WVCST President Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr., formally took his oath of office  as the new President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)-Region VI  last July 6, 2012 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City.

Hon. Jerry P. Treñas, Representative of the Lone District of Iloilo City, was the inducting officer and guest speaker during the oathtaking ceremonies of the new PASUC VI Officers.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog and Provincial Administrator Raul N. Bañas, representing Governor Arthur D. Defensor, also attended the oathtaking ceremonies and delivered their respective messages.

Other inducted PASUC VI Officers were: Dr. Joel P. Limson, Vice President; Dr. Pablo E. Subong, Jr., Secretary; Dr. Victor E. Navarra, Treasurer; Dr. Freddie C. Maningo, Auditor; Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, Business Manager; Dr. Rogelio T. Artajo, Dr. Editha A. Magllanes, Dr. Ma. Rosario A. Panes, Dr. Romulo T. Sisno and Dr. Renato M. Sorolla, Board of Directors and Dr. Sofronio D. Dignomo, as PASUC VI Executive Director.

In his message during the oathtaking ceremonies, Congressman Jerry P. Treñas, challenged the new PASUC VI officers to aim higher in order to place Region VI tertiary education providers on top of the country’s ranking for colleges and universities.

He said that it can be done through innovative education for all professors in order to be abreast with the latest development in their respective fields and the maintenance of excellence and rapport with students.

Meanwhile, Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr., in his opening inaugural speech, thanked Congressman Jerry P. Trenas, Governor Arthur D. Defensor and Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog for their support to the activities of PASUC VI. He assured them that the Association will always be a true partner for development looking only at the opportunity to be of service without discrimination and regard for political affiliation or sectoral influences.

Sorolla said that during his term, he would put more focus on resource generation management especially on the commercial production of outputs of SUCs apart from continuing the various programs started by his predecessor on research capability-building, extension programs and the usual sports development activities. He appealed to SUCs officials for commitment to the cause of education especially on the four-fold functions of SUCs — instruction, research, extension and production which all officers are trying to crystallize, systematize and consolidate in PASUC VI.

“Support your presidents for it is the only way for SUCs to grow and develop. Remember in all organizations, all effort is team effort and all result is team result,” Sorolla said.

Sorolla assumed the post from Dr. Benny A. Palma, who led PASUC VI from 2008-2012.