SU TEVEC produces first graduates of Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II in Negros
Twenty-five (25) scholars from the Silliman University Technical Educational Vocational and Entrepreneurial Center (SU TEVEC) graduated and officially received their National Certificates (NC) II during the 37th SU TEVEC Graduation Ceremony, on May 6, 2025, at Silliman University Government Affairs (SUGA) Activity Center in SU Scheide Farm.
This marks Negros Oriental’s first batch of ruminant breeders trained by SU TEVEC under the stringent supervision of the Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
This qualification covers the skills needed to raise ruminants for milk, meat, and breeding. It includes maintaining housing and farm tools, providing forage, breeding ruminants, and raising both dairy and meat animals. Ruminants include large animals like cattle and buffalo, and small ones like goats and sheep.
Training to Trabaho
TESDA Negros Oriental Provincial Director Joel M. Villagracia hopes that graduates will find employment after their training.
TESDA Negros Oriental Provincial Director Joel M. Villagracia emphasized the purpose of TESDA’s scholarship program by reiterating the three (3) Ts coined by TESDA Secretary Hon. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez: “training to trabaho [employment].”
“Ang pinaka objective sa atong programa para sa inyoha is to in-skill […] mo [The main objective of our program is to in-skill… you] in the area of production of ruminants […] which means our investment for you should be translated into trabaho, into production, into economic upliftment,” Villagarcia said in his message to the graduates.
“We would be very happy sa TESDA if within six months kanang inyohang na-acquire nga [what you acquired] qualification or skills would be translated into employment or into a generation of income and gross livelihood,” the provincial director added, hoping that these scholars signed up not just to simply undergo training but also to become “job-ready to perform the production of ruminants” and to contribute to the nation’s food security.
Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, congratulates the new batch of Silliman graduates produced by SU TEVEC.
Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, underscored the university’s trifocalization of education through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), and TESDA, and hoped that all of its students, even those in the formal four-to-five-year curriculum, would be introduced to life skills, much like the 25 graduates.
McCann also challenged the new “Silliman University alumni” to be able to “contribute to the development of your community, your family, and to the country in general.”
The graduates of Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II include:
Clark Jay Torres Bajamonde
Nica Arra Nena Aliabo Balbuena
Jandriel Cuando Balde
Niño Torres Catacutan
Adrian Hisula Ceriales
John Mark Endoso Cordora
Marc Jed Vasquez Cuenca
Herc Lloyd Banagua Dalisay
Gio Danielle Cisneros Danag
Mark Anthony Dean
Gibren Macatiguib Galvez
Honiemae Dequito Guinit
Ivy Ogario Gutib
Richel Revojo Jandog
Pearl Ann Dayap Johns
Felix Japon Laro Jr
El Marc Loberiano Laro
Carl Lesondra Lazalita
Anthony Gil Tarin Maghanoy
Arnold De Jesus Manaba Jr
Pablo Luyas Miñosa
James Sandot Salvoro
Danny Pancho Singco
Lorence Jay Gulbe Tan
Menchu Kadusale Villafuerte
In her response, Honiemae Dequito Guinit, one of the successful scholars, thanked SU and TESDA for the opportunity to learn and be part of the program.
“Your support has opened doors for many of us, giving us the chance to gain valuable technical skills and pursue a brighter future. Without this scholarship, many dreams—including mine—would have remained out of reach,” Guinit said.
“Thank you for providing us with high-quality training and a nurturing learning environment. Your commitment to excellence and the development of skilled professionals is truly inspiring. Our instructors and staff have not only taught us skills but also instilled in us discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose,” she added.
Present at the ceremony were Dr. Robert S. Guino-o, Research, Publication, and Innovation (RPI) interim executive director and concurrent Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management (SUAKCREM) director; Rev. Jonathan R. Pia, SU Church senior pastor; Dr. Lourdes Angela F. Piñero, Organizational Development & Human Resource Management (OD & HRM) chief; Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Office of Media and Public Affairs chief; Dr. Ralton D. Bancairen, Office of Registration and Records Management (ORRM) interim chief; Blanchie M. Utzurrum, SU TEVEC head; Rafael B. Nepomuceno, SU Scheide Farm manager; John Albert B. Ungson, Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II trainer; TEVEC staff; and family members of the graduates.
The 25 graduates (back) pose with SU administrators and faculty members (front, sitting) together with TESDA Negros Oriental Provincial Director Joel M. Villagracia (front, fourth right) after the ceremony.
About SU TEVEC
SU TEVEC, under the leadership of Blanchie M. Utzurrum, head, is an Accredited Competency Assessment Center for (1) Events Management Services NC II, (2) Bookkeeping NC III, (3) Agroentrepreneurship NC II, (4) Trainers Methodology Level I, (5) Animal Production (Swine) NC II, (6) Animal Production (Poultry-Chicken) NC II, and (7) Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II.
It boasts thirteen (13) registered programs under the Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS), with three (3) Mobile Training Programs, and five (5) Programs on Accelerating Farm School Establishment.
For more information, visit SU TEVEC on the First Floor of Katipunan Hall or contact them at (035)
420 1901 loc 363 or [email protected].
