Marking its 25th Charter Anniversary, ParSU looks back on a journey shaped by dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and meaningful service. Over the past 25 years, the University has grown into a key institution in the Partido area, molding generations of learners, fostering strong partnerships, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable development. The milestone serves not only as a celebration of ParSU’s enduring legacy but also as a reaffirmation of its mission to nurture empowered leaders and future-ready graduates.
From March 2 to 6, the University commemorated the milestone through a series of activities highlighting its institutional achievements, partnerships, and continuing commitment to service. Each day of the celebration underscored different aspects of ParSU’s role in advancing education, research, extension, and community engagement in the Partido area and beyond.
Looking Back at the Legacy… and Continuing It
The streets came alive with color, music, and festive energy on March 2 as the university launched its 25th Charter Anniversary celebration. A lively parade and float competition set the stage for a weeklong commemoration, drawing students, faculty, alumni, and guests from partner local government units, all eager to witness the spectacle that celebrated a quarter-century of achievement, reflection, and resilience.
The formal program that followed honored the leaders, educators, and staff whose vision and dedication helped shape the university through the years. In his opening remarks, ParSU President Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo posed a question that resonated deeply with the audience: “After twenty-five years, what kind of legacy do we want Partido State University to leave to the next generation?”
Dr. Zarcedo reminded everyone that the anniversary was more than just a date on the calendar, but a commemoration of a journey that began as a bold idea. “Twenty-five years ago, this University was an idea—a hope carried by people who believed that education could transform lives in the Partido district,” he said. He paid tribute to the educators who taught beyond duty, the staff who served without recognition, the leaders who dared to dream, and the students who entrusted their futures to an institution still finding its path.
“Twenty-five years is a short time in history; yet it is long enough to prove character,” he added. “A university’s age is not measured by years, but by the minds it shaped, the dreams it awakened, and the lives it transformed.” For Dr. Zarcedo, the celebration was not just a look back, but a call to action, “Legacy is not what we inherit. Legacy is what we continue. Legacy is what we build.”
The opening day of the anniversary week also showcased the vibrant talent and spirit of the ParSU community. The University Band and Majorettes performed an exhibition number during the opening program, while the Mercado de ParSU and campus college booths opened their doors to students and visitors. The annual Library Book Fair was officially launched, and local bands energized the crowd during the music fest. PATHFIT students from across ParSU campuses impressed spectators with synchronized routines and dynamic performances, culminating in a Mass Demonstration involving 3,900 ParSUans in celebration of the Silver Anniversary.
As the week progresses, ParSU continues to honor its achievements while embracing the shared responsibility of its community to shape the chapters yet to come—a challenge and opportunity to inspire minds, create history, and leave a legacy that will endure for generations.
Continuing the Legacy… through making History
This spirit of reflection and forward-looking vision was embodied in a celebration befitting a quarter-century of academic excellence, marked by the inauguration of the University’s Culture and Arts Center, followed by the Investiture and Professorial Lecture titled “Bringing Global Research to a Global Audience.”
A defining moment of the ceremony was the conferral of the title Professor Emeritus to Dr. Danilo M. Gerona, making him the first in the university’s history and only the second in the Bicol Region to receive this distinction. Dr. Gerona has authored over 30 books on Bikol history and national heritage and has served as Director of the Magellan-Elcano Studies Center and the Center for Partido Studies.
“For the first time in our university’s history, we confer the title Professor Emeritus, the highest academic distinction we can bestow, upon a scholar whose life has been devoted to the pursuit of truth, the preservation of memory, and the illumination of our collective past,” Dr. Zarcedo said. “The hooding of Dr. Danilo M. Gerona marks not only the recognition of an individual, but the maturation of [ParSU] as a community of scholarship.”
Dr. Zarcedo noted that it was fitting for the first honoree to be a historian. “For a scholar like Dr. Gerona, whose work chronicles people, places, and events across time, he has, in a most poetic way, made history here as our first Professor Emeritus. We are deeply grateful to witness this history ourselves.”
The investiture, he emphasized, reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing intellectual leadership and honoring scholarship. “Excellence in scholarship must be honored, intellectual leadership must be cultivated, and heritage must be preserved and passed on to the next generation.”
This celebration of heritage and inspiration for the next generation seamlessly continued later that day with the Silver Theater play, Bogador: An Istorya kan Guipao. The performance captivated the audience, earning a standing ovation and bringing the first day of festivities to a memorable close.
On March 3, the celebration continued with a pontifical mass, the unveiling of the Silver Legacy Wall, and the Alumni Handprint Mural. Students showcased their talents through ParSU Got Talent and Rokyaw ParSU, the latter highlighted by a performance from guest artist Mr. Ched Valencia.
In a historic announcement, Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael A. Clores proudly revealed that, for the first time in ParSU history, there are a total of 534 President’s Listers and 198 co-curricular awardees, reflecting the university’s commitment to academic and holistic excellence.
