The Chain

𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: As the new academic year began, the new Red Phoenixes were warmly welcomed and guided on a comprehensive tour of the campus. Led by the dedicated HSCI Ledesco Campus Ambassadors, they explored the La Filipina Uygongco Building, home to the Senior High School learners, as well as the Injap Building, where the Elementary and Junior High School students thrive.

The tour also showcased the school library, Guidance Office, clinic, the Little Phoenix Learning Laboratory, covered court, the swimming pool, and the dormitory with each facility designed to support holistic learning and student development.

This orientation marks the beginning of a journey filled with discovery, growth, and Red Phoenix pride.

Welcome back, Red Phoenixes. Together, let us rise higher and shine brighter this school year. | via Crystal Mae Dorilag

Photos courtesy of Kharyle Jenn Catedrilla and Rhesya Angelique de la Rosa

𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

​"So today, let’s set the way a Phoenix listens: alert, respectful, ready, and resonant. Welcome to Hua Siong College of Iloilo. Live the motto, honor the rules, and let us make this year worthy of the Red Phoenix."

​This inspiring message from the Academic Director and Concurrent English Principal, Dr. Jose Barcelona set a powerful tone during the Program held today at the Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium. His words fueled the soaring spirit of the Red Phoenixes, inspiring learners as they embark on a new journey toward excellence.

The program then unfolded with an in-depth introduction to the newly-approved Three-Term Calendar by the Department of Education, updated Grading System, Discipline and Safety Guidelines, and a wide array of Student Services across the Elementary, Junior, and Senior High Departments. These essential pillars highlight the institution's commitment to cultivating both academic excellence and holistic student development.

With these foundations firmly set, our learners are poised to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead. | via Crystal Mae Dorilag

Photos courtesy of Rejean Grace Cuebillas and Rhesya Angelique de la Rosa

𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: Calling on students to uphold their identity as Red Phoenixes and pursue excellence in the coming academic year, Hua Siong College of Iloilo President Mr. Ian Eric Pama officially opened Orientation Week 2026 during the Opening Program held today, June 9, at the Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium.

Anchored on the theme, “Red Phoenixes: Anchored in Legacy, Soaring Toward Excellence,” the event welcomed students, faculty, and staff as they embarked on a new chapter rooted in the institution’s rich heritage and commitment to academic distinction.

“As you all embark on this new school year, remember your identity, remember who you are, and where you belong. You all belong to Hua Siong College of Iloilo; the Realm of the Red Phoenix, Birthplace of Excellence, and Home of the Champions, Topnotchers, and Achievers,” Mr. Pama said, inspiring students to carry the school's legacy of excellence and achievement throughout the year. | via Rhesya Angelique de la Rosa

Photos courtesy of Kharyle Jenn Catedrilla and Rejean Grace Cuebillas

SPORTS UPDATE: Displaying a dominant all-around performance fueled by scorching three-point shooting and relentless defense, the Hua Siong College of Iloilo squad, representing Iloilo (Red), bounced back with an impressive 80-57 victory over TPP Basketball Academy of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in the opening games of the 2026 Chairman's Cup Philippines, held today June 6, 2026, at The Warehouse Gym, Molo, Iloilo City. | via Rhesya Angelique de la Rosa

Photos courtesy of Kharyle Jenn Catedrilla and Rhesya Angelique de la Rosa

NEWS UPDATE: 𝗛𝗦𝗖𝗜 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗔𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗨 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗜 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗!

Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) has been granted Level I Accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) after successfully demonstrating compliance with stringent standards in academic instruction, administration, student services, and institutional operations.

The accreditation was officially conferred on June 3, 2026, marking the culmination of a two-year institutional effort that began in 2024.

The accreditation follows a comprehensive review of the school’s programs, governance, facilities, and support services. To achieve this, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni collaborated to meet the goals of the accreditation roadmap.

Moreover, on June 4, Academic Director and concurrent English Principal Dr. Jose B. Barcelona addressed the school community, emphasizing that this achievement reflects the stakeholders' collective effort to elevate the institution’s standards of excellence.

