The Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) marked its 4th University Foundation Week with a university-wide day of thanksgiving, as communities across all campuses gathered for solemn Thanksgiving Masses and Prayer Service that set a meaningful tone for the celebration, May 12, 2026.
Organized by the Gender and Development Office across all campuses, in collaboration with the Center for Internationalization and External Relations, the Holy Masses and Prayer Service gathered CHMSUans and partners in solemn prayer and gratitude for another year as a university.
At the Alijis Campus, the day began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Manny Pastrana, at the campus covered court.
CIER / Charmaine Sabio photos
Meanwhile the Binalbagan community assembled at the campus covered court for their own Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Jun Estoque. Rev. Fr. Estoque also led the blessing and inauguration of the Childminding and Breastfeeding Areas of the Gender and Development Office in the campus.
EMT Binalbagan & CIER / Sheila Ticar photos
Over at the Fortune Towne Campus, the celebration unfolded in two parts — a Holy Mass held at the covered court led by Fr. Cris Simon Abadilla of the Holy Cross Parish, held simultaneously by a Prayer Service at the AVR with Dr. Ernesto Java.
Office of the Executive Director / EMT Fortune Towne photos
The Talisay Main Campus, meanwhile, gathered at the Multi-purpose Gym for a solemn Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Michael Ma. Cuenca, MMHC. The festivities at the Talisay (Main) Campus took on special significance with the presence of the family of Cong. Carlos Hilado and Dolores Hilado, along with the Spiritual Children of St. Padre Pio, who joined the CHMSU community in celebration.
CIER / Keith Brandon Cari-an photos
