UB President Welcomes Renowned Musician and Alumnus Luke Mejares
University of Bohol President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III welcomed renowned musician and alumnus Michael Luke Mejares during a courtesy visit at the President’s Office on January 28, 2026. Gearing Up for a Big Event – Shown in this photo from left to right are: Mr. James Emmanuel Tabigue, Head of the Marketing Department; Mr. Luke Mejares; UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III; and Dr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, Dean of the Student / Personnel Services. Mejares, popularly known as Luke Mejares in the music industry, is a celebrated singer and composer and a former member of the renowned band – South Border. He and Dr. Tirol share a longstanding connection, having been classmates at the University of Bohol from pre-school through high school—an enduring bond that reflects the university’s strong sense of community and tradition. During their brief conversation, a brewing plan for a homecoming concert by Luke, to be held at the university in May this year, emerged. (Leo Armando Boncales)
CHEDRO 7 Teacher Education Supervisor II Guests UB Education’s 45th Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony
Dr. Bernard S. Pantonilla, Teacher Education Supervisor II of the Commission on Higher Education Region VII (CHEDRO VII), served as the guest speaker during the 45th Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony of the University of Bohol Education Department held on January 20, 2025, at the university gymnasium. During the ceremony, a total of 83 teacher interns were formally recognized as candidates for internship by Dr. Janice Aurora T. Namoc, Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE). The interns are enrolled in the Bachelor of Elementary Education, Special Needs Education, Culture and Arts Education, Physical Education, and Secondary Education programs, with majors in English, Filipino, Mathematics, and Social Studies. They were formally presented for the Teaching Internship Program by Dr. Jelinda R. Fortich, Program Chairperson for Elementary Education, and Mr. Vidal L. Platino Jr., Program Chairperson, Secondary Education. Meanwhile, Dr. Charito B. Sapong, Department Chairperson of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the significance of the pins, which was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the torch led by UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III. The teacher interns, together with their parents, then took part in the actual pinning and candle lighting ceremony. Anchored on the theme “Lighting the Path to Lifelong Learning,” University President Tirol, in his inspirational message, reminded the student interns that as future educators, the learning they pursue beyond the university will shape their classrooms, their students, their values, and ultimately, their legacy. He emphasized that in a rapidly changing world, teachers who thrive are those who continuously seek knowledge, reflect on their practice, and strive for improvement. “Your teachers and mentors light your path today so that tomorrow, you may light the way for others—your future students, your communities, your workplaces, and even those you may never meet,” he added. The program formally concluded with a closing statement delivered by Dr. Jerome M. Magallen, CASE Faculty President. (Leo Armando B. Boncales)
UB President Lauds 33rd SEA Games Bronze Medalist
Coinciding with his 50th birthday, UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III warmly welcomed 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games bronze medalist Julius Philip H. Bon at the President’s Office on December 14, 2025. Shown in this photo, from left to right, are Mr. Asterio C. Pocot, Dr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, Julius Philip H. Bon, and Dean Shirley O. Molina. Bon, a sophomore Criminal Justice student and UB Petanque varsity player, earned his bronze medal after competing in the Petanque Mixed Triple Event during the 33rd SEA Games held from December 9–10, 2025, in Ayutthaya, Thailand. He was accompanied by Dean Shirley O. Molina, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice, Dr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, Dean of Student/Personnel Services, and Mr. Asterio C. Pocot, Athletics Affairs Coordinator. Leo Armando Boncales
UB Broadens Educational and Service Horizons, Assumes Stewardship of the Bohol South Beach Hotel
In line with its commitment to broadening educational opportunities and strengthening institutional service capabilities, the University of Bohol (UB) formally assumed stewardship of the Bohol South Beach Hotel during a turnover and dedication ceremony held on December 30, 2025, at the seaside property in Purok 4, Sitio Daurong, Panglao, Bohol. Positioned as part of UB’s strategic diversification efforts, the Bohol South Beach Hotel is now managed and operated by the University Hotel Service Corporation, a subsidiary of the University of Bohol. The facility is envisioned to function as an expanded learning environment that supports the university’s Hospitality Management and Tourism Management programs — both currently under Level II PAASCU accreditation — by bridging academic preparation with authentic industry practice. Through this development, UB aims to enhance curricular implementation by providing students with direct industry exposure, hands-on professional training, and immersive experiential learning opportunities. Such initiatives are integral to the university’s mission of nurturing academically prepared, industry-responsive, and globally competitive graduates in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The formal turnover of the property was jointly executed by UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III and former proprietor Ms. Mercedes M. Kennedy of Bohol South Beach Hotel. The ceremony was graced by UB Trustees Nuevas T. Montes and Lumin T. Pamaran; Vice President for Finance Dr. Maricel A. Tirol; Vice President for Administration Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla; College of Law Dean and Legal Consultant Atty. Greg B. Austral; Internal Auditor Mr. Rojemer G. Ojendras; Ms. Edina N. Espejo, Treasury Manager; Mr. James Emmanuel Tabigue, Marketing Head; Engr. Francisco Pamaran; Mr. Ryan Christian A. Tirol, UB Research Affiliate; Mr. Rian Mico A. Tirol, Philippines Sports Ambassador in Swimming; Miss Adrianna Kyla M. Sevilla, Marketing Associate of VIBE FM; Mr. Jacobe Joaquin M. Sevilla; and other distinguished guests. This milestone underscores UB’s steadfast dedication to responsible institution-building, academic-industry integration, and the expansion of meaningful learning opportunities for its stakeholders. (Leo Armando Boncales)
