News Archives - San Sebastian College Official Website

Groundbreaking Ceremony: SSC-R Manila Gymnasium Renovation

fwadmin — Mon, 25 May 2026 05:20:51 +0000

By: Liezel A. Vidal

��մ�� (SSC-R) Manila officially commenced the renovation of its gymnasium with a groundbreaking ceremony today, May 21, 2026, marking a new milestone and a major step toward enhancing campus facilities for sports, fitness, and community engagement.

The ceremony gathered the members of SSC-R Manila’s School Board, chaired by Rev. Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, the College President, and representatives from Fitness Exclusive, OPC, headed by its President and CEO, Mr. Edward So Kua, highlighting a strong partnership dedicated to developing a modern and dynamic athletic space for the SSC-R community.

From L to R: Rev. Fr. James T. Bumangabang, OAR, Director for Curriculum Development; Rev. Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, College President; Mr. Ivan Morano of Terreacon Builders; Arch. Rommel Ang of Anbace Design and Build; Mr. Edward So Kua, President and CEO of ES Print Media and Fitness Exclusive; Rev. Fr. Dionisio Q. Selma, OAR, Vice President for Administration; Rev. Fr Henry H. Santiago, OAR, Vice President for Finance; Rev. Fr. Virgilio M. Paredes, Jr., OAR, Director of Athletics Office; Mr. Paolo Napiza, General Manager of Fitness Exclusive

The project stems from a formal lease agreement between SSC-R and Fitness Exclusive, OPC. Under the agreement, the existing gymnasium will be transformed into a state-of-the-art basketball court and fully equipped fitness center, with renovation costs fully undertaken by the lessee.

A Modern Hub for Sports and Wellness

The new facility is envisioned to serve as a central hub for physical activity, training, and recreation. Upon completion, Fitness Exclusive, OPC will manage and operate the gymnasium, offering membership-based fitness services and rentable spaces for basketball and other activities.
This development is expected to significantly benefit SSC-R students, faculty, and the wider community by providing improved access to high-quality sports and wellness facilities.

Long-Term Strategic Partnership

The agreement outlines a long-term collaboration designed to ensure sustainability and mutual growth. Through this long-term partnership, SSC-R continues to invest in facilities that support the holistic development of body, mind, and spirit.

The renovation period is expected to last approximately 120 days, during which extensive upgrades and modernization efforts will be carried out.

Commitment to Excellence and Community Growth

The groundbreaking ceremony symbolizes more than the start of construction…it reflects SSC-R Manila’s commitment to continuous improvement and the holistic development of its stakeholders. By investing in better infrastructure and fostering partnerships with industry leaders, the institution aims to promote a culture of health, fitness, and excellence.

Once completed, the new SSC-R Gymnasium and Fitness Center is poised to become a landmark facility that supports both athletic achievement and everyday wellness, strengthening the College’s role as a center for education and community development.

Committed to a Sustainable Future: SSC-R Manila Now an Official SDG Accord Signatory

fwadmin — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:12:42 +0000

��մ�� Manila (SSC-R Manila) is honored to have been awarded the Certificate of Recognition as an official signatory of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accord, delivered by the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education through EAUC.

The SDG Accord is a global initiative that commits educational institutions to embed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into their core mission through teaching, research, leadership, and campus operations. By joining this alliance of committed institutions, SSC-R Manila demonstrates its dedication to fostering sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusive education.

This recognition highlights SSC-R Manila’s ongoing efforts to align academic programs, community engagement, and institutional policies with the SDGs. As a signatory, the college commits to reporting progress annually and championing sustainable development within the academic community and beyond.

“We embrace this important milestone as a driving force to further integrate sustainability into all facets of our educational mission,” said Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, College President of SSC-R Manila. “Our commitment to the SDG Accord reinforces our role as a socially responsible institution that nurtures future leaders equipped to make a positive impact on society and the environment.”

