On January 28, 2025, Samar Colleges, Inc. (SC) officially set the tone for the new year with its first General Assembly for 2025, gathering both teaching and non-teaching staff at the SC Auditorium.

In his opening address, Mr. Rhett Caesar L. Piczon, School President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, reaffirmed the core values of Samar College, emphasizing the collective responsibility of employees in upholding the institution’s mission. He reminded everyone that as educators and staff, they are role models whose integrity, commitment, and professionalism shape the school’s identity and influence its impact on the community.

The program continued with the introduction of newly hired and promoted faculty and personnel, presented by Ms. Manuelilda Rosario A. Torrevillas, Senior Vice President for Administration. She also discussed the implementation of mandatory annual health check-ups for all employees, as approved under Board Resolution No. 2024-06. This policy aims “to identify and address health issues early, improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and support a culture of health and wellness.”

Another key agenda item was the introduction of the institution’s new health management organization (HMO) provider. Mr. Riel Calo, Unit Manager of AIA Philippines, presented an overview of the health insurance benefits and services available to employees.

On academic matters, three representatives shared their plans and targets for the year. Mrs. Evangeline G. Miranda, Principal of the Elementary Department, outlined the direction for Basic Education, focusing on the four pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, and Resilience and Well-Being. She presented key strategies aimed at improving student learning, such as curriculum enhancements, teacher training, and better support services.

Dr. Nimfa T. Torremoro, Dean of the College of Education, followed by outlining the initiatives for the department, including key result areas (KRAs) such as Governance and Management, Quality Teaching and Learning, Quality Professional Exposure, Research and Creative Work, and Relations with the Community. She also highlighted the ongoing preparation for Project PREPARE, an initiative aimed at improving the licensure exam passing rates for graduates.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jerick C. Cuevas, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), presented the department's goals for enhancing student engagement and support. He highlighted the #ProjectPITADSC (Providing Innovations, Trainings, Awards, and Development for Students and Community), which aims to provide students with valuable opportunities for growth, skill development, and community involvement.

These initiatives are part of Samar College's effort to align its systems and procedures with the ISO 9001:2015 standards, ensuring a consistent focus on quality and operational efficiency across the institution.

Mr. Piczon also reiterated the principles that govern the administration of Samar College. He emphasized that the interests of Samar College and its employees are inseparable, that responsibility should be commensurate with an employee’s capability, and that empowerment is essential— “if it is to be, it is up to me.”

He remarked, “As we work to transform together this institution… I have to make sure that we recognize and appoint you a position of leadership, so that together, we’ll create our own future,” addressing the employees as the “future of Samar College.”

Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, Senior Vice President for Programs Development and Quality Assurance, shared the department’s plans and the institution’s 2024–2035 roadmap. She introduced the plan to transform Samar College into a Smart Campus, marking a significant step in the institution’s digital transformation in education. She also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the first-ever outbound student mobility program, where two College of Education students are set to visit Dong Thap University in Vietnam.

In the final part of the program, Dr. Meldrito B. Valles, Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the plans for the upcoming Foundation Week in February. He highlighted the success of last year’s 75th anniversary celebration and revealed that several activities would be repeated this year, alongside new awards and activities set to be introduced during this year’s celebration.

With a clear focus for 2025, Samar College remains dedicated to quality education, student success, and the well-being of its employees, ensuring a progressive and transformative year ahead.