UBian Athlete Clinches Bronze in 33rd SEA Games
Julius Philip Bon, a sophomore student of the University of Bohol College of Criminal Justice (CCJ), clinched a bronze medal in the Petanque Mixed Triple Event during the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, held on December 9–10, 2025, in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Petanque (pronounced peh-TONK), is a precision target sport in which players throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden target ball called the cochonnet or jack, while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. Although not an Olympic sport, petanque is featured in major international competitions such as The World Games and the Southeast Asian Games, highlighting its growing global recognition. Mr. Asterio Pocot, University of Bohol Athletic Affairs Coordinator, disclosed that Bon is a varsity petanque player who earned a spot on the Philippine Petanque Team after successfully qualifying in a national tryout held in Manila. (Leo Armando Boncales)
UB President Awards Cash Incentives to Board Exam Topnotchers
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL – The Nursing topnotchers, together with UB executives and administrators, are shown in this photo (from left to right): Engr. Myrna B. Bernaldez, Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS); Dr. Maricel A. Tirol, Vice President for Finance; Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, University President; Earlgen A. Bucog (10th Placer); Mikah H. Ofamin (9th Placer); Atty. Marlumina B. Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. James M. Alo, Program Chair- CAHS. Upholding its long-standing academic tradition of recognizing excellence among its top-performing graduates, University of Bohol (UB) President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III personally handed over cash incentive checks to Nursing Department graduates Mikah H. Ofamin and Earlgen A. Bucog, who placed 9th and 10th, respectively, in the November 2025 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE). The awarding ceremony was held at the President’s Office on December 18, 2025. Witnessing the awarding of incentives were Atty. Marlumina B. Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Maricel A. Tirol, Vice President for Finance; Engr. Myrna B. Bernaldez, Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS); and Dr. James M. Alo, Program Chair. The award presentation highlights the University’s sustained commitment to academic excellence and professional distinction. The institutionalized granting of cash incentives to board and bar topnotchers has recently been further strengthened through the implementation of the Revised and Enhanced Scholarship Incentive Program (SIP) for Board/Bar Topnotchers, reaffirming UB’s support for students who bring honor to the institution through exemplary academic performance. (Leo Armando B. Boncales)
UB CCJ Takes Research to the Asian Criminology Conference 2025 in Australia
Institutionalizing the culture of research within the UB community, the University of Bohol College of Criminal Justice (CCJ) elevated its scholarly engagement through its participation in the 16th Annual Conference of the Asian Criminological Society, held at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia, on December 3–5, 2025. With the theme “Translational and Transnational Criminology,” the international research forum focused on innovative scholarly ventures in law enforcement and criminal justice. It served as a significant academic platform for presenting research that bridges local community realities with broader regional and global criminological frameworks. Representing the University of Bohol College of Criminal Justice were Dr. Shirley Ochea-Molina, College Dean, together with student research presenters Sophia Antoinne L. Gantalao, a third-year student, and Paul Patrick O. Molina, a second-year student. Alongside other Filipino delegates, the UB CCJ team joined researchers, academics, professionals, and students from various Asian countries, with the Philippines emerging as the largest national contingent. The conference was also actively supported and participated in by officials of the Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (PCAP), underscoring the country’s strong presence in regional criminological discourse. As part of the conference’s transnational criminology exposure, participants visited the Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law and the Queensland Police Headquarters and Museum. A notable feature of the Queensland Courts is the extensive use of a jury system in criminal trials—an approach rarely practiced in the Philippine justice system. Also highlighted were the Supreme Court Library’s accessibility to self-represented litigants and the efficient trial scheduling systems displayed in the court lobby. The Court proudly upholds the maxim Audax et Fidelis—“Bold but Faithful.” Meanwhile, the Queensland Police Museum (QPM) offered an engaging learning experience through its 25 interactive displays featuring various policing themes. Through archival materials, exhibitions, and public programs, the QPM provided a compelling comparative perspective on policing practices, past and present. The remaining days of the conference remained highly productive, featuring insightful keynote addresses and parallel breakout sessions. These sessions explored major criminological research areas, including Digital and Cyber Crime; Drugs and Crime; Critical Criminology; Green Criminology; Global and Comparative Criminology; Gendered Violence; Policing and Crime Prevention; State and Political Crime; Theoretical Debates; Youth Justice; Gender and Sexuality; Justice Programs; Corrections; and Teaching in Criminology. This meaningful academic exposure opened valuable opportunities to further advance criminal justice education and research, while reaffirming the University of Bohol’s core values of scholarship, character, and service. (Sophia Antoinne L. Gantalao)
