Mdpn. Joey Serra Jr., a student of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation–Bacolod and photojournalist of The Carrier, the institution’s official student publication, earned international recognition after his photograph was selected for the “Seafarer Stories” exhibit during the Singapore Maritime Week held on April 21, in Asian Civilizations Museum, Singapore.

Chosen among more than 1,000 entries submitted worldwide, Mdpn. Serra’s work was placed among the top 16 in the selected images featured in the international exhibit organized by CFARERS.

With the support of the C/M John Erll N. Destacamento, Ph.D, Dean of the College of Maritime Education, the achievement reflected the institution’s continued commitment to developing globally competitive student leaders.

“I am truly honored and grateful that my photo was chosen to be part of the ‘Seafarer Stories’ exhibit because this achievement reflects not only my passion for photography but also the experiences and realities of life at sea,” said Mdpn. Serra.

According to CFARERS organizer Stefan Froebe, the success of the exhibit was made possible through the contributions of participants whose photographs brought authentic maritime stories to life and encouraged conversations about the realities faced by seafarers beyond vessels and schedules.

“This is a big achievement for me, and I hope my photo will continue to inspire others while representing the dedication and sacrifices of seafarers around the world,” Mdpn. Serra added.

The organizers also shared that the “Seafarer Stories” initiative continues to gain attention from maritime organizations through the exhibit and online engagements, opening opportunities for wider discussions about the maritime profession and the experiences of workers at sea.

The international exhibit aimed to highlight the lives, journeys, and contributions of seafarers through photography, while promoting awareness and appreciation for the global maritime community and its vital role in society.

Words by l John Andrei Estoesta

Graphics by l Merben John Alelis

John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation Bacolod, Inc. proudly participated in the GCED Caravan 2026 held last May 4–6, 2026 at Colegio San Agustin Bacolod in collaboration with various partner agencies and schools. Representing JBLCF- Bacolod were Mrs. Joanna S. Gudio from College of Maritime Education (CME), Mr. Ronie Aguilar and Mrs. Cherryl N. Villamarzo from Basic Education Department (BED). The three-day caravan featured interactive sessions, workshops, and collaborative learning experiences centered on Global Citizenship Education (GCED).

The activity highlighted the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Through active participation and engagement, JBLCF-Bacolod continues to support initiatives that promote inclusive education, global awareness, collaboration, and sustainable development for a better future.

The participation was made possible by Mr. Jun C. Montaño, our International Relations Coordinator.

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A collaborative meeting transpired under the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) and John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation – Bacolod (JBLCF-B) partnership, marking another step forward to strengthen collaboration and academic cooperation between the institutions.

CPSU’s International Affairs and Linkages Office Director Dr. Joe-an Mae G. Escober, College of Hospitality Management Dean Sheila A. Ignacio, MBA, Ilog Campus Admistrator Dr. Rhoda A. Aguilos, and Quality Assurance Office Director Engr. Rose Ann G. Jocson joined JBCLF-B’s Engr. Sylvino V. Tupas, PhD, JBLCF-B Administrator; International Relations Coordinator, Mr. Jun C. Montano, MPA, MBA; and OIC-Quality Assurance Manager, Mr. Bernard Sorbito Jr., at the JBLCF-B New Audio-Visual Room, JBCLF-B Campus, Bacolod City, last March 30, 2026.

Director Escober spoke on behalf of CPSU, showcasing the university’s grassroots-oriented life-changing technologies, sustainability-leaning practices, and internationalization campaign milestones, and presented the three pilot collaborative programs under the collaboration between the institutions.

“This partnership is not only strategic, but equally meaningful, as it speaks to our commitment to serve our respective communities and stakeholders, to empower our teams, and to uplift each other. So, as we look forward for this great anticipation to the activities we have today, projects in the future, let this be the foundation of our ongoing dialogue, sharing learning, and continuous improvement. Let this be a living partnership that grows, evolves, and adapts to meet new challenges and opportunities along the way. To all of our partners at CPSU, thank you for placing your trust in us. We value your collaboration, and we are committed to upholding our shared responsibility with transparency, accountability, and dedication. We believe this undertaking will open up new pathways, not just for the institutional growth, but for the lasting impact on various stakeholders,” said Engr. Tupas.

While JBLCF-B is a private institution of higher learning located at JB Drive, Pauline Village, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City, and CPSU, being a government-chartered tertiary institution located in Kabankalan City, the collaboration is ideally foreseen to promote urban and rural community empowerment through potential extension services to communities, addressing social issues relevant in their respective localities.

On behalf of their respective universities, Engr. Tupas, PhD, JBLCF-B Administrator, and Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, CPSU President, signed the MOU on February 27, 2026, to officially seal the launch of the collaboration, aiming to broaden academic opportunities, cultivate multidisciplinary research initiatives, strengthen international engagement, and actively support community engagement.

Effective for five years upon signing, the MOU provides Cenphilians and Lacsonians to mutually benefit from: (1) student exchanges, educational visits, Christian-related activities, and volunteering opportunities; (2) industry-academic linkage; (3) university faculty and student researchers’ exchanges; and (4) academic collaboration, including summer school, educational-tourism projects, and visiting lectures.

In addition, sharing and enrichment of educational resources and advancement of research initiatives are also expected through (1) library resource exchanges; (2) organization of joint research projects, including conferences, seminars, workshops, and joint organizing of international conferences and meetings; and (3) exchange of information and publications.

Lastly, the MOU also enables collaboration on community extension activities, benchmarking and tutoring activities for accreditation purposes, and other activities mutually agreed upon by the two institutions.

We are pleased to inform the public that there will be NO TUITION FEE INCREASE in all programs in college and in all grade levels in high school of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation – Bacolod for School Year 2026–2027.

This decision reflects the institution’s commitment to continue providing accessible and quality education for our students and their families.

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