Through this partnership, SSC-R Manila will continue to collaborate globally with other signatories, share best practices, and inspire meaningful action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

Global Gateway Initiative: SSC-R Manila and UAE Embassy Celebrate Turnover of Library Resources

fwadmin — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:07:57 +0000

San Sebastian College–Recoletos Manila (SSC-R Manila) marked a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to foster global academic cooperation and cultural exchange with the official turnover ceremony of library materials from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, held on November 6, 2025, at the St. Thomas of Villanova Library.

His Excellency Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Philippines, graced the occasion and delivered an inspiring message on the enduring value of international collaboration in higher education. The ambassador’s presence underscored the increasing importance of intercultural understanding and scholarly connections in today’s academic landscape.

The ceremony also highlighted the strategic direction of SSC-R Manila Library’s Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to elevate the institution’s role in global academic engagement. Central to this initiative is the creation of a dedicated International Corner, envisioned as a space where students, faculty, and visiting scholars can access educational and cultural resources from partner countries. The newly donated materials from the UAE Embassy will serve as a foundational collection for this endeavor, enriching learning opportunities and promoting cross-cultural dialogue.

College President Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, led the SSC-R Manila administration in welcoming Ambassador Alzaabi, joined by Fr. Dionisio Q. Selma, OAR (Vice President for Administration), Fr. Henry H. Santiago, OAR (Vice President for Finance), Fr. Jose Prudencio G. Castillo Jr., OAR (Vice President for Identity, Formation, and Mission), along with lay administrators and SSC-R employees. Their collective presence demonstrated the institutional commitment to internationalization and the holistic formation of the academic community.

SSC-R Manila’s partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates not only responds to the evolving educational needs of its constituents but also sets a precedent for collaborative global education. The institution expresses its most profound appreciation to Ambassador Alzaabi and the UAE Embassy for their invaluable support. It anticipates future opportunities for meaningful cultural and scholarly exchange through the International Corner.

SSC-R Manila Partners with GMA for the ‘Be Juan Tama’ Masterclass to Fight Misinformation

fwadmin — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:52:56 +0000

��մ�� Manila hosted the award-winning GMA Masterclass: The ‘Be Juan Tama’ Conversation Series at the Bulwagang Diego Cera yesterday, October 9, 2025. Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, former athlete Chris Tiu, and the Philippines’ King of Talk, Boy Abunda, led the program as resource speakers. Saksi and 24 Oras Weekend anchor Pia Arcangel hosted the event.

GMA officials present included Oliver Victor Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy; Cheryl Ching-Sy, Officer-in-Charge and Vice President of the Entertainment Group; Janine Piad-Nacar and Enri T. Calaycay, Vice President and Assistant Vice President, respectively, for Comedy, Infotainment, Game, and Reality Productions within the
Entertainment Group. Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, SSC-R College President, and Narciso Valeriano Jr., Director of External Affairs, warmly welcomed the group.

Aligned with SSC-R’s mission to promote truth, integrity, and ethical communication, this Masterclass—part of GMA’s Be Juan Tama campaign—empowers the youth and community to recognize and share accurate, trustworthy, and meaningful information despite today’s challenges of misinformation.

SSC-R Ranks 3rd Nationwide in the September 2025 Psychologist Licensure Exam

fwadmin — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:41:09 +0000

��մ�� (SSC-R) achieved an impressive passing rate of 93.33%, beating the national average of 84% in the September 2025 Psychologist Licensure Examination. With 14 out of 15 examinees passing, SSC-R ranked third highest among institutions nationwide with 15 to 29 examinees, highlighting its strong commitment to academic excellence and professional competence.

SSC-R graduates with a Master of Science in Psychology, specializing in Counseling Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, have proven their readiness to make meaningful contributions to the field of psychology both locally and internationally. This achievement highlights SSC-R’s dedication to developing globally competitive professionals through rigorous training, quality education, and a supportive learning environment.

