UPV master of education alumni elect officers

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For the first time since the program’s inception in the late 1970s, alumni of the University of the Philippines Visayas Master of Education program have formally organized into an alumni association, culminating in the election of officers on Saturday, August 2, during an online board meeting.

This milestone followed the first-ever homecoming and general assembly held Sunday, July 27, at the UPV Little Theater in Iloilo City, where more than 90 alumni and faculty members ratified the UPV Master of Education Alumni Association Constitution and By-Laws and elected the 10 inaugural members of the Board of Trustees.

The August 2 virtual board meeting was called to order by Dr. Jonny B. Pornel, chair of the UPV Division of Professional Education, who initiated the July 27 gathering with support from fellow alumni.

“This association is the fruit of long-standing hope,” Pornel said.

“With unity and vision, we can honor our past and build bridges for the future.”

During the meeting, the board unanimously elected its first set of officers.

Dr. Herman M. Lagon, director of Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications and chief information officer of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, was elected president.

Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at West Visayas State University, was elected vice president and membership committee chair.

Dr. Myla Fe G. Piñuela, assistant professor at UP Visayas, was elected secretary and chair of the Communications and Public Affairs Committee.

Dr. Joan M. Belga, vice president for academic affairs at ISUFST, was elected treasurer and chair of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Obed Joy B. Gaitan, coordinator for Social Studies student teaching at the WVSU College of Education, was elected auditor and chair of the Legal Affairs and Compliance Committee.

Completing the 2025–2027 Board of Trustees are Dr. Edward E. Baña, chief education supervisor of the Department of Education Division of Antique, as chair of the Professional Development and Training Committee; Ms. Divine D. Jinon, associate professor at ISUFST; Mr. Anthony L. Laurea, master teacher at Dueñas General Comprehensive High School; Mr. Marmon A. Pagunsan, administrative officer V for quality assurance at the University of Antique; and Dr. Joefry Q. Barcebal, director for academic affairs at the University of Antique–Hamtic Campus.

Dr. Lagon thanked the body for their trust and affirmed the association’s mission.

“This is not just about forming an organization—it’s about forming a movement that stays true to our identity as Iskolar at Guro ng Bayan,” he said.

The board also affirmed Dr. Pornel as the association’s ex-officio adviser, in accordance with the ratified charter.

The newly installed officers activated five standing committees and outlined key priorities: member recruitment, alumni directory building, initial fundraising, legal registration, and the rollout of professional development activities, including webinars and continuing education sessions.

A strategic planning workshop and formal oath-taking are scheduled for August 25 at the UPV Office of Alumni Affairs.

The session aims to align programs with UPVMEAA’s goals, deepen committee engagement, and explore partnerships, particularly with the Division of Professional Education and other UPV units.

Several members also reflected on the significance of the July 27 homecoming, with many expressing interest in making it an annual tradition.

“We felt a deep sense of reconnection,” said Secretary Piñuela.

“This is more than nostalgia—it’s a springboard for mentorship, service, and solidarity.”

The UPVMEAA Constitution outlines the association’s objectives, which include supporting the university’s academic and extension goals, promoting lifelong professional growth, mentoring current students, and advancing advocacy rooted in inclusive, transformative education.

Its official tagline—Iskolar at Guro ng Bayan—captures this mission.

“This is the first time in almost five decades that the alumni of this program are coming together formally,” said Vice President Balsomo.

“It’s long overdue, and we’re ready to catch up—with purpose.”

UPVMEAA is now inviting all UPV M.Ed. graduates from 1981 to the present—estimated at more than 700 individuals based on the initial list—to officially register for membership.

Alumni may connect with the association through the UPV Division of Professional Education. (PAMMCO)