UB President Lauds Campus Karatekas for International Wins
University of Bohol (UB) President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol, III, proudly welcomed and honored the UB Karate-Do Team following their victorious campaign at the 24th Milo International Karate-Do Championship 2025, held on June 19–22 at Titingwasa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The UB karatekas showcased exceptional skill and discipline, bringing pride to the university and the country with multiple medal wins across various age categories. Leading the team was Daphne Maykayla Edillo, who clinched a Gold Medal in the 6–7 years old K-2 category. She was followed by: Justie Athena Jaspe – Silver Medalist, Kumite (14–15 years old, 54 kg girls) and Bronze Medalist, Team Kata (14–17 girls);Leanne Marie Alvarez – Bronze Medalist, Individual Kumite (16–17 years old, 47 kg girls) and Bronze Medalist, Team Kata (14–17 girls); Eveline Van Der Hoek – Bronze Medalist, Individual Kata (16–17 girls) and Kumite (16–17 girls, 59 kg); Stiffany Mae Alvarez – Bronze Medalist, Kumite (under 21 years old female category, 50 kg ); Feliz Emm Rulona – Bronze Medalist, Team Kata (14–17 girls); and Diana Cher Lañada – Bronze Medalist, Kumite (10–11 years old, 34 kg). The UB Karatedo Team trains under the tutelage of Shihan Alvarez from the UB College of Criminal Justice, with the guidance and stewardship of Mr. Asterio Pocot, UB Athletic Coordinator. In light of their impressive achievement, Dr. Tirol, commended the athletes for embodying the university’s core values of discipline, excellence, and perseverance on the international stage. He also expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff and parents for their unwavering support and dedication to the students’ holistic growth and development. (Leo Armando Boncales)
UB President Tirol honors Palarong Pambansa 2025 Swim medalists
Shown in the photo (from left to right) are Mrs. Mole, Kleone M. Mole, Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, Bry Mackenzie Delito, Mrs. Delito, and Mr. Gutierrez, representing his son, Arwyne Benesis V. Gutierrez. In recognition of the outstanding achievements of University of Bohol swimmers at the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Tuguegarao City, Ilocos Norte, UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III personally welcomed the medalists and their parents at the Office of the President on June 23, 2025. As a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Tirol also awarded cash incentives to the winning athletes. Kleone Mole led the team with an impressive haul of one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. Bry Mackenzie Delito earned two bronze medals, while Arwyne Benesis V. Gutierrez brought home one bronze medal. (Leo Armando Boncales)
UBohol hosts 10th CVHRIC; UB President urges utilization of research for community impact
In a continued commitment to promoting research-based health initiatives, the University of Bohol (UB) hosted the 10th Central Visayas Health Research & Innovation Conference (CVHRIC) on May 20–22, 2025 at the Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center (VDTALC) Mini-Theater, and Bohol Cultural Center, Tagbilaran City. UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III formally welcomed participants during the Pre-Conference Program, where he emphasized the crucial role of translating research into practice. “Research must not end in publication – its value lies in its utilization. Let us continue to push the boundaries of health theory and practice, generate solutions for today’s pressing challenges, and prepare for the uncertainties of tomorrow,” Dr. Tirol said. He commended the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development (CVCHRD) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for their leadership in steering initiatives that empower communities and make universal health care more accessible. Anchored on the theme “Empowering Communities in Central Visayas Towards Universal Health Care,” the three-day conference brought together key figures in the field of health research and development, including: Dr. Tristan L. Abando, OIC-Regional Director of DOST and Director, CVCHRD; Dr. Enrico B. Gruet, Chairperson, CVCHRD and Vice President, Cebu Doctors’ University; Dr. Manuel Emerson S. Donaldo, PETRO-Chair, Cebu South Medical Center; Executive Committee Chair, CVCHRD; Chairperson, Central Visayas Research Ethics Committee (CVREC); Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo, Dean of Research and Graduate School, University of Bohol Also in attendance were representatives from regional academic and medical institutions, including Cebu Normal University, University of San Jose–Recoletos, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu South Medical Center, Silliman University, Negros Oriental State University, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, Cebu Institute of Medicine, University of San Carlos, University of Bohol – College of Nursing, University of Cebu–Banilad, St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital, University of Cebu Research Center, Cebu Doctors University, Mater Dei College, Cebu Technological Institute , and various government agencies such as the Department of Education – Bohol, Department of Health–Region VII, DOST Bohol and Visayas, the City Government of Tagbilaran, and the Provincial Government of Bohol. Pre-Conference Activities The Pre-Conference featured a plenary talk by Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo, who presented the study on “Evaluating the Implementation of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in Bohol.” Other notable activities included a 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers segment titled “Translating Research to Policy,” and a Research Ethics Committee (REC) Orientation led by: Dr. Manuel Emerson S. Donaldo; Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo; Mr. Marc Ryan Portuguez, Training Officer, Cebu South Medical Center; and Ms. Ellen Grace G. Gerolaga, Science Research Assistant, DOST VII A parallel session titled HeaRTNovation Promotion Event was also held at the UB Instructional Resource Center. Main Conference Highlights Day 1 of the main conference began with a keynote address from Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of the DOST–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). This was followed by Plenary Session 1 on youth health care, presented by Dr. Judith Rafaelita B. Borja, Consultant-Investigator at the USC–Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., and introduced by Dr. Pilongo. A Research Podium Presentation Session followed, with participants grouped into Professional and Student categories. Judges were introduced by Dr. Johnny J. Yao, Jr., Chair of the R&D Committee, CVCHRD, while Dr. Jezyl Cutamora of Cebu Normal University