Twenty three (23) non-teaching staff went for a Professional Enhancement Tour to various schools in Manila, Pampanga and Baguio City last April 2-6, 2009.

College President Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr. has recognized the need of the employees to travel, to explore, and visit other state universities and colleges around the country. He believes that to enhance the skills, one can also learn by experience from interviews and interaction with their counterparts, and update on the latest technology and development in other SUCs.

On April 2 the group took an early Cebu Pacific flight to Metro Manila. From the airport they proceeded to the Philippine School of Aeronautics (PSCA) located at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. From PSCA they headed to Angeles University Foundation, Angeles, Pampanga. Ms. Sylvia M. Soriano, Vice President for Administration, warmly welcomed the group in behalf of the University President, Dr. Ricardo P. Pama. Dr. Pama hails from Passi, Iloilo. Inside the Audio Visual Room the group was shown a video presentation of the history of the university, its founders, the mission, vision, and major accomplishments. They were shown around the beautiful and clean campus and the University Hospital by a group of young and hospitable staff led by Mr. Ramil Angeles. The campus tour ended with the group served with authentic Pampanga lunch inside the air conditioned cafeteria.

Benguet State University (BSU) in Benguet was the next school they visited. Ms. Jocy Nitoon, Medina Navarro and Mr. Alejandro D. Nono of the University Public Affairs Office showed the group around the campus, particularly in the income generating projects of the university. They had strawberry picking in the organic farm, and had a great time buying strawberry yams, jams, jelly, and other products from the store. From BSU, the group explored the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City as well as other tourist spots like the La Trinidad Valley, Lourdes Grotto, the botanical gardens, Burnham Park, Baguio City Cathedral and the Teacher’s Camp.

In Manila, the group was accommodated at the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) dormitory where another Ilonggo, Dr. Godofredo Gallega, is President. The next school they visited was Philippine Normal University (PNU) in Taft Avenue. University President Atty. Lutgardo B. Barbo sponsored the group’s breakfast at PNU Café. Ms. Rachel Evangelista and other staff toured the group around the spacious, historical, and beautiful campus. The employees then met with their counterparts in the offices of the registrar, accounting, and supply, and they even visited the PNU Multipurpose Cooperative. From PNU, the group proceeded to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) campus in Sta. Mesa. They were welcomed by Dr. Abet Gillo, Assistant EVP and Director of ICTC, in behalf of Dr. Victoria C. Naval, Officer-in-Charge, who approved the request of the group for a campus tour. They were shown around by some university staff to the ICTC building, its offices, classrooms, conference rooms, computer laboratory and libraries. They also learned about the PUP Open University program and the latest on-line enrolment system for students here and abroad.

This year’s professional enhancement tour is one of the most successful tours the non-teaching employees have done. They gained new friends, made new experiences, acquired additional learning and information, had fun, and adventure. Indeed the tour increased the morale of the non-teaching employees. It had pushed them to improve and grow professionally in government service. No money can buy the experience they had. (Jessica M. Genzola)