Official Newsletter of the Fellowship Baptist College in Partnership with the FBA-FBC Alumni Association, Inc.
Volume Three No.1 CITY OF KABANKALAN January-May 2014
Fe l l o ws hi p Bapt i s t Co l l e ge Di amo nd Jub i l e e Edi t i o n The Fellow is the official newsletter of Fellowship Baptist College and FBA-FBC Alumni Association. This news bulletin will provide information regarding the undertakings and events of the college as well as of the alumni association. This publication serves as a link among the FBC alumni and friends to strengthen the FBCian bond, spirit and fellowship.
January 16, 2014 marked the formal opening of the Diamond Jubilee of Fellowship Baptist College. With the theme, FBC Pressing On: Legacy, Light, Life, the school is grateful for Gods unfailing faithfulness for sixty (60) years. No other fitting theme could describe the schools journey through the test of time. With its foundation as the Rock- the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, FBC continues to press forward, treasuring the legacy, shinning forth the light of the gospel and shaping precious lives. The whole academic community composed of students, faculty, staff along with the alumni, joined together to commence the yearlong celebration. Participants lighted the streets of the city of Kabankalan through a torch parade which was followed by an opening program conducted in the college gymnasium where the College President, Dr. David V. Gargantiel, officially declared the jubilee year open. Fireworks display added color to the event as the program ended. The sparkling exhibition somehow pictured the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ shining brightly in this dark world. It became a reminder of Gods unfailing presence amidst FBCs ups and downs. The promises of God found in His Word have served as the institutions light and guide through the years. Looking back in history, the school was founded by men and women of faith who desire to establish a school that upholds the importance of the preaching and teaching of the Word of God to young people. In 1954, a group of Christian lay leaders, ministers and missionaries under the Visayan Fellowship of Fundamental Baptist Churches (VFFBC) worked together to establish Fellowship Baptist Academy as a sectarian, non-stock, non-profit, secondary school. Dr. Demetrio C. Macasa, Sr. was the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Mr. Juan Gubuan, the first Principal. With the offering of additional degree programs and technical courses, the school was converted into a college in the school year 1989-1990. As a dynamic learning institution, FBC has pioneered in southern Negros Occidental a number of academic programs such as Midwifery, Nursing, Engineering, Hospitality Management, Radiologic Technology, Psychology and Pharmacy. At present, the college is the only private higher educational institution in Kabankalan City that has accredited programs under the Association of Christian Schools Colleges and Universities, Accrediting Agency, Inc. (ACSCU-AAI). From an academy of 212 high school students to now a college, with more than 2000 students, FBC stands tall in the city of Kabankalan and carries on its mission. Living by the words of Jesus Christ in John 8:12, Ego Sum Lux (I AM THE LIGHT), the school will continue shaping lives through excellent Christian education, shining forth the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ by Gods grace and for His glory! - gtr
The alumni here in the Philippines and abroad joined the College celebration of its 60 th Diamond Jubilee as they also simultaneously gathered together for Paghiambitanay 2014 last January 16-18, 2014. The Hiligaynon word, paghiambitanay, indeed reflects the essence of the alumni homecoming. Translated in English as fellowship which means companionship and/or sharing in lifes experiences, the alumni were reminded of the true essence of fellowship. As Mrs. Grace Ann Jaboneta- Mendoza, Alumni President, mentioned in her message that, More than the fun which our activities will bring; more than the excitement with our reunion with old classmates and friends; more than the laughters as we remember happy memories; more than the delight from catching-up stories; more than the sumptuous meals we will be sharing together; may we all be reminded that after all the years that have passed, as life experiences have made us who we are right now; after making new friends (and maybe new enemies); what remains to be true is the sharing of a common bond which left a marked difference in our lives forever! We remain to be children of our dear, Alma Mater, Fellowship Baptist College. This is the fellowship we share, no matter what! The three-day affair kicked-off as the alumni joined the torch parade along with the rest of the FBC community and also took part in the opening of the FBC Diamond Jubilee Year. Dr. David Gargantiel, the College President, as well as Mrs. Grace Ann Jabonet-Mendoza, welcomed all the alumni present in the event. On the second day, January 17, a testimonial lunch was sponsored in honor of the alumni of FBC who have answered Gods call for full time church and Christian ministries. There were more than thirty pastors and workers who attended the said gathering. