As part of our 21st Founding Anniversary celebration, Batanes State College hosted the “Gabi ng Parangal para sa Natatanging Manggagawa ng BSC” on August 7, 2025, at the BSC Amphitheater—recognizing and paying tribute to the dedicated employees who have significantly contributed to the institution’s growth and excellence.

Director Doreen C. Castillo, the Chairperson of the PRAISE Committee, opened the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, thanking and congratulating everyone for their time and presence, which made the event even more meaningful.

The awards were conferred by Dr. Djovi R. Durante, College President; Dr. Angelita H. Vargas, Acting Vice President; Hon. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr., Representative of the Lone District of Batanes (represented by Ms. Cherrie Dhea B. Addatu); and Hon. Ronald P. Aguto Jr., Provincial Governor of Batanes (represented by Hon. Jonathan Enrique V. Nanud Jr., Provincial Vice Governor of Batanes).

The following were the awardees of the Gabi ng Parangal:

Loyalty Award Recipients

Year 2021
– Asst. Prof. Leobert Banzali
– Assoc. Prof. Fortunato Philip A. Cabugao
– Mr. Edward V. Castillo
– Asst. Prof. Jane S. Castillo, EdD
– Mr. Bryan H. Cielo
– Djovi R. Durante, DPA
– Asst. Prof. Elein T. Esperanza
– Mr. Richard Vinalay
– Mr. Romel Raterta

Year 2022
– Asst. Prof. Daryl Alva B. Duguran
– Mr. Ruben D. Ferrer
– Asst. Prof. William Pol M. Maggay
– Mr. Arnel D. Pableo
– Mr. Severino C. Villarta Jr.

Year 2023
– Ms. Emilyn D. Alueta (1993-2023)
– Ms. Romina Katrina B. Bernardo
– Asst. Prof. Gloria N. Cabizon
– Mr. Jershon Ralph F. Castaño
– Ms. Doreen C. Castillo
– Mr. Randall G. Castillo
– Asst. Prof. Mercedita G. Donato
– Asst. Prof. Antonia E. Español
– Ms. Marie Fe E. Pableo
– Ms. Anne Marielle V. Teves

Year 2024
– Mr. Randy F. Cabanillas
– Mr. Wilfredo V. Eriful
– Ms. Ma. Niam Karla D. Gonzales
– Ar. Aleth A. Meora
– Ms. Xina V. Vinalay

Employees with vital attendance were also recognized and awarded with a Perfect Attendance of the Month Award, spanning from January to December 2024. Among them, Mr. Randy F. Cabanillas, Supply Officer, achieved the Perfect Attendance of the Year award.

Other awards conferred that day were the following:

Outstanding Organizational Unit Award
– KRA 3 – Research

IGP Performance Award
– BSC Dormitory

Natatanging Kababaihan sa Edukasyon Award
– Ms. Xina V. Vinalay

Presidential Merit Award
– Asst. Prof. Vilma D. Baccay
– Asst. Prof. Leobert L. Banzali
– Ms. Romina Katrina B. Bernardo
– Ms. Doreen C. Castillo

Exemplary Behavior Award
– Asst. Prof. Jane S. Castillo, EdD
– Mr. Richard B. Vinalay

Outstanding Job Order Employee
– Ms. Christine B. Addatu

Outstanding Researcher
– Asst. Prof. Jane S. Castillo, EdD

Outstanding Extensionist
– Ms. Navvab C. Patricio

Outstanding Administrative Personnel
– Mr. Marvin Keith C. Alavado

Outstanding Faculty Member
– Asst. Prof. Michel A. Cabrera, DIT

Presidential Excellence Commendation Award
– Djovi R. Durante, DPA

A sense of joy and gratitude was evident as the awardees were honored on stage for their significant contributions to BSC.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Batanes State College, the Praise Committee, and everyone who made this recognition possible. This award is not just a reflection of my efforts but also of the collective support, guidance, and collaboration I have received from my colleagues, mentors, and the entire BSC community,” Dr. Jane Castillo said in an interview.

To conclude the ceremony, Dr. Angelita Vargas, the Acting Vice President, remarked, “Today was not just a celebration of years, but a celebration of growth, resilience, and shared purpose.”

Meanwhile, the BSC teaching and non-teaching personnel gathered for a fellowship dinner alongside BSC alumni, BSC retirees, and guests, where memories of the time when Batanes State College was known as Batanes Polytechnic College and Batanes School of Arts and Trades were joyfully shared.

 

✍️ Cindy Gabilo, Features Editor | The Builder’s Publication
📸BSC Documentation Team and students (Vina Cabrera, Ryan Cardona, Mark Espera, and Paul Brillo)