List of September 2025 Psychologist Licensure Examination Passers from SSC-R:

Agwilang, Brain Gyverne Paulan (MPsy CP, 2024)
Alvarado, Antonio Lozano (MPsy IO, 2023)
Basanta-Babaran, Chessa Denuevo (MPsy CP, 2025)
Bandin, Corina Rico (MPsy IO, 2025)
Benedicto, Kyle Marie Agramon (MPsy CP, 2025)
Blaza, Mikhail Kristoff Dagandan (MPsy CP, 2025)
Delingon, James Daniel Madlangbayan (MPsy CP, 2024)
Doron, Bryan Fajardo (MPsy CP, 2025)
Fernandez, King Karl Tria (MPsy IO, 2025)
Guides, John Rovic Gallanosa (MPsy CP, 2024)
Jose, Charlotte Joyce Lacasandile (MPsy CP, 2025)
Lingat, Aaron Miranda (MPsy CP, 2025)
Ortalla, Jose Francisco Villalba (MPsy CP, 2024)
Santos, Sheryl Zoppina Olympia (MPsy IO, 2025)

SSC-R Manila Hosts GMA YouScoop+ Bootcamp to Empower Aspiring Journalists

fwadmin — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:58:35 +0000

San Sebastian College–Recoletos Manila proudly hosted the GMA Masterclass: YouScoop+
Bootcamp on August 27, 2025, at the Fr. Domingo Carceller, OAR Little Theater. The event brought
together senior high school and select college students from NCAA-member schools for a
comprehensive learning experience centered on contemporary journalism.

Designed to inspire and equip the next generation of journalists, the bootcamp offered insights into
the evolving digital media landscape. Students gained essential knowledge of journalism values and
ethics, digital content creation, and emerging newsroom technologies.

The program featured distinguished speakers from GMA News who led sessions on key topics such
as:

Introduction to YouScoop+ and the Importance of Citizen Journalism — Hannah Esther T. Petrache provided an overview of YouScoop+, underscoring the critical role citizen journalism plays in today’s media environment.
Values and Ethics in Journalism — Renowned journalist Howie Severino discussed the foundational principles that guide responsible reporting and editorial integrity.
The Power of the Second Screen: YouTube Content Creation and Optimization — Romeo D. Remigio Jr. demonstrated how journalists can optimize video content for digital audiences.
AI in the Newsroom and Best Practices — Theodore Jason Patrick K. Ortiz explored how artificial intelligence is transforming news production while emphasizing ethical considerations.
Future-Proofing Online Journalism and GMA News Online App Walkthrough — Marisse Panaligan introduced strategies to adapt to rapid changes in digital journalism, enhancing audience engagement through mobile platforms.

The bootcamp fostered interactive discussions and practical learning, encouraging students to reflect on how they might shape the future of journalism in the Philippines. Attendees left the event better prepared to uphold journalistic integrity while embracing innovative tools and trends in digital reporting.

SSC-R Manila continues to support initiatives that develop critical thinking, ethical awareness, and
technical competence among students preparing for careers in media and communications.

Elevating Nursing Education: SSC-R Manila Invests 90 Million Pesos in Cutting-Edge Skills Laboratory

fwadmin — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:04:20 +0000

��մ�� Manila has unveiled its state-of-the-art Nursing Skills Laboratory along with its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for the 2025-2026 academic year. This 767-square-meter facility represents a significant step forward in the hands-on training offered by SSC R Manila, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to developing highly skilled and compassionate nursing professionals.

The laboratory is thoughtfully designed with ten specialized simulation rooms, including labor and delivery, nursery, operating room, PACU, ward, ICU, emergency room, healthcare unit, isolation, and orthopedics. These rooms are outfitted with the latest medical technology and high-fidelity manikins, ranging from birthing and newborn models to surgical and geriatric models, along with essential tools such as ultrasound machines, ECG and patient monitors, ventilators, and incubators.