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and was encouraged by the message from Gods word which was delivered by Pastor Gilmer Guanzon, HS Batch 1989 and the President of Leyte Baptist Seminary. In the afternoon, a fundraising activity was sponsored by HS Batch 1977. The proceeds of this fundraising activity will go to their proposed School Bus Project. The highlight for the second day was the Alumni Night sponsored by the Silver Jubilarians, HS Batch 1989 and this was in honor of the Golden Jubilarians, HS Batch 1964. With the theme: Gab-i sang PaghiambitanayBringing Back the 80s, this fun-filled night was enjoyed by everyone present, who were clad in colorful outfits reminiscing the vibrant and lively 80s. The sponsoring group facilitated every part of the program. Mr. Jonie Maceda, the president of the HS Batch 1989 expressed his gratitude to FBC for all the lessons and the memories as he delivered his inspirational speech. The sponsorship of the alumni night has become a tradition for the Silver Jubilarians giving tribute to the batch celebrating fifty years. For the last day, January 18, the alumni gathered for a thanksgiving worship service at the college gymnasium in the spirit of gratitude before God for all the things that He has done. Rev. Gospel Catanus, who was a member of the Golden Jubilarian HS Batch 1964 shared the Word of God. After the service, HS Batch 1976 made a formal turn-over of their batch project, a set keyboard and speaker, for the use of the school. Dr. David Gargatiel gladly accepted such generous gift. The morning activity became more exciting as everyone joined the caravan and motorcade that encircled around the city of Kabankalan. Batches gathered for lunch fellowship remembering the good old memories and catching up with classmates and old friends. Indeed, it was a great fellowship, it was truly paghiambitanay! - gtr
Official FBC Diamond Jubilee Logo was designed by Mr. Jubet Padilla, 4 th HS Student FBC Diamond Jubilee Celebration Opens Alumni celebrate Paghiambitanay 2014 HS Batch 1989 Silver Jubilarians sponsoring the Alumni Night: Gab-i sang PaghiambitanayBringing Back the 80s In line with the celebration of FBCs Diamond Jubilee, the school held a concert on March 28, 2014 6:30 PM at the college gymnasium. This concert featured the finalists of the FBC Diamond Jubilee Theme Songwriting Competition launched last November 2013. The contest was open to all members of the FBC academic community. The winning entry will serve as the theme song for FBCs Diamond Jubilee year. There were six finalists who qualified for the live performance night. The finalist no.1 was Mrs. Malou Vargas, a church music director, with her composition, Press On; Finalist no.2 were Ms. Rachel Bless Dalipe and Ms. Katherine Apucay for their composition Press On Towards Gods Glory. Both of them are students of FBC taking BS in Business Administration and BS in Radiologic Technology respectively. The third finalist was the composition, The Legacy Lives On by Mr. Jeriel Castel and Ms. Jiel Elbanbuena, who were both FBC alumni. Engr. Harris Vaughn Batayen, a faculty of the College of Engineering and Computer Studi es, was next in line for his song, Press On and Soar. Another student of FBC taking Bachelor of Secondary Education, Mr. Jan Alfred Nombre, qualified for his composition, FBC Stands for Christ Alone. Finalist no.6 was the tandem of Mr. Mark John Fabale and Mr. Lourd Ian Lirazan, faculty of the College of Teacher Education, Arts and Sciences for their entry entitled, Here I Belong. (continue next page)
A night of original music FBC Diamond Jubilee Concert Jan Alfred Nombre receiving the award for his composition, FBC Stands for Christ Alone; Certificate and cash prize awarded by Dr. Marietta G. Villegas, VPAA & Mrs. Melchorie C. Bepinoso, VPAF The Fellow Vol.3 no.1 Page 1 of 3
