Here comes the SUNN.
The State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), formerly known as Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, was officially inaugurated, with Renante Egcas as first university president, in a ceremony at the SUNN Hotel in Brgy. Rizal, Sagay City, April 26, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
SUNN is the first and only university in Northern Negros and the first Science and Technology state university in Negros Island.
The event was attended by SUNN faculty, deans, officials, board of regents, and former officials and retirees, together with city government officials led by Mayor Narciso Javelosa, Jr., former congressman and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, who authored the law converting NONESCOST into a university, and 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon, III, officials from the Commission on Higher Education, NONESCOST past presidents, Dr. Rogelio Artajo and Dr. Romulo Sisno, and representatives from state colleges and universities from other parts of the country.
In his speech, Cueva said that the ceremony is a “fulfillment of a long-cherished dream.”
“It all started with a vision– a vision to transform Sagay City into a cradle of higher learning”, the Vice Mayor said, adding “This institution is not just an academic entity but a beacon of hope and a builder of future leaders.”
He also urged everyone to support SUNN as it is not just a symbol of dreams but stands as a powerhouse of knowledge and innovation in the region.
The three-hour ceremony included the procession of all staff and stakeholders, the NONESCOST exit of colors, the launching of the official seal and banner of SUNN, and the investiture of Dr. Egcas as the first university president.
In his acceptance speech, Egcas thanked all the stakeholders who worked in making the university status possible.
“This momentous occasion culminates the 26-long years of dedication as an independent state college, and the 19-month toil for university compliance after R.A. 11859 lapsed into law on June 18, 2022,” he said.
“But more importantly, this is a celebration of the stakeholders’ perseverance, and unwavering commitment to higher education excellence and the fulfillment of the Negrosanons’ aspirations, especially the Sagaynons to have a university in this part of the country, as first envisioned by the father of this SUC, the late congressman and governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr.,” Egcas said.
The first SUNN president also thanked the Committee for Higher Technical Education chair, Rep. Mark Go, for challenging him to comply with the conversion requirements within two years after the approval of R.A. 11859.
Mayor Javelosa also called the inauguration of SUNN as a shining example of hope for various students who study in the institution.
“Today’s inauguration of the SUNN unveils the expansion to modernize facilities and resources that symbolizes the combined goals and objectives of our academic community”, the mayor said in his speech, adding “It is a shining example of hope for numerous students who will pass through the halls of this campus in quest for knowledge and motivation.”
Emotions overflowed during the last singing of the NONESCOST hymn and the exit of the college seal and banner, as it received applause from the attendees with some long-time faculty and staff teary eyed.
Egcas, together with CHED Regional Director Raul Alvarez, Jr., CHED Commissioner Marita Canapi, and the city officials unveiled the SUNN logo with the university deans bringing in the new college banners.
Marañon said it took a village to achieve the universityhood, which was part of a dream of his late father and former Congressman and Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. to make Sagay as “a Mecca of learning.”
“It is through these hard works and support that we can strive towards excellence and make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and the community”, he said.
The city government officials individually expressed their thanks to the stakeholders and the people behind the universityhood of SUNN.*
