The College of Mass Communication of Silliman University will soon be relocating to a new site on campus, after about 45 years of occupying part of the pre-war building, the Guy Hall, which was built in 1918.
SU President Dr. Ben Malayang led the unveiling of the scale model Friday afternoon during a simple gathering at the grounds of the University House, formerly known as the President’s Home, amid activities in celebration this week of the 110th Founders’ Day anniversary celebration of Silliman.
Dr. Cecille Genove, dean of the College of Mass Communication, disclosed during a general assembly and gathering of alumni also on Friday afternoon that the new location will be on the 2nd floor of the Instructional Media & Technology Center (formerly the Multi-Media Center) at the annex of the SU Library.
Dr. Malayang announced during the unveiling ceremony the new site has initial funding of P5-million from Emilio Yap, publisher of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., which had been pledged several years back, had been released.
According to Genove, the SU administration has assured to start at the soonest possible time work on the new site for the College of Mass Communication, although it cannot be ascertained yet when it will be ready for occupancy.
Additional funds are also needed for the refurbishing of the new site, as well as for the procurement of new equipment, Genove added. She, however, expressed hopes that the College of Mass Communication can move in to its new location by the beginning of the next school year.
Genove also announced that Silliman University will be offering next school year a new specialized field, which is Bachelor in Mass Communication – major in Broadcasting.
Silliman University started out with its School of Journalism 45 years ago, which later became the School of Mass Communication offering a bachelor’s degree, and about four years ago, finally became the College of Mass Communication with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication degree.
Meanwhile, a national SU Mass Communication alumni association was formed yesterday afternoon during a general assembly/reunion at the Guy Hall.
The new set of officers are: Ruben Bokingo, president; Alex Rey Pal, vice president; Bing Aguilar, secretary; Janet Eman-Gravador, treasurer; Karen Orbeta-Mira, auditor; and for its Board of Directors: Ed Dames and Pamela Diaz (Luzon), Nova Sollesta and Eric Sardual (Visayas) and Eldred Cole and Rejoice Subejano (Mindanao). (PNA/ Judy Flores-Partlow)
Alumni from the SU College of Mass Communication led by President Ruben Bokingo (standing 5th from left) pose before a model of the proposed College of Mass Communication building, which will be built on top of the Instructional Media & Technology Center beside the Robert & Metta Silliman Main Library. (Photo by Melissa Alexandra B. Pal)