SSC-R Manila invested 90 million pesos to build this advanced facility, which sets a new standard for nursing education in the country. The Commission on Higher Education formally approved the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program per Resolution No. R077-2025, issued on July 7, 2025.

This new facility highlights SSC-R Manila’s strong dedication to innovation, quality education, and preparing nursing students to succeed both locally and internationally. As the program welcomes its first group of students, the college is eager to shape the future leaders in the healthcare field.

SSC-R Manila Joins the GMA Masterclass: Eleksyon 2025 Dapat Totoo Series

fwadmin — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:11:27 +0000

��մ�� (SSC-R) Manila reaffirmed its commitment to fostering informed and responsible citizenship by participating in the GMA Masterclass: Eleksyon 2025 Dapat Totoo Series, held on March 12, 2025, at José Rizal University in Mandaluyong City. This significant event, organized by GMA Network’s Integrated News and Synergy teams, educated young voters on their critical role in safeguarding democracy and upholding truth and integrity during the upcoming midterm elections.

The masterclass featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Atom Araullo and Sandra
Aguinaldo (broadcast journalists), Howie Severino (GMA News Online editor-at-large), Theodore
Ortiz (social media assistant manager, GMA Integrated News Research), Karen Mayrina (senior
manager, GMA Integrated News Research), and Bea Gomez (celebrity and beauty queen). These
experts explored topics such as the power of informed choices, the dangers of disinformation, and
the responsibility of voters in shaping the nation’s future.

As part of the Panata Kontra Fake News campaign—a nationwide initiative by the GMA Network to
combat misinformation—this masterclass underscored the importance of media literacy and critical thinking among young Filipinos. It also highlighted the role of educational institutions like SSC-R Manila in empowering students to participate actively in democratic processes.

Through engaging discussions and insightful perspectives, the event equipped participants with the knowledge and awareness needed to navigate the complexities of modern elections. The emphasis on truth, integrity, and informed decision-making aligns with SSC-R Manila’s mission to cultivate socially responsible individuals grounded in Augustinian Recollect values.

SSC-R Manila is honored to partner with GMA Network and other prestigious institutions to
champion free and honest elections. As the nation prepares for Eleksyon 2025 on May 12, this partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting democracy and shaping a brighter future for all Filipinos.

CHED -NCR RQAT Visits SSC-R Manila for its Criminology and Nursing Program Application

fwadmin — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:25:54 +0000

The Commission on Higher Education -National Capital Region (CHED-NCR) Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQUAT) visited ��մ��, Manila on January 31, 2024 to evaluate the application of the institution to offer BS- Criminology program for next academic year, 2024 -2025 and for its initial assessment of the BS Nursing program. The CHED NCR RQUAT was represented by Dr. Desire Garcia- Estrada, Dr. Mandy G. Gonzales and Ms. Gabriella Alexandra C. Tayag

The said visit was spearheaded by Dr. Catherine Castaneda, Vice President for Academics & Research in coordination with the College Department, Library Systems and Human Resource Development Center.

SSC-R Manila’s Book Donation initiative will now be known as“Recoletos Tulong-Dunong Project”

fwadmin — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 22:56:11 +0000

��մ�� Manila’s “Donate-A-Book program that started in 2015 will now be known as “Recoletos Tulong-Dunong” project. Since its inception, the program has already collected and distributed almost 7,000 books and learning materials through the generous support of the Sebastinian Community.

This year, the Sebastinian Community Development and Extension Office (SCDEO) extended help to the District Battalion Formation Management Group of Manila Police District. Pushing forward with their commitment to literacy and education, SCDEO partnered with their Ang Guro kung Pulis Project.

Rev. Fr. Virgilio M. Paredes, OAR, the Vice President for Identity, Formation and Mission, led the turnover of school bags and books donated by the faculty, students and parents from Grade School and Junior High School last August 26, 2023.

Dr. Seuss once said “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.”