that reminder hits close to home. Garfield, the orange tomcat often found sleeping in the AgriDev Building, has become a familiar face among students. But Garfield is only one of many campus cats, and as their numbers continue to grow, their welfare should no longer depend solely on the kindness of a few.

Faculty members, staff, and students who feed and care for these animals deserve recognition. Yet compassion alone cannot keep pace with a growing cat population. More cats mean greater demands for food, veterinary care, and humane population management—needs that individual efforts cannot sustain.

For Shen Setael Matas, a 4th year DSSC student, the campus cats are “a silver lining” in college life. “They make our feelings lighter after a tiring school day,” she said, adding that vaccinating and spaying or neutering the cats would help protect both the animals and the campus community. Meanwhile, another student, who requested anonymity, said that although they are not an animal lover, they hope the cats receive proper care and are eventually vaccinated and fixed.

DSSC has long promoted environmental stewardship through tree planting, coastal cleanups, and many more. The same spirit should extend to the animals that share our campus. The school can begin by exploring partnerships for vaccination and spay-neuter drives, encouraging responsible feeding, and promoting adoption for cats that can be rehomed. These efforts should not fall on the Vet Tech program, the administration, or a handful of compassionate individuals alone—they require the support of the entire campus community.

International Cat Day may have passed, but its message remains. If Garfield and the many other campus cats have become part of DSSC, then our compassion should be measured not only by how often we stop to pet them, but by how willing we are to ensure their welfare for years to come.

✍🏻: 𝐀𝐫𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨
🎨: 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨
👨‍💻: 𝐑𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐕. 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞, 𝗗𝗦𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗦!

After a long and well-deserved break, it’s finally time to put those vacation vibes on pause and get back into the school grind!

We hope you made the most of your school break—rested well, spent time with your loved ones, and created memories worth keeping. But now… reality is calling!

The school year is officially back, DSSCians! 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑛𝑎 𝑏𝑎 𝑘𝑎𝑦𝑜? 👀

✍🏻: 𝐑𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐕. 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨
👨‍💻: 𝐉𝐲𝐠𝐳 𝐈𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐠𝐨

𝗪𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗜: 𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗞𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗔 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗦𝗜𝗞 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗔 𝗬𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗬𝗢𝗡
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‎Sa pag-usbong ng makabagong teknolohiya, patuloy na umuunlad ang paraan ng ating pagkatuto, pananaliksik, at pagbabahagi ng kaalaman. Sa tulong ng Wikang Filipino at Artificial Intelligence (AI), mas napapalawak ang ating kakayahang tuklasin, unawain, at gamitin ang napakaraming impormasyon sa makabuluhang paraan.
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‎Ngayong Buwan ng Wika 2026, ating yakapin ang teknolohiya habang pinahahalagahan ang wikang nagsisilbing tulay sa kaalaman, kultura, at pagkakakilanlan.
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‎𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙨𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙨𝙞𝙠, 𝘼𝙄 𝙨𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙮𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙖𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙮𝙖n.

✍🏻/👨‍💻: 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐂. 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐨