In celebration of its 47th Founding Anniversary, Isabela State University (ISU) held the University Excellence Awarding Ceremony on June 11, 2025 at the ISU Echague Amphitheater. The event is dedicated to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of students, faculty, staff, and alumni throughout the past academic year.
The awarding ceremony reflected ISU’s commitment toward a culture of excellence and continuous growth within its academic community. The event served as a platform to honor individuals and groups whose dedication and performance have made an impact in their respective fields.
In her message, Dr. Precila C. Delima (Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director Geenral, ISU 47th Founding Anniversary) reflected that in its 47th year, the University not only showed how far it has come but also on how it stayed grounded, rooted in purpose, responsive to change, and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
“This awarding ceremony is a pause, a sacred one, to acknowledge those among us who chose to lead not by position but by performance. You are the reason our numbers rise, our standards hold, and our relevance remains,” Dr. Delima added.
Awards were conferred across multiple categories, each representing key sectors of the University. The recipients were selected through a thorough evaluation process conducted by the ISU PRAISE (Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence) Committee, based on nominations submitted from the various campuses. The categories and their respective awardees are as follows:
PERSONAL CATEGORY
- University Best Faculty: Dr. Ma. Theresa L. Eustaquio (Faculty, CAS – ISU Echague)
- University Best Researcher: Dr. Mark Joker L. Marcos (Faculty, CA – ISU Echague)
- University Best Extensionist: Dr. Darios B. Alado (Faculty, CCSICT – ISU Echague)
- University Best Employee: Ms. Jeanette C. Catabui
In addition to the above-mentioned awards, a Plaque of Commendation and other awards from local government units (LGUs) were given to Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (Former University President) for his service as the 6th University President of ISU. Aside from this, commendations were also given to colleges and individuals who excelled in licensure examinations for the past year, along with those who have outsourced funds (at least 5 million pesos) for the University through projects and partnerships.
STUDENT CATEGORY
- Outstanding Student of the Year: Heinrich Emmanuel B. Galabay (ISU Echague)
- Outstanding Student Leader of the Year: Jord Denzel U. Gante (ISU Cauayan)
- Journalist of the Year: Chester Ivan E. Lim (ISU Ilagan)
- Artist of the Year
- Performing Arts: Maricel G. Tridanio (ISU Cabagan)
- Visual Arts: John Mark R. Agcaoili (ISU Cabagan)
- Athlete of the Year: Queenie Joy S. Simeon (ISU Cabagan)
- Outstanding Student Organization
- College-Based: Society for the Advancement of Veterinary Education and Research (ISU Echague)
- SBO: College of Criminal Justice Education Student Body Organization (ISU Echague)
- Campus-Based: STEPS Dance Troupe (ISU Cauayan)
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In honor of Dr. Aquino, ten (10) students were selected to receive the Ricmar P. Aquino Excellence Award.
To close the ceremony, Dr. Hilda A. Manzolim (Vice President for Administrative and Finance Services) expressed that the program has showcased the remarkable talents, dedication, and vision of the ISU community. She added that it is clear that the University is not just celebrating the past but also embracing a future where smart-green solutions, and transformative ideas gears everyone toward a better world.
“As we move forward, may we continue to embody the values that have defined our institution – excellence, integrity, collaboration, and care of our environment. Let us all commit to being leaders who inspire positive change and work tirelessly to build a sustainable and transformative future for generations to come,” Dr. Manzolim shared.
Following the awarding ceremonies, the attendees of the event engaged in a fellowship featuring additional events such as dance sports, sing and dance performances, and the Rigodon de Honor by the University and campus officials.