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PROJECTS UPDATES The association is encouraging all alumni to participate in the alumni projects. Pledge and Donation Forms are now available in the FBC Office for Institutional Advancement. You may choose from among the following alumni projects: 1. Perimeter Fence Project 2. Alumni Scholarship Grants 3. FBA Old Building Renovation All contributions will be part of the FBC BRICK-LAYING PROGRAM. Donations may be indicated in honor of your class/batch name, your personal or family name, or in memory of a loved one. If you are willing to help, you may ask for more information through the contact information indicated. After the splendid renditions of the song entries, Peoples Choice Award, resulting from public on-site voting, went to Ms. Dalipe and Ms. Apucay for their song, Press On Towards Gods Glory. The composition entitled FBC Stands for Christ Alone by Jan Alfred Nombre was declared as the winner and will serve as the FBCs Diamond Jubilee Theme Song. Mr. Nombre received a prize of P 10,000 pesos while the non-winning entries a consolation prize of P 1,500.00 each. The contest judges were Mr. Rogie Bacosa, Mrs. Geoliza de Luna and Mr. James Norico. Song compositions were professionally arranged by Miss Gina Raakin and were accompanied by the musical band from Funshop Creative Learning and Multimedia in Dumaguete City and Music Box Studio in Kabankalan City. - gtr A night of original music (cont.) (Chorus) (Repeat Chorus) (CODA) (Repeat Chorus) FBC STANDS FOR CHRIST ALONE (Official Theme Song of the FBC Diamond Jubilee) Words and Music By: Jan Alfred Nombre Arranged by: Gina Raakin Sinadya sa Summer! (Fun in Summer) This was the theme of the fun-filled summer fest last May 9, 2014 at FBC, still anchored on the 60 th Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the institution. With the administration at the helm, the Office of the Student Affairs planned and created a joyous atmosphere last summer with different group contests and activities. Each group, composed of different courses enrolled in the summer class, competed in various games like water volleyball, save the king and queen and relays. These events made the whole academic community burst into laughter and developed bonding across courses and ages. The thrill continued to boost when all shared a scrumptious lunch in boodle fight where all exhibited the true camaraderie and unity. Life is truly fun in Kabankalan and it is more fun in FBC! - ijb
FBC Summer Fest FBC has reaped a good and quality harvest of graduates for the Academic year 2013-2014. The High School department harvested 94 graduates and 35 from the Elementary department last March 26, 2014. While the Higher Education was able to produce 189 graduates of different courses last March 27, 2014. In acknowledgment of Gods faithfulness for the whole academic year, the closing activities were preceded by the Baccalaureate Services in the morning. Pastor Gilmer Guanzon, President of the Leyte Baptist Seminary and a High School alumnus encouraged the Basic Education graduates with the Word of God. It was then followed by the most awaited event, the 59 th Commencement Exercises for the High School and the 21 st Commencement Exercises for the Elementary Department with their honored guest Engr. Ernie Mapa, Provincial Engineer, Province of Negros Occidental. Rev. Gerson G. Gestupa, the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dumaguete City blessed the graduates of the Higher Education in their Baccalaureate Service. Dr. Michael Gilbert Johnson, Senior Pastor, Faith Bible Church, Oakland, California, challenged the college graduates with his commencement speech which left an inspiration to the whole academic community. Truly, it was another mission accomplished for the FBC! -gtr
A Bountiful Harvest PraisesTo God be the Glory! P RAY ER REQUES T S Increase of enrollment for school year 2014-2015 Year-long activities slated for the FBC Diamond Jubilee Celebration Faculty and staff especially the newly hired for SY 2014-2015 Please pray for the FBC graduates who will take the following Board examinations: Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) August 2014; CPA Board Exam October 2014; Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) and Midwifery Licensure Examination (MLE) November 2014; Civil Engineering Board Examination December 2014. Voluntary Accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities Accrediting Agency, Inc. (ACSCU-AAI) for High School, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration programs scheduled February 2015 Alumni Activities for January 2015 with the Silver Jubilarian HS Batch 1990 as the sponsoring group and the Golden Jubilarian HS Batch 1965 as the honoree.