Making History...shaped through collaboration
On March 4, the third day of the University’s 25th Charter Anniversary celebration featured the Silver Run—more than a race, it symbolized unity and forward momentum. Participants from across the university came together, while a series of friendly games strengthened the bonds of ParSUans, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Later in the day, ParSU held PagHONRA, a special recognition of researchers, extension partners, and stakeholders whose collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the University’s mission. “Today, as we celebrate our Silver Charter Anniversary, we gather for a very meaningful purpose: PagHONRA, which in Bicol means ‘to give honor.’ This activity is a tribute. An act of gratitude. And a public acknowledgment that the story of Partido State University is not written by one hand alone,” said President Zarcedo.
The event underscored the critical role of partnerships in advancing scientific research, community development, and sustainable solutions for Bicol communities. “Our institution would not grow, innovate, and sustain its mission toward community development without your aid and support,” Pres. Zarcedo added. Through PagHONRA, ParSU not only celebrated its legacy of excellence and innovation but also affirmed the collective effort that continues to shape its history.
The day’s celebration continued with the Innovation Challenge and the Silver Screen Film Exhibit, which showcased the creativity and ingenuity of students, faculty, and community partners. Both events highlighted how collaborative efforts spark innovation and storytelling.
Shaping collaboration...through nurturing people, nature, and legacy
On March 5, the Charter Anniversary celebration showcased how collaboration can actively shape communities, environments, and heritage through a series of meaningful initiatives. The One Big Giving Day, featuring Dugo Ko, Dugtong-Buhay Mo: Blood Donation Drive, united students, faculty, and alumni in a life-saving mission. Parallel activities such as tree planting and coastal clean-ups underscored the university’s commitment to preserving natural resources, while a feeding program extended care to vulnerable communities, highlighting the spirit of service. Engaging events like the DRRM Challenge and Mini Olympics brought energy and camaraderie, complemented by Museo de Isarog’s Time Travel Exhibit and the 25 Milestones: A Photo Exhibit, which celebrated the University’s journey through the decades.
Amid these initiatives, a solemn and inspiring moment came in honoring legacies, as the community paid tribute to Speaker Arnulfo “Noli” P. Fuentebella, whose vision was instrumental in the establishment of the University. Reflecting on his enduring legacy, President Zarcedo reminded the community that the founding vision of ParSU was rooted in service to its people. As he emphasized, “Cong Noli believed that development is not measured only by roads or buildings, but by the opportunities given to people—especially through education.”
The day’s initiatives—from acts of compassion and environmental stewardship to celebrations of shared history—stood as living expressions of that belief, demonstrating how collaboration continues to nurture people, safeguard nature, and carry forward the legacy upon which the University was built.
Nurturing People… Recognizing Excellence and Building Lasting Connections
The final leg of the celebration last March 6 highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing its people—honoring not only their well-being but also the enduring legacy of its alumni and outstanding members of the academic community. Activities reflected how the institution values holistic development, community engagement, and the recognition of excellence as pillars of its continued growth.
Promoting a culture of care and balance, the Wellness for All initiative of the ParSU Health Services Unit, gathered students, faculty members, staff, and alumni in activities designed to strengthen both physical and mental well-being. Through wellness-centered engagements, the university reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy and supportive academic environment—one where individuals are empowered to thrive not only intellectually but also personally.
The spirit of reconnection and pride in shared roots was further highlighted during the Search for Outstanding Alumni 2026 Awarding Ceremony and the Opening of the Alumni Basketball League (March 7). The ceremony recognized graduates who have demonstrated exemplary achievements and meaningful contributions in their respective fields and communities. Their stories of leadership and service served as powerful reminders of the university’s lasting impact beyond the campus. Meanwhile, the opening of the alumni basketball league brought together graduates from different generations, fostering camaraderie and rekindling the bonds that continue to unite the ParSU community.
Culminating the heart of the celebration was Parangal 2026, a defining moment that honored individuals and groups whose dedication, excellence, and service have helped shape the university’s journey. More than an awards ceremony, Parangal 2026 stood as a tribute to the people who embody the institution’s values whose contributions continue to elevate the university’s mission. By recognizing these exemplary individuals, the celebration underscored that the university’s legacy is ultimately built and sustained by the people it nurtures.
Pres. Zarcedo reflected on the deeper meaning of the week-long celebration, emphasizing that the milestone was not only about commemorating the past but also about recognizing the collective efforts that have driven the university forward.
“Throughout the celebrations this week, we have seen the story of our growth—the programs we have strengthened, the communities we have served, the talents we have nurtured, and the partnerships we have built. These are the legacies we celebrate today,” he said.
Yet, he reminded the community that the anniversary also calls for renewed commitment to the university’s mission. “The first twenty-five years shaped our foundation. The next twenty-five years will define our future,” Zarcedo emphasized.
Drawing inspiration from the symbolism of the silver anniversary, the President Zarcedo expressed hope that the institution would continue to evolve with the same spirit of dedication that has guided its journey. “If silver becomes more valuable with time and careful refinement, then our University must also continue to grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient with every year that passes,” he added.
As the celebrations drew to a close, Parangal 2026 stood as a fitting finale—honoring the people who have shaped the university’s story while inspiring the community to continue nurturing excellence, service, and collaboration for the years ahead.
As ParSU celebrates this silver milestone, the legacy of the past twenty-five years becomes both a testament to what has been achieved and a foundation for the generations that will continue shaping its future.
