On its 39th year of service and commitment, the School of Technology (SOTECH) celebrated its founding anniversary last March 5 to 8, 2025 with the theme “Pagbalik sa Kagapon, Paghugpong sa Karon, Para sa Mainuswagon nga Palaabuton”.
The four-day celebration commenced with an opening program, featuring Engr. Katrina Salvador, Officer-in-Charge Division Head of the Department of Trade and Industry and a distinguished alumna in Chemical Engineering, as the guest speaker. In her address, she underscored the importance of strategically evaluating opportunities and encouraged students to venture beyond their comfort zones, embracing a transformative experience that would leave a lasting impact.
Following the opening program, the SOTECH Exhibit was inaugurated, providing a platform for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and student organizations to showcase their innovative product lines. This exhibition aligns with SOTECH's mission to serve its stakeholders by fostering collaboration and innovation. Concurrently, during the lunchtime segment, a panel of pre-selected judges evaluated the research posters presented by students, providing a critical assessment of the research endeavors.
In the afternoon, the SOTECH Papuri ceremony was held to recognize and honor student achievements, wherein high-achieving scholars were presented with certificates of merit, acknowledging their outstanding academic accomplishments and dedication. Concurrently, SOTECH hosted its inaugural Open House, welcoming visitors to explore the school's facilities, research exhibits, and student projects, further fostering community engagement and outreach.
The second day of the celebration highlighted the scientific prowess of the unit through a Research Forum, featuring esteemed speakers Engr. Pretty Lee Silva and Mr. Adrianne Fritz Parra, faculty members of SOTECH, alongside Dr. Takayuki Suzuki, a distinguished professor from Yokohama National University. The forum provided a platform for the speakers to present their research endeavors, inspiring and motivating students to pursue innovative and impactful projects. This was followed by a 3-Minute Pitch Competition, where students showcased their innovative ideas and competed to effectively communicate their research and projects within a strict 3-minute time frame, demonstrating their ability to convey complex concepts succinctly and persuasively.
On the afternoon of the second day, CONVEX 11.0, an annual conversation exchange, was convened, bringing together distinguished alumni from the Food Technology and Chemical Engineering programs. Representing their respective disciplines were Atty. Annyka Frances Beatriz Dela Cruz-Borda and Engr. Rhett Sean Pomares, who shared insightful reflections on their undergraduate experiences and the profound impact these had on shaping their professional trajectories. Through their narratives, they highlighted the value of their academic foundations in preparing them to make meaningful contributions as skilled professionals in their respective fields.
The third day of the celebration was designated as Students' Day, providing students with an opportunity to engage in activities tailored to their interests. The day commenced with Sipat: SOTECH Fun Run 2025, a lively event that saw participants gather at the university covered court before proceeding to the New SOTECH Building. The remainder of the day was filled with organizational activities, featuring events such as the OUnCES' Physical Cup and PAFT-i's annual Quiz Bowl competition, which allowed students to showcase their skills and camaraderie.
In alignment with SOTECH's 2025 objective of rediscovering its glory, the highly anticipated SOTECH Night made a triumphant return on March 8, 2025, at the Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City. This annual gala, which first began in 1996 under the stewardship of Ms. Johanna Jamero, is renowned for its glamour and sophistication. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended physical gatherings since 2020, SOTECH Night resumed, offering a much-awaited opportunity for the community to reunite and celebrate in style. The SOTECH Night celebration was further amplified by the active participation of the SOTECH faculty, led by Dean Johannes Magpusao, who encouraged students to revive the excitement and enthusiasm that characterized past SOTECH Foundation Celebrations. Notably, the SOTECH Student Council played a pivotal role in spearheading the efforts to recreate the festive atmosphere, ensuring that the event lived up to its storied legacy.
Dean Johannes Magpusao emphasized the importance of rediscovering SOTECH's glory and reaffirming its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service. "We are proud of our legacy and our impact on the community," she said. "We will continue to strive for excellence and innovation in all our endeavors.”
The theme of the celebration underscored SOTECH's enduring legacy, highlighting its profound impact across the past, present, and future. Through its tripartite focus on “Pagbalik sa Kagapon” (learning from the past), “Paghugpong sa Karon” (embracing the present), and “Para sa Mainuswagon nga Palaabuton” (working towards a brighter future), the institution reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service, gearing towards its Ruby Anniversary next year.