UB’s “March for Truth” Calls for Good Governance
Amid the ongoing political and economic challenges confronting the country, the University of Bohol took a historic stride in strengthening social awareness through its March for Truth held on December 10, 2025, at the Victoriano B. Tirol Jr. Sports Complex, Taloto District, Tagbilaran City. Grounded in the virtues of scholarship, character, and service, the institution aspires to remain a moral compass—steadfast in truth, justice, and ethical leadership. With good governance as the foundation of a responsive and effective institution, UB emphasized that transparency and accountability must remain at its core. UB executives, led by President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, took turns presenting the academe’s perspectives on the current national situation. President Tirol urged government leaders to serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Equally compelling were the messages from student leaders and alumni, who shared their insights and encouraged the Boholano community to remain vigilant and actively engaged. Atty. Greg Austral, CPA, Dean of the College of Law, provided a scholarly discussion on legal jurisprudence and the constitutional requirements in handling cases—particularly those involving corruption—before an individual can be convicted. He emphasized that the country already has sufficient laws to ensure accountability in government transactions. He reminded participants that, beyond peaceful rallies, no person can be convicted unless guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt. Thus, he underscored the need for concrete evidence and the courage of witnesses with direct knowledge to voluntarily come forward and testify. Other resource persons included Atty. Marlumin B. Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Maricel A. Tirol, Vice President for Finance; and Ms. Marjorie Dumo from the College of Science and Education. Representing the students were Sophia Antoinne Lafuente Gantalao (SSG Student Leader), Lee Rafaela Noble (CSO Student Leader), Jonzie Vinas (SSG President), and Jerylouie Urs Iter (Alumni Representative). Interspersed between the speakers were intermission performances by Josh Camilotes, who sang Tatsulok, and Chad Greyson Flores, Mr. UB Personality 2025, who delivered an oral declamation. Following the program, participants, led by school administrators, took part in an actual march around the oval. The event was hosted by Mr. James Emmanuel Tabigue, Marketing Head and OIC of the Community Extension Services Office. (Leo Armando B. Boncales)
UBohol Celebrates 55th Charter Day with Gratitude
Looking back with deep reverence and profound gratitude to the pioneers who laid its foundation, the University of Bohol commemorated its 55th Charter Day on December 11, 2025, at the University Main Campus. In a simple yet meaningful ceremony, administrators, faculty, staff, and students gathered at the campus quadrangle for a flag-raising and wreath-laying rite, followed by a brief commemorative program. To avoid further disruptions brought about by recent weather-related class cancellations, the University suspended classes only for the duration of the ceremony. In his Charter Day message, UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III honored the steadfast dedication of the institution’s early leaders, who selflessly shared their time, talents, and vision to realize the Boholano people’s aspiration for accessible and quality education. As the fifth president of the University, Dr. Tirol recalled the prophetic words of the late Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia, who once declared that the establishment of the University of Bohol marked a remarkable milestone in the region’s history. Dr. Tirol also emphasized that celebrating the University’s annual Charter Day is, above all, an act of thanksgiving to God. He reminded the UB community that the occasion serves as a constant call not to rest on past achievements but to strive for even greater heights—breathing life and vigor into the mission and vision of this beloved institution. On a lighter note befitting the holiday season, Dr. Tirol encouraged the UB community to remain hopeful and positive despite challenges. “Amid diverse opinions and beliefs, let us strive to build bridges, not walls,” he emphasized, reminding everyone that happiness remains within reach when unity and goodwill prevail. The Charter Day program also revisited the University’s rich history. In 1946, as the nation was rebuilding from the devastation of World War II, a group of visionary and civic-minded Boholano leaders founded Rafael Palma College, named after the distinguished scholar, Dr. Rafael Palma. On December 11, 1970, Atty. Victoriano D. Tirol, Sr. was installed as the first University President—a historic moment that marked the institution’s official transformation into the University of Bohol. The renaming stood as a testament to the Boholanos’ enduring regard for education as a priceless heritage that no adversity could diminish. (Leo Armando B. Boncales)
UB Pres. Tirol Commends Nursing Topnotchers
In recognition of their exemplary achievements, UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III personally welcomed and commended Mikah H. Ofamin and Earlgen A. Bucog, who ranked 9th and 10th, respectively, in the November 2025 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE). Accompanied by Dean Myrna B. Bernaldez of the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS), the two topnotchers—who are also proud graduates of the UB Senior High School—paid a courtesy visit to the University President and the Vice President for Finance, Dr. Maricel A. Tirol, at the President’s Office on December 2, 2025. The University of Bohol achieved an overall passing rate of 93%, with a 96.15% passing rate for first-time takers—both surpassing the national passing rate of 90.04%. Notably, beginning in 2024, the UB Nursing Department partnered with the renowned TopRank Review Academy to further strengthen graduates’ readiness for the Nursing Licensure Examination. This Manila-based review center is widely recognized for its exceptional performance in preparing students for licensure examinations. (Leo Armando Boncales)
