SMU - School of Teacher Education and Humanities- STEH

15/10/2026

13/10/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣: Three Marian Leaders Named Regional Finalists in the Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines – Region 02

BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — Saint Mary’s University (SMU) continues to uphold its distinguished Marian brand of Academic and Leadership Excellence as three of its outstanding graduates have officially been named Regional Finalists in the prestigious Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) – Region 02.

Embodying the Marian core values of Excellence, Communion, Innovation, and Social Responsibility, the three regional finalists have demonstrated exceptional achievements in academics, leadership, and service to the community throughout their university journey.

The three Marian achievers, who were also recognized for their exemplary accomplishments during the University’s Commencement Exercises on July 3, 2026, are:
- Edgar D. Balaba Jr., a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and recipient of the Rev. John Van Bauwel, CICM Leadership Award
- Mary Jemille O. Culanag, a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English, with a Certificate in Religious Education, who graduated Magna Cum Laude
- Almyra Joy B. Garcia, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, who earned the academic distinction of Cum Laude

As part of the regional selection process, the three finalists will participate in the TOSP Region 02 Formation Program on October 16–17, 2026, in Ilagan City, Isabela, culminating in the much-anticipated Regional Awarding Ceremony on October 18, 2026. The regional awardees will subsequently advance to the national search, where they will join other outstanding student leaders from across the country.

The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is a prestigious national recognition program that honors graduating college students who exemplify academic excellence, outstanding leadership, social responsibility, and meaningful contributions to their communities. Beyond academic achievements, the program recognizes young individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to nation-building and transformative leadership.

This remarkable achievement further affirms Saint Mary’s University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically competent but also socially responsible, service-oriented, and empowered to become catalysts for positive change.

Saint Mary’s University extends its heartfelt congratulations and prayers to these three exceptional Marian leaders as they proudly represent the University on the regional stage and aspire to advance to the national level. May their journey continue to inspire fellow Marians and young leaders to pursue excellence, embrace servant leadership, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Indeed, these three Marian achievers embody the true spirit of Saint Mary’s University—Inspired by Mission, Driven by Excellence.

Written and Photo by: Allan S. Guiab, Secretary, ODSAS

03/10/2026

𝟐,𝟑𝟔𝟓 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Saint Mary's University invites the Marian community to the 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 in honor of the collective achievements of our awardees on 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, starting at 𝟳:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 at the 𝗙𝗿. 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝘆𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺.

For our awardees, please be strictly advised that failure to attend the said program without submitting the absence form on time without a valid reason may be a basis for the withdrawal of the scholarship grant or reduction or partial forfeiture of scholarship grants and/or privileges.
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💻✍️: Ryan Fernandez

30/09/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗜𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Policy research, writing, and communication took center stage at POLITEIA: A Policy Research and Advocacy Seminar-Workshop, held on September 28 at the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT). Political Science majors of Saint Mary’s University took part and brought home the top three places in the Best Policy Proposal category and the Best Presenter award.

Organized by the Political Science Society of USLT, the seminar-workshop included sessions on conducting policy research, understanding government policymaking processes, and communicating policies to stakeholders. Resource speakers came from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the Development Academy of the Philippines, and the Tuguegarao City Mayor’s Office.

The day ended with the Policy Research Proposal Workshop and Challenge, where participants worked in groups to develop policy proposals and presented them in a five-minute pitch to a panel of judges. Working with their groupmates, Marian participants formulated proposals that earned the group awards for first, second, and third place.

The group of Josel Noej Sopongco, a BA Political Science 4 student, won first place for From Waste to Wealth: Evaluating the Feasibility of Waste-to-Energy Technology Adoption in Strengthening the Implementation of RA 9003 in Nueva Vizcaya. The proposal examines whether waste-to-energy technology can strengthen local implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Sopongco also received the individual Best Presenter award.

Second place went to the group of Avril Christine Rombaoa, a BA Political Science 3 student, for H.U.S.A.Y. (Holistic Understanding, Statutory Authority, and Yield): Assessing Legal-Procedural Knowledge and Dispute Resolution in Katarungang Pambarangay in the Philippines. The proposal assesses how well the barangay justice system is understood and used in settling community disputes.

