VSU Faculty of Engineering marks 50 years of Excellence

To mark decades of engineering excellence, innovation, and community service, the Visayas State University (VSU) Faculty of Engineering celebrated its 50th Founding Anniversary on May 14-15, 2025.

Under the theme "Celebrating 50 Years of Learning, Growth, and Impact: Gearing Towards Sustainable Innovations", the celebration brought together pioneers, promising engineers, and alumni who are the legacy of the faculty.

The two-day celebration kicked off on May 14, 2025, with a thanksgiving mass and a motorcade around the city proper, followed by an opening program.

During the afternoon session, engineering students gathered for the Golden Quiz Show to showcase their knowledge on engineering topics. Simultaneously, alumni from the various departments under the faculty gathered for a business meeting.

Journey towards becoming one of the Top Performing Engineering Schools in the Country

From its humble beginnings as the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Applied Mathematics (DAEAM) in 1975, the academic unit has progressed through many stages. DAEAM became the College of Engineering and Agri-Industries (CEAI) in 2001.

In 2009, the college was renamed the College of Engineering (COE) and the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) in 2018.

With the new administration of  Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, the faculty was renamed the Faculty of Engineering (FE) to align with VSU's broader structural transformation of becoming a global green university.

Currently, the faculty has four (4) academic department units in the main campus: the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Geodetic Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, and Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and three (3) academic units in VSU Isabel.

Gone through the several transitions, the journey marked a chapter of the faculty’s effort toward  national and global relevance in engineering education.

Marking its 50 years of excellence, VSU FE is now considered as one of the best engineering schools in the region and the country through its outstanding performance in board licensure examinations,  students achievements, faculty development, and accreditations.

In recent years, VSU FE set record-breaking results in mechanical engineering licensure exams in 2022, was the first in the Visayas Region to secure COPC for its five specializations in DCE this year, became the second top-performing school in the geodetic engineering in the country in 2023, and earned top 3 in agricultural engineering board in 2022, to name a few of its achievements.

Golden Awards to Honor the Legacy and Leadership of FE Alumni

During its 50th-anniversary celebration, ten outstanding alumni were honored for their achievements in engineering, education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and public service during the Golden Alumni Awards Night held at the VSU RDE Hall.

Meet the ten outstanding alumni awardees:

Outstanding Viscan Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer Award

Dr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado received the award for his trailblazing research and policy works in mechanization, irrigation, and postharvest systems that contribute significantly to the country's food security and development sustainability.

Outstanding Viscan Civil Engineer Award

Recognized for his excellence in construction management, Engr. Darwin G. Ablen’s, Project Manager at International Pharmaceuticals Inc., leadership and expertise contributed to infrastructure development and community resilience.

Outstanding Viscan Geodetic Engineer Award

Engr. Erlinda Entero-Quilantang is the founder of ENTERO's Surveying and Engineering Office. She supported national development and disaster preparedness efforts while showcasing the role of geospatial engineering through her pioneering work in land surveying and mapping services.

Engineering Education Excellence Award

Through his impactful work as a prolific author of engineering software and board exam reviewers, Engr. Arthur It. Tambong was presented with the Engineering Education Excellence Award. As a steadfast academic mentor, his leadership in curriculum development empowered many engineering students.

Young Achiever Award

In his early career, Dr. Hanzel N. Mejia achieved many successes in research, instruction, and international collaboration. As the current Director of the International Affairs and Relations Office and civil engineering faculty member at VSU DCE, Dr. Mejia demonstrated a strong academic background that reflects a strong promise for the future of higher education and diplomacy.

Innovation and Technology Leadership Award

Dr. Feliciano G. Sinon is the current Director of the Innovation Office at VSU. His works involve the patenting of abaca fiber processing and rural mechanization technologies. As an innovative individual, Dr. Sinon's inventions have contributed significantly to agricultural productivity and uplifted farming communities nationwide.

Public Service Excellence Award

As Regional Manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority Region VIII, Engr. Joel O. Pilapil was awarded the Public Service Excellence Award. His agricultural development and environmental stewardship service made him worthy of the award. Engr. Pilapil's leadership in the coconut industry promotes sustainability and supports rural livelihoods.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Award

Engr. Omar P. Jayag was recognized for his successful ventures in engineering and technology.  Being a true Viscan trailblazer, Engr. Jayag exemplifies integrating innovation, sustainability, and business acumen in nation-building.

Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award

As the former Dean of the then College of Engineering, Dr. Roberto C. Guarte was recognized for his visionary leadership in renewable energy and postharvest technologies. Further, his remarkable professional and academic achievements in agricultural and biosystems engineering made him worthy of the award. As a researcher and public servant, Dr. Guarte has exemplified his lifelong commitment to engineering innovation and his service to national development, embodying a Viscan engineer's highest ideals.

Outstanding Alumnus Benefactor Award

Blessed with a golden heart, Engr. Glicerio D. Mirambel Jr. received the Outstanding Alumnus Benefactor Award for his generous contribution of USD 22,000. This initiative is to establish a scholarship fund for financially challenged BS ABE students—an enduring legacy that expands access to education and transforms lives.

The awardees embodied what truly a #ProudViscan engineers that inspire young and aspiring engineers.

Lectures, Legacy, and Lifelong Learning: Second day of the 50th Anniversary Celebration

To continue its celebration, a Grand Lecture and Engineering Colloquium featuring insightful talks from the faculty's alums on the second day.

Attended by numerous engineering students on the campus, the keynote lectures emphasized how engineering intersects with innovation, international collaboration, and social impact, encouraging the participants to think beyond borders.

The second day also featured a student research oral presentation and poster exhibit. The topics include climate change, green building economics, automation, and disaster risk management.

As one of the highlights, VSU and VSU Alumni Association, Inc - ABE Chapter (VSUAAI-ABE) and a Deed of Donation also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the faculty's academic programs, facilities, and future projects.

Dr. Jannet C. Bencure, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, is committed to continuously working to provide quality engineering education in the university through a collaborative effort.

"As we celebrate the 50th year of the Faculty of Engineering, this event is a reminder of how far we've come and the work still ahead, especially in pushing for sustainable innovations. I'm grateful to everyone who put this celebration together and to all who joined us. It's your passion and support to keep this faculty strong and moving forward," Dr. Bencure shared.

Now in its 50th year, the Faculty of Engineering is gearing towards another 50 years of learning, growth, and impact.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 (Quality Education).

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