Excitement filled every campus of the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) this week as thousands of new students came together for the kick off of FOSTER Week 2026, the university’s annual Freshers Orientation Seminar Towards Educational Responsibility, August 11, 2026.
From Binalbagan to Alijis, Fortune Towne to Talisay, the celebration carried one shared theme: “DAGAMÍ: Pagtanom sang Paglaum, Pag-ani sang Matahum nga Palaabuton.” Dedicated to the nation’s farmers, the theme became a fitting metaphor for the week itself, a season of planting hope, so that a beautiful future may one day be harvested.
CIER / Event Management Team photos
In his welcome message at the Talisay (Main) Campus, President Norberto Mangulabnan reminded the new CHMSUans that university life is more than academics.
“You are not only here to earn a degree, but also to learn who you are, and to make a difference in this world,” he said, encouraging students to foster knowledge, discipline, character, and a sense of responsibility.
Pres. Mangulabnan was joined by key university officials, college deans, unit heads, student officers, faculty, and staff in welcoming the first-years and transferees.
CIER / Keith Brandon Cari-an photos
Binalbagan Campus
The celebration opened in Binalbagan, where Campus Executive Director Joevelle Vergara led the community in welcoming its newest members, joined by College of Fisheries Dean Imee Perante, College of Criminal Justice Dean Purisima Romero, faculty, and staff. Office for Student Affairs and Services Coordinator Aniceto Olmedo also discussed the Code of Conduct in the general orientation.
The warmth carried into the DAGAMÍ Club Expo, where booths burst with color and energy as new and returning students explored exhibits from the CHMSU University Student Government, college councils, and student organizations — an early, exciting glimpse of the vibrant campus life that awaited them.
EMT Binalbagan & April Mae Nabor photos
Alijis Campus
At the Alijis Campus, Executive Director Glen Peter Garcia and College of Computer Studies Dean Joe Marie Dormito extended the welcome alongside USG officers, faculty, and staff.
Students then settled in for an orientation grounded in the essentials of student life: Student Formator Renie Selisa walked them through the Code of Conduct, Guidance Counselors Aileen Decena and Emily Vingson introduced the services under the Office of Guidance Services, and Registrar’s Office Staff Meco Sundayon demystified the grading system and the process for adding and dropping subjects.
EMT Alijis photos
Fortune Towne Campus
Fortune Towne Campus opened its doors — and its arms — as Executive Director Ruvy Tuble and College of Business Management and Accountancy Dean Nenette Padilla led the community in giving new Bulanenos a welcome to remember.
In the afternoon, the sessions continued with a general orientation on the Student Conduct and services offered by the Office of the Guidance Services.
EMT Fortune Towne photos
Talisay (Main) Campus
The general orientation at the Talisay (Main) Campus unfolded across a full day of learning. In the morning, students were introduced to the offices that would shape their university journey.
Director for Research and Development Ivy Aboy, representing VP for Research, Extension, and Intellectual Property Ma. Riza Manalo, presented the services under the Office of the VPREIP, with VPREIP Manalo challenging the new CHMSUans to take the lead in forming a student research organization.
Asst. VP for Academic Affairs Noralyn Esona, on behalf of VPAA Engr. Russel Dela Torre, discussed the university’s academic thrusts and underscored the significance of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Supervising Administrative Officer Sharon Juances presented the university’s safety and security policy, while Director Rhoderick Samonte of the Center for Internationalization and External Relations discussed CHMSU’s Vision, Mission, and Quality Policy, along with the Core Values EXCELSIOR and Core Attributes GREAT that every student is called to embody.
NSTP Director Esther Leah Macatimpag rounded out the morning with an orientation on the National Service Training Program and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, fielding a steady stream of questions from curious first-years.
CIER / Keith Brandon Cari-an photos
The afternoon turned the spotlight toward student welfare and protection. Director Maria Victoria Violanda of the Office for Student Affairs and Services opened with a closer look at the Code of Conduct, dress code, offenses, and sanctions outlined in the student handbook.
Director Juben Palermo of the Office of Guidance Services followed with an overview of the guidance services available to students. Director for Gender and Development Ana Mary Ann Pancho led an interactive session on inclusivity, equity, and equality, walking students through the laws that protect the rights of students of all genders.
The day closed with a session on preparedness, as DRRM Staff Michael Jason Somodio, of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, introduced students to the safety measures in place to protect the CHMSU community.
CIER / Keith Brandon Cari-an photos
Across four campuses and countless conversations, FOSTER Week 2026 delivered on the promise of its theme — planting seeds of knowledge, belonging, and purpose in every new CHMSuan.
The first day of FOSTER Week 2026 was made possible through the collective effort of the Office for Student Affairs and Services, the CHMSU University Student Government of all campuses, and the Event Management Team, whose coordination transformed a week of orientation into a genuine homecoming for thousands of incoming students.
