On what would have been his first birthday in eternity, the people of Dasmariñas gathered, not in mourning, but in a profound celebration of the life and enduring legacy of the late Congressman Elpidio “Pidi” F. Barzaga Jr. His passing, though deeply felt, has not dimmed the light of his contributions, which continue to illuminate the path forward for the city he served with unwavering dedication.

His strategic leadership resulted in significant infrastructural advancements, transforming the City of Dasmariñas into a more connected, accessible and sustainable city. These projects stand as evidence of his commitment to long-term development. Beyond infrastructure, Congressman Barzaga prioritized the enhanced access to education and healthcare. His leadership was rooted in a deep sense of responsibility to the community. He was known for his accessibility and willingness to engage directly with constituents, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration.

The celebration of his life served as a testament to the enduring respect and affection held by the people of Dasmariñas. His legacy, characterized by integrity, vision, and unwavering dedication, continues to inspire current and future generations of leaders.

As the City of Dasmariñas moves forward, the principles of effective leadership exemplified by Congressman Barzaga will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the city, ensuring that his memory and legacy will continue to shape the future of the City of Dasmariñas!

In a resounding affirmation of its commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, KLD proudly celebrated National Women’s Month with a series of impactful activities and events. This year’s commemoration, aligned with the theme “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and its 2025 sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, underscored KLD’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women thrive and contribute significantly to societal progress. Spearheaded by the KLD’s Gender and Development Unit, under the leadership of Allan Jr. M. Militante, the month-long celebration featured a diverse range of initiatives designed to recognize the achievements of women, address pertinent issues, and promote gender equality within its organization and the broader community.

Art Exhibit

BS Psychology and BS Information System students showcased an art exhibit celebrating Women’s Month, part of their Art Appreciation and Readings in Philippines History course. The exhibit with the theme “HERSTORY: An Art Exhibit of Historical Women in the Philippines”, happened in the lobby of College Bldg. 1 and 2 on March 11-14, 2025, featured diverse works exploring women’s empowerment and challenges. The students, guided by their Art Appreciation instructor and in collaboration with the Gender and Development Unit, explored various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and traditional arts, to convey their unique perspectives on the themes of empowerment, resilience, and equality.

Community Outreach Program

The Guidance Services, Admission, and Career Development (GSACDU), headed by Ms. Ma. Fatima B. Estacion, organized a community outreach program together with the Gender and Development Unit (GADU), headed by Mr. Allan Jr. M. Militante, with the theme “Sa Pag-Ibig at Pag-Aalaga: Gabay sa Isang Matatag na Ina” on March 19, 2025, at Barangay San Miguel I, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Mr. Mike Louis S. Trapani and Ms. Hanna O. Quiambao, also guidance coordinators, served as lead organizers. Together with them are Ms. Maria Lourdes J. Javier, a faculty member from the Institute of Liberal Arts, and the interns of GSACDU, namely, Abegail A. Malicdem, Aira Charlene B. Gabion, Eric Joyce A. Villestas, Eduardo II T. Dinero, Vincent Joshua T. Icaca, and Rainzeil Ashley M. Vista.

Seminar Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas held a seminar on March 26, 2025, where class GAD officers were trained on women’s role in Philippine development in line with the theme “Unpacking the Roles of Women in Achieving Inclusive Development Towards a Progressive Philippines.” Speaker Darlyvy R. Avila, RSW, MSW discussed achieving inclusive progress. Officers will promote gender equality in classrooms.

Through a series of events and initiatives, KLD’s Women’s Month celebration served as a powerful reminder of the vital contributions of women and the importance of gender equality.

University of the Philippines -International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in the Philippines (UP-CIFAL)partnered with the Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas for this activity, with a provisional event program on March 29, 2025, featuring sessions on Sustainable Development Goals history, embedding SDGs in education, implementation, best practices, internationalization, and KLD’s commitment, including remarks from Michelle R. Palumbarit, PhD, Franco Angelo B. Nicomedes, Ms. Elora Mae G. Atos, Ms. Stephanie Nicole M. Cruz, Arlene L. Gonzales, PhD, Parsons N. Hail, PhD, Ronald Allan S. Mabunga, PhD, and Regielene S. Gonzales, PhD. This initiative, driven by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, aligned higher education with global sustainability goals.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their core functions through an initiative spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The University of the Philippines-Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL) Philippines delivered the Sustainable Development Goals for Higher Education (SDGs4HE) program, designed to familiarize HEIs, including faculty, administrators, staff, and students, with the SDGs, particularly concerning higher education.  The SDGs, established in 2015, serve as a blueprint for a sustainable future, with Goal 4 emphasizing quality education, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

The Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas followed a structured process for selecting faculty members and non-teaching staff for regularization, adhering to Civil Service Commission guidelines and emphasizing merit, fitness, and equality.
Initially, qualified faculty members and staff conducted a self-evaluation using the Official Ranking Tool and submitted their credentials to the Human Resource Management Unit (HRMU). Institute Deans and immediate heads then reviewed these applications, performed preliminary evaluations, and recommended the most qualified candidates to the HRMU. The HRMU, in collaboration with the Credentials Ranking Committee, assessed candidates’ qualifications based on Qualification Standards and submitted credentials, documenting the results in a Credentials Evaluation Report, and notified all applicants of the outcome. The Faculty Selection Board evaluated the candidates’ competence and qualifications, submitting a comprehensive evaluation report with a list of the top five candidates, whose scores were based on credentials evaluation (70%), performance evaluation (25%), and tenure (5%).
The President/College Administrator reviewed this report and conducted further interviews before it was finalized and submitted, pending the City Mayor’s approval and submission to the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Finally, the HRMU posted a notice of the appointment and submitted the required documents to the CSC.

The Institute of Mathematical Applications and Computing Sciences (IMACS) has been recognized as the Office of the Month, a testament to its exceptional contributions to student development and academic innovation. The institute’s dedication to fostering a dynamic learning environment has yielded remarkable achievements, notably in the successful execution of capstone projects and the outstanding performance of students in the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) examinations.

The institute’s faculty has played a key role in nurturing student talent, providing mentorship, and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in guiding students through complex projects and preparing them for professional success.

The recognition of IMACS as Office of the Month highlights the institute’s significant contributions to academic excellence and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the future!

KLD proudly acknowledges Rea M. Caraig, Head of the Accreditation and Certification Unit, as the employee of the month for her exceptional dedication and significant contributions to the institution’s compliance with Commission on Higher Education standards.

Her diligent efforts have been instrumental in the submission of the documents for the Certificate of Program Compliance for the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program and in the successful submission of the Report on Results of Preliminary Assessment for the Bachelor of Science in Social Work and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programs.

Her capacity to manage and coordinate across diverse academic disciplines has been particularly noteworthy. Beyond the procedural aspects of documentation and submission, her effective communication and organizational skills have fostered a collaborative environment, facilitating seamless interaction among faculty, staff, and external evaluators. Her expertise and dedication remain valuable assets to the institution, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and quality.

The KLD community extends its sincere commendation to Rea M. Caraig for her exemplary contributions! excellence and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the future!