The Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) recognized the exemplary performance, loyalty, professional achievements, and institutional contributions of its employees through Pasedengeg 2026, an awarding ceremony held on September 30, 2026, at Splash Blue Beach Resort, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental.

Anchored on the theme “Where Passion Turns into Excellence,” the ceremony formed part of the celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), reaffirming the institution’s commitment to recognizing dedicated public servants and fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, and continuous development.

The activity was facilitated by the SPAMAST Praise Committee, chaired by Dr. Marlyn B. Llameg, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and opened with her remarks, followed by an inspirational message from Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, SPAMAST College President. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Janet R. Octura, Vice President for Administration and Finance and a member of the Praise Committee.

Recognizing Outstanding Employees

Under the Executive and Administration Category, SPAMAST recognized the following awardees for their exemplary performance and contributions:

• Kher Dave H. Doños – Best Director Award
• Dr. Jonel Mark D. Sarno – Best Dean Award
• Karla C. Aspacio, MSW – Best Program Head Award
• Primitivo Abellon – Best Security Guard Award
• Geraldine S. Amaquin – Best Administrative Employee Award (Aide)
• Lanie C. Mario – Best Administrative Employee Award (Assistant)
• Rey A. Bitol – Best Administrative Employee Award (Officer)
• Edwin G. Ostique, CPA – Best Office Head Award
• Reychell Joy Y. Casamayor – Best Contract of Service Personnel
• Rensie P. Tacleon – Best Utility Worker Award
• Garcel A. Gelves – Best Driver Award

In the Academic or Teaching Category, the institution recognized faculty members who exemplified excellence in instruction:

• Michael Jeriel I. Bersaldo, MS – Best Faculty (Instructor)
• Jopy D. Cañeda, MS – Best Faculty (Assistant Professor)
• Dr. Ariel E. San Jose – Best Faculty (Associate Professor)

Celebrating Punctuality and Loyalty in Public Service

SPAMAST also acknowledged employees who demonstrated exemplary attendance and punctuality, as well as those who have devoted years of service to the institution.

The recipients of the CSC-based awards were:

• Imelda A. Mariano, MS – Most Punctual and Perfect Attendance Award (Faculty)
• Fe S. Uy – Most Punctual and Perfect Attendance Award (Administrative)

The following employees received Loyalty Awards in recognition of their years of dedicated public service:

• Michelle M. Elemino, MS – 10 Years in Service
• John Paul R. P acyao, MS – 10 Years in Service
• Glenford C. Franca – 15 Years in Service
• Elcir Doanne F. Escalante, MA – 20 Years in Service
• Erlinda M. Palacio, ME – 25 Years in Service

These recognitions underscored the value of commitment, consistency, and institutional loyalty in sustaining quality public service.

Recognizing Academic Advancement and Professional Development

As part of its commitment to lifelong learning and workforce development, SPAMAST recognized employees who completed advanced degrees and achieved significant academic milestones.

Under the Career and Self-Development Award, the following employees were recognized:

• Windel C. Salgado, MBA – Master in Business Administration, major in Business Management, Cor Jesu College, Inc.
• Liezel S. Mancao, Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy in Education, major in Biology, University of Southern Mindanao
• Bryan Jay Rubio, DSDS – Doctor of Sustainable Development Studies, Mindanao State University at Naawan
• Elizabeth Joy S. Quijano, Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy, major in Development, Research and Administration, University of Southeastern Philippines

Additional employees received Achievement Awards for completing their graduate studies:

• Glenford C. Franca, Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy in Education, major in Educational Management, Davao del Norte State College
• Al-Jalil U. Balahim, Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration, Cotabato State University
• Dandy U. Dalina, MIT – Master in Information Technology, University of the Immaculate Conception
• Vinn Marco S. Miguel, MA – Master of Arts in Education, major in Physical Education, University of the Immaculate Conception
• King Ressurrects C. Nuevo, MIT – Master in Information Technology, University of Mindanao, Davao City
• Genevive S. Eticano, MAEd – Master of Arts in Education, major in Teaching English, University of Mindanao, Davao City
• Dr. Royen A. Lagat – Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
• Tarra Dawn C. Marquez, MSCJ – Master of Science in Criminal Justice, specialization in Criminology, University of Mindanao, Davao City
• Dr. John G. Ponteras – Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture, Visayas State University
• Dexter Neil B. Guden, MExEd – Master of Extension Education, University of Southeastern Philippines–Mabini Campus
• Amelie S. Sarile, MSDC – Master of Science in Development Communication, University of Southeastern Philippines–Mintal Campus
• Louiela Ann V. Flores, MSDC – Master of Science in Development Communication, University of Southeastern Philippines–Mintal Campus
• Bagindali A. Liwas, MSCJ – Master of Science in Criminal Justice, specialization in Criminology, Holy Trinity of General Santos City
• Jone Jean M. Delos Santos, MA – Master of Arts in Education, major in Teaching Filipino, Holy Cross of Davao College
• Vanessa Angelica D. Acosta, MA – Master of Arts in Education, major in Teaching Mathematics, Holy Cross of Davao College
• Ritchell Ann S. Hervas, MA – Master of Arts in Education, major in Educational Management, SPAMAST
• Ruth R. Armilla, MLIS – Master of Library and Information Science, Cor Jesu College, Inc.
• Mariane Claire G. Tindoy, MSCJ – Master of Science in Criminal Justice, specialization in Criminology, University of Mindanao, Davao City
• Michael Jeriel I. Bersaldo, MS – Master of Science in Marine Biology, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology
• Christelyn F. Mangaga, MS – Master of Science in Environmental Science, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology
• Ricci A. Francisco, MBA – Master of Business Administration, major in Enterprise Management, SPAMAST

The recognition of these academic achievers highlighted the importance of advanced education in strengthening institutional competence, enriching teaching and learning, and enhancing the delivery of public services.

Recognizing Initiative and Exceptional Contributions

The ceremony also acknowledged employees whose initiatives and contributions generated opportunities and added value to the institution.

• Elenito P. Bugawisan, Ph.D. – Finder’s Fee Award for the ₱5-million Upgrading of Duck Production Facility (Itik-Pinas) at SPAMAST Buhangin, Malita, Davao Occidental
• Kher Dave H. Doños – Finder’s Fee Award for the ₱5-million Upgrading of Tilapia Hatchery at SPAMAST Malita, Davao Occidental
• Imelda A. Mariano, MS – Finder’s Fee Award for the ₱4.4-million Upgrading of Tissue Culture Laboratory and Nursery Facility at SPAMAST, Malita, Davao Occidental
• Dr. Jovelyn L. Franca, Ph.D. – Going Extra Mile Award
• Perisicimo Jr. D. Grado – Galing at Diskarte Award
• Edel Quinn D. Casis, MA – Versatile and Organized Award

These awards highlighted the value of initiative, resource generation, adaptability, and a willingness to go beyond routine responsibilities in advancing institutional goals.

Celebrating Program Excellence

Beyond individual accomplishments, SPAMAST recognized the collective achievements of its academic programs through the Program Excellence Awards.

The Social Work Program was recognized for achieving a 100% passing rate in the September 2026 Social Worker Licensure Examination, with all 45 examinees passing.

The Criminology Program was likewise recognized for attaining a 100% passing rate in the August 2026 Board Licensure Examination for Criminologists.

These achievements reflect the dedication of faculty members, the perseverance of graduates, and the institution’s continuing efforts to deliver quality education and prepare competent professionals.

Strengthening a Culture of Excellence

Pasedengeg 2026 served as more than an awarding ceremony; it was a celebration of the people whose passion, loyalty, professional growth, and commitment contribute to SPAMAST’s continuing development. By recognizing outstanding performance, years of service, academic advancement, and program achievements, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a competent, motivated, and service-oriented workforce.

The activity also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, by recognizing lifelong learning and professional development; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by promoting employee recognition and a supportive workplace culture; and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by encouraging integrity, accountability, and excellence in public service.

Through Pasedengeg 2026, SPAMAST continues to affirm that a strong institution is built on the dedication and achievements of its people—public servants whose passion for service transforms individual accomplishments into collective institutional excellence.