The inauguration of Surigao Del Norte State University and the formal investiture of Dr. Gregorio Z. Gamboa as it first University President happened on October 19, 2022 at the SNSU gymnasium in a ceremony attended by CHED Commissioner and Chair of SNSU Board of Regents, Hon. Jo Mark M. Libre, SNSU Board of Regents, District 1 Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” T. Matugas, CHED Caraga officials, other special guests, faculty, staff, and students.
VP for Administration & Board Secretary Dr. Rowena A. Plando started the inauguration ceremonies by reading the Board Resolution and the Commission en Banc or CEB resolution for the conversion of SNSU. It was followed by the raising of the mace by the University Registrar Ms. Claret D. Ruaya. The mace was then handed by Commissioner Libre to Dr. Gamboa, who hoisted it triumphantly. The new logo of SNSU was also presented for the public to see. Earlier in the program, the SNSU hymn, which was composed by Ms.Ellen A. Amores and Mr.Richard Nick A. Amores, was sung for the first time by the SNSU Chorale. A short ritual was also performed to ward off bad spirits and attract only good luck, happiness, and prosperity.
The campus directors of SNSU’s four campuses, together with their respective Supreme Student Government presidents, took turns in presenting the SNSU system color and the lighting of the campus torches. The said ceremony symbolized the integration of the four campuses (Main Campus, Malimono Campus, Del Carmen Campus, Mainit Campus) that comprise the Surigao del Norte State University.
Formal Declaration
CHED Commissioner and Chair of SNSU Board of Regents, Jo Mark M. Libre, then made the formal declaration of Universityhood for SNSU stating, “ By virtue of the power vested in me as a Commission on Higher Education Commissioner and the Chairperson-designate of Surigao del Norte State University Board of Regents and in pursuant to Section 25 of Republic Act 10600 as amended in RA 11010 and based on the favorable recommendation made by the CHEDRO Caraga, CHED Composite Team and for confirmation by the Commision en Banc through Resolution No. 276, 2022, dated June 7, 2022 and as per SNSU Board of Regents Resolution no. 96-A, resolution declaring Surigao State College of Technology to Surigao del Norte State University. I hereby declare the conversion of Surigao State College of Technology to Surigao del Norte State University. Congratulations.”
Awarding of Plaques and Commendation
Recognition was given to lawmakers who were responsible for the conversion of SSCT to SNSU. For the passage of RA 10600, awards of commendation were given to Hon. Francisco T. Matugas, former representative of District 1, Surigao del Norte, and to Hon. Guillermo A. Romarate, Jr., former representative of District II,Surigao del Norte. For the realization of RA 11010, the awardees were Hon. Francisco Jose ‘Bingo” F. Matugas II, Representative, District I of SDN, Hon. Robert Ace S.Barbers, Representative, District II of SDN, Hon. Dulce Ann K. Hofer, Governor, Zamboanga Sibugay, Hon. Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, Chairman Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, Hon.Mark O. Go, Chairman, House Committee on Education on Higher and Technical Education.
CHED Chairman Hon.J. Prospero E. De Vera III, CHED Commisioner Hon. Jo Mark M. Libre, and CHED Caraga Regional Director Dr. George M. Colorado also each received an award of commendation for having manifested their unwavering support to SSCT now SNSU, that led to the full conversion of Surigao State College of Technology into Surigao del Norte State University.
Investiture Rites
The formal investiture of Dr. Gamboa as the 1st University President of SNSU was headed by Comm. Libre which began with CHED Caraga Regional Director Dr. George M Colorado reading the appointment which states, From the Republic of the Philippines, Office of the President, Commission on Higher Education, in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act 8292, Section 1 of RA 11010 which ammended Section 9 of RA 10600 and by virtue of Surigao del Norte State University, Board of Regents Resolution no. 133, s.2022,Dr. Gregorio Z. Gamboa Jr. is hereby appointed as SNSU University President from August 8, 2022 to August 7, 2026, with all the powers, rights, responsibilities, and privileges appertaining thereto.”
The said appointment was signed by Comm. Libre, SNSU Chairman, Board of Regents on August 8, 200 in Cagayan De Oro City.
Following the reading of the appointment was the vesting of academic robe, hood, and cap, imposition of the Academic Medallion & Ring, Awarding of Plaque Installation, and the Administration of Oath of Office by Comm. Libre.
In a speech following Dr. Gamboa’s investiture rites, Comm. Libre acknowledged the notable achievements made by SNSU under the management of Dr.Gamboa whom he described as someone with excellent leadership skills, unwavering dedication, and a sense of purpose. Comm. Libre expressed optimism that there will be many more developments in the future and that SNSU will one day become a globally-recognized university.
Investiture Address
Dr. Gamboa, in his investiture address, took time to acknowledge the people, who, according to him, made significant contributions to the journey of SNSU. He thanked all those lawmakers responsible for the passage of key legislative bills, past SSCT presidents, the Comm.Libre, the officials of CHED Caraga, including former CHEDRO Regional Director Leonida S. Calagui who was in attendance. The president also expressed his gratitude to retired DOST-Caraga Regional Director Dr.Dominga D. Mallonga, whom he referred to as his “second nanay” for giving him constant guidance. Likewise, the president thanked his family, especially his wife, for never ceasing to understand his situation.
Addressing the faculty, staff and students, the president said, “This is not only my victory but also yours.” Dr. Gamboa, thanked the men and women of SNSU for their commitment and passion that were the driving force of the realization towards the conversion. Dr.Gamboa added, “It was a battle that we fought hard, but we conquered the odds.”
“Now that we are university, we have to look forward. SNSU now would like to dream. We would like to dream in expanding its presence in a strategic location, increasing the numbers of programs and producing entrepreneurial graduates who can help to the progress of Surigao del Norte and the country and making SNSU, the technology hub of Caraga Region-all these will contribute for our nation’s greater heights,’ Dr. Gamboa emphasized.
Congratulatory Messages
Through a video message Sen. Francis “Chiz “Escudero , sent a congratulatory message to Dr. Gamboa and SNSU. Others who expressed their messages of congratulations were CHED Caraga Regional Director Dr. George M. Colorado, Former Caraga State University President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, ASSCAT President Dr.Joy C. Capistrano, SSG Federated Hon. Merlina O. Galicia, Faculty Federated Hon, Ailyn B. Caba. International Linkages partners in Malaysia and Germany also sent a video greeting to Dr. Gamboa. Earlier in the program, Del Carmen Municipal Mayor Hon. Alfredo M. Coro II, and District 1 Congressman Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II, and Provincial Governor, Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, represented by Board Member Elvira Egay, also gave their salutations and felicitations to SNSU and Dr. Gamboa.
Pledge of Key University Officials
The three vice-presidents of SNSU, VP for Admin, Dr. Rowena A. Plando, VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Emmylou A. Borja, VP for Research, Innovation and Extension Dr. Mauricio S. Adlaon made a pledge of commitment and support to Dr. Gamboa. The four campus directors, Dr.Ronita E. Talingting of the Main Campus, Dr. Leonielyn G. Malicay, of Mainit Campus, Dr. Romy Jun A. Sunico of Del Carmen Campus, and Mr. Edwin C. Escobal of Mainit Campus, also made a pledge to support all the programs and undertakings of the president as the University faces a more challenging task ahead.
Dinner and socials followed the Investiture Rites. Students from different organizations were given the chance to showcase their talents as they performed before the guests, faculty and staff.