mizpah logo

The official newsletter of the South Philippine Union Conference the Seventh-day Adventist church

News

Mountain View College Installs New Officers and Board of Trustees in Solemn Investiture Ceremony

Mountain View College (MVC) celebrated a significant milestone with the investiture of its Board of Trustees and the installation of its newly appointed officers. The solemn ceremony took place on March 16 at the MVC Pioneer Church.

The event was attended by faculty, staff, students, alumni, church leaders, institutional officers, stakeholders, representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and local government officials from Valencia City and Bukidnon, as well as officers from the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ACSCU) in Mindanao.


The following officers were formally installed to lead the institution for the coming term:

Dr. Remwil R. Tornalejo, President; Dr. Leodegario L. Elona Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mr. Arjay M. Fronteras, Vice President for Finance; Pr. Clyde T. Sumatra, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services

The keynote address was delivered by Elder Roger Caderma, President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Drawing inspiration from Nehemiah 1:6–7, Elder Caderma emphasized key principles of excellent leadership that are evident in Nehemiah's life, all starting with the letter "D." These principles include: maintaining institutional distinctiveness, pursuing a clear direction guided by God’s vision, exercising discernment, demonstrating dependence on God, and showing diligence and determination in accomplishing the mission.


Furthermore, he encouraged the newly installed leaders to trust in God’s guidance as they pursue the institution’s goals, emphasizing that nothing is impossible when plans are anchored in God’s purpose.

Moreover, the installation of the Board of Trustees was officiated by Elder Caderma, while the installation of the MVC officers was conducted by Elder Jerry Patalinghug, President of the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC) and Chair of the MVC Board.


In his charge to the leaders, Elder Patalinghug urged them to remain united in purpose and grounded in faith.

“Cling to God and work together as a team so that excellence may be attained,” he said, adding that “availability supersedes ability,” reminding leaders that willingness to serve God’s mission is more important than personal capability.

Messages of Support from Stakeholders


Meanwhile, representatives from various sectors delivered messages of support, including those from the Office of the Mayor of Valencia City, the Office of the Governor of Bukidnon, CHED, the SwPUC Education Department, the MVC Board of Trustees, the MVC Alumni Association, the Association of Higher Education Institutions (AHEIs), and the MVC Central Student Government.


In her felicitation message, Dr. Alevir Pido, Education Director of the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference, congratulated the newly installed officers and recognized the outgoing officers for their faithful leadership and significant contributions to the growth and development of Mountain View College during the past quinquennium.

A reflection was also shared by Mr. Ronnel Fernando, College of Business representative and alumni representative, who recalled his family’s long-standing connection with the institution and reflected on MVC’s remarkable growth over the years.

Presidential Vision for the Institution

In his presidential address, Dr. Remwil R. Tornalejo, who begins his second term as MVC President, expressed humility as he accepted the responsibility of leadership.

“This takes so much humility because the challenges ahead are not ordinary,” he said.

He emphasized that spirituality must remain the foundation of the institution, particularly in guiding young people amid society's growing moral challenges.

“Spirituality is the basic foundation of this school—safeguarding the youth from moral decay,” he emphasized.

Dr. Tornalejo also outlined key priorities for the institution’s development, including increasing enrollment, strengthening marketing and infrastructure, pursuing ISO certification, opening new academic programs such as Psychology and Engineering, improving accreditation and board examination performance, and expanding research collaboration.

He also highlighted the long-term vision of achieving university status for Mountain View College, noting that while the goal may not be realized immediately, the journey must begin now.

Encouraging openness to growth and innovation, he concluded with a challenge to the MVC community:

“We should not resist change for the better. Let us be strong and take courage.”

The investiture ceremony reaffirmed Mountain View College’s commitment to Christ-centered education, academic excellence, and mission-driven leadership as it continues shaping future leaders grounded in Christian values.

RPido
SwPUC ComDept