Third place went to the group of Atasi Almazan, a BA Political Science 4 student, for Mind the Map: Assessing Systems-based Approaches to Gig Workers’ Legal and Social Protection in the Philippines. The proposal examines how systems-based approaches can improve legal and social protections for gig workers.

The results show the strength of SMU’s Political Science program in preparing students to analyze public problems, support their recommendations with evidence, and communicate them effectively. The winning proposals address concerns in environmental governance, community justice, and labor protection.

Written by: Nicole Anne Aquino, STEH PIO Coordinator

25/09/2026

𝗦𝗠𝗨 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗’𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝟯𝟱𝟬! 🌏

Saint Mary’s University ranks 341st worldwide in UI GreenMetric 2026

Saint Mary’s University has risen to the Top 350 sustainable universities in the world, ranking 341st globally in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2026, with an overall score of 7,650 points.

The achievement places SMU among the Top 8 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs), 197th in Asia, and 1st in Region 2, marking another milestone in the University’s continuing sustainability journey.

SMU’s 341st global ranking represents a significant improvement from its 406th-place standing in 2025. This progress reflects the University’s continued efforts to strengthen environmental stewardship, sustainable campus operations, sustainability education and research, and responsible institutional practices.

Beyond the numbers, the recognition reflects how sustainability continues to become an integral part of university life. Through responsible resource management, environmental programs, sustainability-focused education and research, campus development, and community engagement, SMU continues to translate its commitment to sustainability into meaningful action.

The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2026 evaluated 2,016 universities across 110 countries, providing institutions worldwide with a platform to demonstrate their progress and commitment to sustainable development.

This achievement is a reflection of the collective efforts of the SMU community, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, researchers, and partners, whose shared commitment continues to move the University’s sustainability initiatives forward.

A milestone achieved. A sustainability journey strengthened. The journey continues. 🌱

24/09/2026

#𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 | Congratulations to the 38 Marians who recently passed the 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺 conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission.

Merylle Joisce Vila (Top 6) 93.20%
Dejannes Marie Franco (Top 7) 93.00%

First-Takers: 92.68%
National Passing Rate: 91.72%

17/09/2026

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑

We are inviting all Marian 𝐉𝐎𝐁 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐘𝐄𝐑𝐒 to visit the SMU Job Placement Office at the Balai Na Alumni to register in the National Skills Registration Program (NSRP)!

You may fill out the NSRP registration form at the SMU-JPO from 8:00-11:30 AM and 1:00-5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

The NSRP of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is a nationwide program that links job seekers with employers, making recruitment and employment faster, easier, and more efficient.

For Job Seekers

Register your:
Personal information
Education and training
Skills and competencies
Work experience
Employment preferences

Benefits:
✔ Be matched with suitable job vacancies.
✔ Access employment facilitation services.
✔ Increase your employment opportunities.

For Employers

Register your establishment and:
Post job vacancies.
Search for qualified applicants.
Recruit workers based on the skills and qualifications you need.
Access a nationwide pool of registered job seekers.

Benefits:
✔ Faster recruitment process.
✔ Better job matching.
✔ Wider reach to qualified applicants.

Visit the SMU Job Placement Office today!

Whether you are looking for a job or looking for qualified workers, the NSRP is your gateway to meaningful employment and efficient recruitment.

𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑. 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓. 𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐄.

17/09/2026

#𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 | Congratulations to the 7 Marians who recently passed the September 2026 Licensure Examination for Social Workers conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission.

List oF Passers:
Kristine Keith B. Palcon, RSW
Jane M. Lumaho, RSW
Weizelle Jeanne S. Tolentino, RSW
Jhonah Grace T. Nabehet, RSW
Lei Carmela D. Lauan, RSW
Bea Zxyrile G. Domingo, RSW
Kholyne Mitz A. Bogbog, RSW

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

Congratulations to our Entrance Scholars, Academic Scholars, and Dean’s Listers!

Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. We are proud of your achievement! 💙

Keep striving for excellence. Congratulations! 👏✨

📅 Recognition Program: October 7, 2026 (AM)
📍 Venue: Rev. Cornelious Tonus Gym