CONTACT INFORMATION: For inquiries you may contact the FBC landline numbers: (034) 4712167 or 4712156. You may also log on to www.fbc.edu.ph and go to the Alumni Page. Or visit and like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fellowshipbaptistcollege. You may also email our Alumni Coordinator, Ptr. Glenn T. Repique at grepique@yahoo.com. The Fellow Vol.3 no.1 Page 2 of 3 Fun, laughter and fellowship during the Sinadya sa Summer 2014 To equip the workforce of FBC for the academic year 2014-2015, a number of training programs were conducted to further enhance and develop the faculty both in relation to professional competence as well as spiritual aspect. A shift of teaching paradigm was gladly welcomed by the FBC faculty in the instructional training of Understanding by Design(UbD) conducted by Dr. Dale Marshfield, Dr. Darryl Meekins and Mr. David Totman, expert trainers from the ABWE International Theological Education, last May 19-21, 2014. The UbD training became an eye-opener to all its participants both the neophyte and the experienced teachers. Through UBD, I have realized that students are indeed capable of acquiring meaningful learning through teaching strategies that facilitate understanding. In this manner, they become active participants in their learning and not just passive receivers of information, noted by Ms. Daffodils Garceniego, Human Resource and Development Officer. Dr. Dale Marshfield highlighted the concept that as molders of the future workers or employees, we can actually bring a real world of work of our students in the classroom. This reality in the academe challenged each faculty to be proactive and vigilant in preparing their students in the real world through the adoption of UbD. UbD makes you think outside of the box said by Mark John Fabale, a College Faculty. FBC is blessed to listen to the UbD lectures, said Engr. Jennee Faith Joy Resano, Dean of the College of Engineering. It had been a three- day fun of learning with Dr. Dale, Mr. David and Dr. Darryl. I am very much thankful that they came here and became a blessing to us, added by Engr. Harris Vaughn Batayen. Truly, the three-day seminar of UbD was really fruitful and valuable as the school aims to provide excellent Christian education to all its students. On the other hand, a different training program was also conducted for the staff in relation to becoming a better student support services provider. Updating the staff with recent ways in management and services is the main goal of this training, said Mrs. Melchorie C. Bepinoso, VP for Admin and Finance. The said training was facilitated by Ms. Yanglee Dela Fuente, Admissions Officer, Colegio San Agustin Bacolod, Bacolod City. The series of training programs was all culminated by a spiritual retreat for all the FBC workforce at Camp Canaan, Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental last May 24-25, 2014. The personnel rested and enjoyed the recreational activities prepared by the Chaplains Office. At night, each one was recharged spiritually by the Word of God through His servant Pastor Daniel Salcedo, Senior Pastor, Hinoba-an Fellowship Baptist Church. Indeed, FBC is ready to march into the battle field. - ijb
News Brief: FBC hosted the Regional Leadership Summit last May 24, 2014 which was sponsored by Partners International Ministries together with its director, Pastor Ariel Abadiano. This convention was attended by more than 30 participants coming from different areas of the Visayas serving as school presidents, heads, trustee members and faculty in their respective Bible and Christian schools. Mr. Marvin Brubacher, Director of Mentorlink-Canada, Dr. Dale Marshfield, Director of ABWE International Theological Education and Mr. David Totman, ABWE missionary shared varied inputs and valuable concepts on how to improve institutional financial stability, increase linkages and networks and develop a culture of faculty excellence.
Along with the opening of the FBC Diamond Jubilee Year celebration is the launching of the jubilee project. Due to the growing population of the college, additional classrooms and office spaces become a pressing need. Thus, the Jubilee Building Project is proposed. The goal for this years celebration is to raise seed money to start the said infrastructure project which has an estimated cost of P 10 million. Truly, the realization of this goal is a big dream- great a leap of faith for the college. However, with God nothing is impossible! If you want to know more information about this undertaking, you may contact the Office of the President and/or the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance. Jubilee Building Project: A 10M-Dream
FBC Working Force Prepares for Battle The Fellow Vol.3 no.1 Page 3 of 3 Faculty with the Resource Speakers and Facilitators UbD Seminar for the faculty Team-building activity for the staff Fun and fellowship during the Faculty and Staff Spiritual Retreat