CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — Samar State University (SSU), formerly known as Samar Trade School (STS), Samar School of Arts and Trades (SSAT), and Samar State Polytechnic College (SSPC), has recently staged the week-long STS/SSAT/SSPC/SSU Grand Alumni Homecoming 2024 themed, “Fiesta Festival: Celebrating Philippine Diversity and Cultural Heritage,” slated from July 25 to 28, 2024. One of the highlights of the celebration was the awarding of the ‘Most Outstanding Alumni 2024’ that was held during the Grand Night on July 27, 204 at SSU Gymnasium, Catbalogan City, Samar.
Out of all nominees, four inspiring alumni emerged as recipients of the Most Outstanding Alumni award, including Mr. Cesar S. Cayas of SSAT Batch 1970, Dr. Mae V. Cañal of SSPC Batch 1994, Ms. Elena M. Bagatsolon of SSAT Batch 1975, and Mr. Valentine C. Jubane, Jr. of SSAT Batch 1974.
Mr. Cesar S. Cayas was hailed as the SSU Outstanding Alumnus for Entrepreneurship and Employment for his significant contributions to the healthcare sector. Mr. Cayas is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CSGC Multi Marketing and Distribution Inc. (CSGC), as well as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the New Marketlink Pharmaceutical Corporation (NMPC). He currently serves as a Private Sector representative of the SSU Board of Regents (BOR), where he devotes his expertise to the establishment of the Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM).
The second awardee is Dr. Mae V. Cañal who was recognized as the SSU Outstanding Alumna for Public Service. Dr. Cañal has devoted many years of service both in the academia and local communities as a professional teacher, guidance counselor, psychometrician, and psychologist. She leads various psychoeducational and psychosocial programs for the children and youth of Catbalogan City.
Another awardee is Ms. Elena M. Bagatsolon, the SSU Outstanding Alumna for Educational Innovation. Ms. Bagatsolon is a renowned expert in the field of food processing, and an awardee of the 2021 TESDA Tagasanay Award for her professional achievements and community service. With a 40-year experience in food technology industry, she has made significant contributions and patents for numerous food innovation technologies.
The fourth awardee is Mr. Valentine C. Jubane Jr., the SSU Outstanding Alumnus for Overseas. During the 80’s, Mr. Jubane joined and trained with the US Navy, and received four US licenses as a clinical laboratory scientist and a medical laboratory scientist. In his 20-year career as a medical technology specialist, he retired from the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Medical Laboratory and received numerous recognitions for his exceptional performance, moral courage, and dedication. This recognition inspires other alumni every homecoming as SSU honors those who made significant mark in their respective fields that bring honor and pride to the University.