#LIMITLESS: BISCAST holds grand alumni homecoming ‘24

In celebration of its 113th founding anniversary, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), with its host High School Batch 1999 and BISCAST Alumni Association, held this year's Grand Alumni Homecoming on March 9.

SUC President II, Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, welcomed with great pride and enthusiasm the generations of attending alums who are making an impact in different sectors.

"I would like to welcome everyone to the home of Spartans, home of topnotchers. Welcome to your second home…," Dr. Navarroza emphasized.

This year's grand homecoming featured a medical mission by Unilab and Mercury Drug in participation of High School Batch '88, a thanksgiving mass led by Rev. Fr. Ryan O. Fenis, a business meeting for electing new alumni officers, and an evening program including acknowledgments of former teachers, oath-taking of newly-elected officers, turnover ceremonies, raffles, live band and dance performances, as well as speeches from Batch 1999 President Dr. Kristine Elaine Abary and guest speaker Madam Theresita M. Paladan.

Re-elected Alumni Information Officer Ireno A. Alcala — an alumnus of high school batch '88 as well as former editor-in-chief of Bicol Craftsman and news editor at BCAT Collegian [former name of The Collegian] — suggested that all high school and college departments should have representatives for the next homecoming's election of general alumni officers.

Alcala added, "As a PIO [focal person of alumni], I'll keep searching for successful alumni to be featured in BISCAST's journal, aiming to learn from their achievements regardless of their current status."

In an exclusive interview, Jaime Espiritu — a high school batch '88 alumnus and a graduate of Technology Major in Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanics, turned assistant vice president of the Chainstore Operations Division of Mercury Drug — advised ASTean job seekers that prior to job hunting, they should examine a company's profile, considering factors like longevity of its operations and employee benefits it offers.

Espiritu also urged Millennial and Gen Z fresh graduates, "Dahan-dahan lang. Slowly – promotion. Hindi ‘yung lipat dito, lipat doon," and iterated that when applying for a job, they should consider the long-term prospects of a company that offers retirement benefits to employees.

Meanwhile, High School Batch 2000 will be hosting the next alumni homecoming of the institution as the next silver jubilarian in 2025.

Dawn C. Obligacion — an alumna of high school batch 2000 as well as former president of the Student Council Organization and managing editor of The Collegian — shared in an interview that before the next homecoming, a millennium cup will be kickstarted, featuring basketball and volleyball tournaments and a neon fun run. Numerous raffle draws and enhanced recognition of former teachers and outstanding students will also be highlighted during the grand reunion.

"If you are currently studying, that means you are moving forward. Truly, BCAT-BISCAST is the molder of brains and brawn, the builder of Spartan men," advised Obligacion on the current students of her alma mater. She also emphasized that the institution shapes intellect and character, fostering pride in graduates who embody both trader and Spartan ideals.

Echoing its theme "Remaining Victorious, We Transform, We Soar!," this year's commemoration of the institution's founding in 1911 and grand reunion gathered more than 200 alumni who were graduates from various high school and college batches including 1968, 1970, 1974-1978, 1980-1983, 1986-1988, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2005.

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