UB VDTALC Kicks Off School Year 2026-2027 with Vibrant Abi-Abi Opening Activity
MONDAY-JULY 27, 2026. The University of Bohol Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center (UB VDTALC) officially welcomed School Year 2026–2027 through Abi-Abi 2026, a spirited opening celebration carrying the theme “Built on Unity, Bound for Excellence.”
The morning general assembly brought together students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators in a festive gathering that marked the beginning of a new academic year and reinforced the institution’s commitment to the OneVDT culture.
The program opened with the arrival of students and families, followed by lively performances from the Majorettes and Drum and Lyre Corps.
After the invocation and singing of the national and university hymns, the school community was formally welcomed through the opening remarks and an inspiring message from Principal Sofila L. Gantalao, MA-Eng., JD, who warmly inspires every VDTALCian to embrace the year with unity, purpose, and a shared commitment to lead, serve, and succeed.
The celebration continued with the introduction of the faculty, staff, and the student government officers, followed by a presentation of the school’s vision, culture, and curricular programs and vital details which are done in every homeroom with the class advisers.
Learners enthusiastically participated in interactive crowd engagement, a unity mass dance, and the much-awaited confetti release before proceeding to the Organization Expo, where they explored opportunities to develop their talents, leadership, and sense of service through the school’s student organizations.
Bringing even more excitement to the celebration were beloved character mascots, including Blippi, Skye from Paw Patrol, whose appearances filled the campus with laughter, smiles, and unforgettable first-day memories for the learners especially when these invited guests went on a room-to-room meet and greet.
The successful staging of Abi-Abi 2026 was made possible through the dedicated leadership of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) under the guidance of its adviser, Mr. Ramon RJ Fabio, together with the SSG officers and volunteers who meticulously planned, organized, and coordinated the event, ensuring a meaningful and memorable welcome for the entire UB VDTALC community.
The remainder of the day was devoted to homeroom onboarding sessions across all grade levels, where class advisers officially welcomed their learners, introduced classroom expectations and routines, oriented students on school programs and policies, and laid the foundation for a productive, engaging, and successful school year.
More than a festive opening, Abi-Abi 2026 embodied the spirit of OneVDT- a community built on unity and bound for excellence.
As the new academic year begins, UB VDTALC remains steadfast in its mission of nurturing learners who are prepared to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and succeed with excellence.
Transformative Pedagogies: Equipping Basic Education Teachers for 21st-Century Learning Environments
The first wave of the Summer Institute 2026 of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs was a two-day seminar-workshop conducted last May 28–29, 2026, participated in by the academic heads and teachers of the Victoriano B. Tirol Advanced Learning Center, University Grade School and University Junior High School.
The seminar was designed in response to the evolving demands of 21st-century education, which call for a shift from traditional teaching approaches toward more learner-centered, inquiry-based, and skills-oriented pedagogies. It emphasized the need for educators to develop and integrate critical competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy in classroom instruction.
The first day of the seminar focused on foundational concepts and instructional design. Session 1 explored 21st-century learning environments and emerging trends in education, highlighting their implications for teaching and learning as well as alignment with current educational standards and priorities. This was followed by Sessions 2 and 3, which addressed the design of 21st-century responsive lessons. Participants engaged in discussions on standards-based lesson planning, constructive alignment of learning competencies, strategies, and assessments, as well as the integration of 21st-century skills. Emphasis was also placed on student engagement strategies, differentiated instruction, and assessment design that provides meaningful evidence of learning.
A workshop session on the alignment of instructional elements provided participants with the opportunity to review and refine their lesson components, ensuring coherence among learning objectives, teaching strategies, and assessment tasks.
The second day of the seminar focused on enhancing instructional delivery and classroom interaction. Session 5 addressed effective instruction, including lesson flow, pacing, time management, monitoring of student understanding, and meaningful lesson closure. Session 6 explored questioning strategies, emphasizing higher-order and creative questioning techniques, effective handling of student responses, and the facilitation of classroom discussions.
These inputs were reinforced through Session 7, a workshop on enhancing lesson processes and questioning techniques, where participants refined their lesson procedures, improved time allocation, and strengthened their use of questioning as a pedagogical tool. Session 8 provided a platform for the presentation of selected outputs, followed by peer and facilitator feedback, as well as reflection and action planning.
The seminar-workshop was facilitated by Dr. Mardy Verano, Executive Director of Edustudio Learning Review & Training Center.
Overall, the seminar-workshop served as a significant professional development initiative that empowered educators as reflective practitioners and agents of change. By equipping participants with relevant knowledge, practical strategies, and opportunities for collaborative learning, the University continues to advance its mission of delivering quality, responsive, and transformative education in the 21st century.
UNIVERSITY OF BOHOL LAUNCHES “MIRACLE MONDAY” TO CELEBRATE EMPLOYEES AND INSPIRE SERVICE
Tagbilaran City, Bohol — Reinforcing its commitment to a people-centered culture of excellence, the University of Bohol (UB), through the Planning, Quality Assurance and Development Office, officially launches Miracle Monday, a monthly employee engagement and appreciation program that celebrates the people whose dedication continues to transform the University and the lives it serves.
Aptly named, “Miracle” represents the extraordinary impact created by ordinary individuals who faithfully live out the University’s mission through their daily work. Every milestone achieved by the University of Bohol stands as a testament to the collective commitment, professionalism, and passion of its people. The program was conceived by and is facilitated by Dr. Maricel A. Tirol, Vice President for Finance, whose steadfast commitment to employee welfare, servant leadership, and organizational excellence embodies the very spirit of the initiative.
Guided by the theme “Celebrating People, Sharing Stories, Inspiring Service,” and the tagline “Every Monday, a Story. Every Story, a Miracle,” the initiative recognizes that the University’s greatest achievement is not merely its programs, facilities, or accolades, but the collective commitment of its faculty members, administrators, support personnel, and service providers who faithfully live out the University’s core values of Scholarship, Character, and Service.
Miracle Monday provides a meaningful space where employees from across the University can come together for fellowship, inspiration, and dialogue. Each monthly gathering will feature employee recognition, inspirational stories, collaborative conversations, and leadership messages that foster stronger relationships, promote appreciation, and strengthen the sense of belonging within the University community. More than a fellowship activity, Miracle Monday celebrates the everyday contributions that often go unnoticed but are fundamental to the University’s continued growth and success. It shines a spotlight on stories of dedication, teamwork, innovation, compassion, and selfless service that inspire others to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and the wider community.
Miracle Monday reflects the University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a workplace where every employee feels valued, appreciated, and empowered to grow. The program supports the University of Bohol Vision of “Transforming Lives for a Great Future,” advances its mission of providing holistic education anchored on Scholarship, Character, and Service, and aligns with the UB Strategy Map 2030, employee wellness and development programs, and the University’s continuing pursuit of organizational excellence through an engaged, inspired, and people-centered workforce.
As the University continues to build a culture where people come first, Miracle Monday reminds every member of the UB community that behind every accomplishment is a story of dedication, behind every success is a team committed to service, and behind every transformed life is an employee who made a difference.
Because at the University of Bohol, every Monday is an opportunity to celebrate people, every story inspires service, and every story is truly a miracle.
UB President Calls on Healthcare Students to Embrace Resilience
University of Bohol President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III challenged Level II Nursing and Midwifery students to cultivate self-confidence, resilience, and compassion as they prepare for careers in the healthcare profession.
Speaking before students, parents, faculty members, and guests during the 50th Nursing Capping, Badge Investiture, and Candle Lighting Ceremony and the 32nd Midwifery Candle Lighting and Nameplating Ceremony held on July 27, 2026, at the UB Multipurpose Covered Court, Dr. Tirol encouraged the future healthcare professionals to remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
“My dear students, believe in your potential. Trust in the education you have received and in the values that the University of Bohol has instilled in you. Face every challenge with courage, humility, resilience, and compassion. Continue learning, because healthcare is a profession that demands lifelong growth.” Dr. Tirol said. He stressed that the world does not simply need more nurses and midwives—it needs healthcare professionals whose competence is strengthened by compassion, whose integrity inspires trust, and whose service brings hope to those who suffer.
Tirol also emphasized that resilience is an essential quality for every healthcare professional, enabling them to overcome adversity while remaining committed to delivering compassionate and ethical care.
Addressing the students as proud UBians, Dr. Tirol reminded them to carry with them the University’s enduring values of Scholarship, Character, and Service wherever their profession may lead.
The University President concluded his message by urging the students to redefine success beyond professional titles and achievements.
“May your hands bring healing, your words offer comfort, and your hearts remain compassionate even in the most difficult circumstances. Strive not only to become competent nurses and midwives, but also healthcare professionals whose presence gives hope, restores dignity, and transforms lives.” Tirol appealed.
Under the current organizational structure, the Department of Nursing, led by Dean Myrna B. Bernaldez, and the Department of Midwifery, headed by Ms. Ma. Daryl C. Lagapa, operate under the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS). (Leo Armando Boncales)