presented the podium guidelines. The day concluded with a networking night at the Bohol Cultural Center. Day 2 featured Plenary Session 2 titled “Making HIV Care Universal: A Pathway to a Healthier Future,” delivered by Dr. Helen V. Madamba, Medical Specialist IV, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. She was introduced by Dr. July Ann F. Gimena, Chairperson of the CBC, CVCHRD. A final discussion on “Ways Forward” was delivered by Dr. Manuel Emerson Donaldo, followed by the awarding of plaques of appreciation to the host institution and a presentation on the conference highlights. The event concluded with the turnover ceremony for the hosting of CVHRIC 2026 to the Cebu Institute of Medicine, with the University of San Jose–Recoletos as co-host. Ms. Vina R. Antopina, Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST-PSTO Bohol, formally closed the conference with her remarks. Highest Award The University of Bohol was awarded the highest distinction—the Elena Diola Award—by the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development (CVCHRD) for its outstanding research engagement and publication. In addition to the university-wide recognition, several individuals also earned accolades in their respective categories: Professional Category – Ralph Rey C. Supremo, Faculty of the UB College of Nursing and Graduate School Doctorate Degree in Public Administration – 2nd Place, 3-Minute Pitch Competition; and Calvin C. Ibañez Faculty, College of Nursing and Alumnus of UB Graduate School– 3rd Place, Podium Presentation (Non-Experimental, Professional Category). Student Category – Princess Mikaela Guiang, Level IV Student, Section Ivory – 1st Place, Infographics Exhibit; and Ashley Barrete, Level IV Student, Section Ivory – Presenter, Infomercial Exhibit. (Leo Armando Boncales)
UB Pres. Tirol re-elected to the BSP Council Board
University of Bohol President, Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, has been re-elected as a member of the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) – Bohol Council during the Annual Council Meeting held on February 19, 2025, at K of C Drive, Poblacion II, Tagbilaran City. Dr. Tirol will serve another three-year term alongside fellow board members: Representative Edgar M. Chatto, Atty. Handel T. Lagunay, and Hon. Aldner R. Damalerio. A dedicated advocate of scouting, Dr. Tirol is an Eagle Scout awardee, the highest rank conferred upon a Senior Scout by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. To earn this prestigious distinction, a Scout must lead the planning and execution of two community service projects and obtain a total of 23 merit badges—comprising 17 required merit badges and two specialist ratings, each involving three related merit badges and an additional community service project. The term Eagle Scout, Eagle, or Agila refers to an individual who has received this distinguished honor. The award’s name originates from the Eagle Scout rank established by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). From 1923 to 1936, during the period when the Philippines was a U.S. protectorate, the BSA administered the Boy Scouts program in the country through the Philippine Council, BSA. The Annual Council Meeting also featured Dr. Marvin M. Nicer, Youth Development Officer V, BSP Eastern Visayas Region, as the keynote speaker. He was formally introduced by Mr. Hermes Angoy, Bohol Council Scout Executive. (Leo Armando Boncales)
UB Pres. Tirol re-elected to the BSP Council Board
University of Bohol President, Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, has been re-elected as a member of the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) – Bohol Council during the Annual Council Meeting held on February 19, 2025, at K of C Drive, Poblacion II, Tagbilaran City. Dr. Tirol will serve another three-year term alongside fellow board members: Representative Edgar M. Chatto, Atty. Handel T. Lagunay, and Hon. Aldner R. Damalerio. A dedicated advocate of scouting, Dr. Tirol is an Eagle Scout awardee, the highest rank conferred upon a Senior Scout by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. To earn this prestigious distinction, a Scout must lead the planning and execution of two community service projects and obtain a total of 23 merit badges—comprising 17 required merit badges and two specialist ratings, each involving three related merit badges and an additional community service project. The term Eagle Scout, Eagle, or Agila refers to an individual who has received this distinguished honor. The award’s name originates from the Eagle Scout rank established by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). From 1923 to 1936, during the period when the Philippines was a U.S. protectorate, the BSA administered the Boy Scouts program in the country through the Philippine Council, BSA. The Annual Council Meeting also featured Dr. Marvin M. Nicer, Youth Development Officer V, BSP Eastern Visayas Region, as the keynote speaker. He was formally introduced by Mr. Hermes Angoy, Bohol Council Scout Executive. (Leo Armando Boncales)
UBohol President sworn in as PACU 1st Vice President
Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, President of the University of Bohol, was recently sworn in as the 1st Vice President of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) alongside other officers and members of the Board of Trustees on January 24, 2025, at the Champagne Salon, Manila Hotel, 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila. Inducted into office for Academic Year 2024-2026 are as follows: President – Mr. Marco Alfredo M. Benitez (Philippine Women’s University), 1st Vice President – Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol, III (University of Bohol), 2nd Vice President – Ms. Laurice Faye R. Juarez (Capitol University), Secretary – Dr. Ma. Socorro M. Eala (San Pablo Colleges), and Treasurer – Dr. Zorba BNN R. Bautista (University of Baguio). For the position of Regional Vice Presidents: National Capital Region – Fr. Daniel Frankline E. Pilario, C.M. (Adamson University), Luzon – Dr. Patricia Bustos-Lagunda (Baliuag University), Visayas – Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor (Cebu Institute of Technology – University), Mindanao – Dr. Guillermo P. Torres, Jr. (University of Mindanao). Simultaneously sworn in as members of the Board of Trustees were: Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol, III (University of Bohol), Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon (Misamis University), Dr. Patricia B. Lagunda (Baliuag University), Dr. Marco Alfredo M. Benitez (Philippine Women’s University), Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo (University of Perpetual Help System DALTA). The new officers and Board of Trustees were inducted into office by Hon. Jose Francisco B. Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (Leo Armando Boncales)
