October 6, 2025 – The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) officially resumed classes today with its first Monday convocation led by SUC President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, marking a significant step toward recovery following the devastation caused by Typhoon “Opong.”
During the convocation, the administration checked on the welfare of students and personnel affected by the calamity and provided updates on the institution’s actions and interventions before, during, and after the typhoon.
Dr. Millesca presented the institution’s comprehensive disaster response initiatives, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the DEBESMSCAT community in ensuring the safety and welfare of students during the calamity. He extended his deepest gratitude to partner agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) that extended support to DEBESMSCAT.
“All the assistance received by the institution will be allocated to all students affected by the calamity,” Dr. Millesca assured. He added that the institution will soon conduct a relief distribution for students and nearby communities once all donations have been consolidated and repacked.
Among the convocation highlights was the presentation of the plaque of recognition received by DEBESMSCAT from the World Universities Ranking for Innovation (WURI) 2025, held last week in Korea. The institution achieved Rank 370among the world’s most innovative universities and earned distinctions in three key global categories: Rank 32 in Empowerment-Based Management, Rank 34 in Industrial Application, and Rank 47 in Student Mobility and Openness.
Further adding to the institution’s recent achievements, DEBESMSCAT was also recognized as the 6th top-performing State University and College (SUC) nationwide in Gender and Development (GAD) implementation.
The convocation concluded with an inspirational message from Dr. Millesca, who encouraged the DEBESMSCAT community to embody resilience and unity in rebuilding after the calamity, echoing his empowering hashtags: #KayaKoTo, #BabangonAko, and #MasbateñongDEBESIANako.
As of this press time, DEBESMSCAT continues to provide free charging stations and drinking water to its students and nearby residents as part of its continuing post-disaster assistance.
Ladies and gentlemen,
