Dr. Luis M. Sorolla sits as the new College President of WVCST
Commissioner Luningning Omar (left) of the
Commission on Higher Education and Luisa
Binueza, WVCST Board Secretary, lead the
Investiture Rites for Dr. Luis Sorolla, Jr.
The Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) warmly welcomed its new College President in an Investiture Rites held last September 12, 2006. Succeeding the immediate past President, Dr. Renato V. Alba, Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr. now sits as the 3rd College President of WVCST. Supported by the faculty, students, administrative personnel, key officials, board of trustees, honorees and members of the family, Sorolla rightfully accepted the responsibility and plead his oath as sole holder of the Academic Hood, the Academic Medallion, and the Academic Mace, which are the college symbols of the school.
Born from humble beginnings from Aglanot, Dumarao, Capiz, 48 years ago, Dr. Luis M. Sorolla dreamed, hurdled life's difficulties and persevered to transform his visions into realities. From being a child laborer in the rice paddies and sugarcane fields, he struggled his way through college and performed his best in his profession to become what life destined him to be -- 3rd College President of the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology.
A consistent honor student, he was the Class Valedictorian in Aglanot Elementary School. He graduated high school in ISAT (former name of WVCST) as First Honors with a rating of 99+ in the NCEE. He took Technical Trade Education and proceeded to finish Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education in 1978 as Magna Cum Laude and the Most Outstanding Graduate. He was an outstanding student leader, a versatile stage performer and a multi-awarded campus journalist as Editor-in-Chief of the student publication.
The present College President is a home-grown administrator. He rose from the ranks as he spent all of his professional life in the institution. He had been an instructor, a Senior Educational Researcher, a Department Head, a Dean and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. He holds the academic rank of Professor VI. Included in his numerous eligibilities and professional competencies is the CSC Career Service Executive Eligibility for Third Level Managerial Position. He is also a recipient of many awards and various international scholarships.
Dr. "Louie" Sorolla is a leader endowed with natural talents, inspired by Christian values and blessed by fate. He is happily married to the former Evelyn Miraflor, a Master Teacher II of the Iloilo National High School and a Metrobank Awardee as an Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines. They have three children -- Lloyd, Louvelle Thess and Louise Eve.
A self-made man, this very young President of WVCST is no stranger to life's problems and trials. Rather, these rigors helped him prepare to face the gargantuan tasks inherent in the responsibilities of an SUC President. Unfazed and prepared for the challenges ahead, Dr. Sorolla is very determined to lead WVCST towards the realization of its vision-mission for the greater glory of the institution and for the better service of humanity.
In his investiture address, he stressed out the importance of a strong educational background and each pursuit of knowledge should be endless. In his hands, he now holds the power to make WVCST the best educational institution in the region by deeply committing to the vision of developing man through the integration of spiritual, liberal, vocational, scientific and technological education for active participation and leadership in national development.
Those who made their greetings included the City Mayor, Hon. Jerry P. Trenas, Iloilo City Councilor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Vice President for the Visayas Phil. Assn. of State Universities and Colleges, Dr. Dominador Cabanganan, President, Regional Assn. of National Government Executives, Dir. Evelyn Trompeta, and the President of the Regional Assn. of Career Executives, Dir. Vicente Molejona.