“I am pleased to announce that the trumpets have been sounded. We have successfully passed the PAASCU Accreditation. This affirms our commitment to providing quality education and services while continually pursuing excellence,” Barcelona said.

With its newly awarded Level I status, HSCI enters school year 2026–2027 with enhanced institutional credibility, reinforcing its position as a leading Filipino-Chinese educational institution in the region and reflecting sustained efforts to uphold excellence and maintain high standards in its academic programs.

PAASCU accreditation serves as an external validation of an institution’s commitment to scholastic integrity and continuous improvement. | via Mr. France Banguiran

SPORTS UPDATE: 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘅 𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲; 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

The Red Phoenixes, representing the province of Iloilo, emerged as the champions of the Regional Chairman’s Cup 2026 Qualifiers, after a dominant performance against Patnongon, Antique, securing an impressive 86-54 victory today at the Warehouse Gym, Molo, Iloilo City.

Displaying exceptional teamwork, discipline, and determination throughout the tournament, the players controlled the game from start to finish, overwhelming their opponents with relentless offense and solid defensive ex*****on.

Their championship triumph officially earned them a coveted spot in the upcoming National Chairman’s Cup 2026 to be held on on June 6-10.

The championship-winning squad was composed of Adam Belonio, CB Bastian, Shaun Venus, Hanz Panaligan, Gerrylle Seloterio, Shan Yap, Kent Fuentes, Niel Habaña, Matthew Dordas, Reil Gutierrez, Renz Boluso, Cesar Clavesilla III, Schofield Diomon, Marc Justien Mongcal, and Andre Allado, led by Head Coach, Mr. Jophil Cercado and Assistant Coaches, Mr. Val Raniel and Mr. Robert Hainga.

With momentum on their side and their sights set on a bigger prize, Hua Siong’s finest are ready to continue their winning flight and make their mark in the National Chairman’s Cup 2026. | via Rejean Grace Cuebillas

Photo courtesy of Chairman's Cup page

SPORTS UPDATE: Completing a historic three-division sweep, the Hua Siong Red Phoenixes secured the ultimate crown, clinching the Chairman’s Cup Iloilo Basketball 17-Under Division Championship with a gritty 68-58 victory over NXT Ajuy today, May 23, 2026, at The Warehouse Gym, Molo, Iloilo City.

Driven by the championship fire of the 12U and 15U squads before them, the older Phoenixes hit the hardwood on a mission to close the book and seal absolute basketball supremacy for the school.

Photo courtesy of Ms. Nicole Ann Tirados

SPORTS UPDATE: The Hua Siong Red Phoenixes solidified their absolute dominance in the local hoops scene, nailing the Chairman’s Cup Iloilo Basketball 15-Under Division Championship with a commanding 80-69 victory over the University of San Agustin today, May 23, 2026, at The Warehouse Gym, Molo, Iloilo City, riding the wave of momentum from the 12-Under squad's earlier victory.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Winmel Lee

SPORTS UPDATE: In a thrilling showcase of youth basketball elite talent, the Hua Siong College of Iloilo 12-Under squad captured the Chairman’s Cup Iloilo Basketball Championship delivering a masterclass performance to defeat UST Angelicum Iloilo, 78-40, today, May 23, 2026 at The Warehouse Gym, Molo, Iloilo City.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Winmel Lee

SPORTS UPDATE: 𝗛𝗦𝗖𝗜 𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗝𝗜 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲
𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝟭𝟴𝗨 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻

A narrow 62-61 victory over St. John’s Institute (SJI) of Bacolod City was all it took for the Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) Red Phoenixes to capture the Hino Cup Basketball Season 5 18U championship last May 14, 2026 at SJI Ayala Sports Pavilion, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

The championship battle was a stalemate early on, leaving the teams deadlocked at 12-12 after the first quarter. HSCI gained momentum in the second, utilizing timely baskets and defensive stops to secure a 30-24 halftime lead. However, SJI surged back in a back-and-forth third quarter, narrowing the Red Phoenix advantage to just 45-41 heading into the final frame. The final period devolved into a tense defensive struggle where every possession carried immense weight; ultimately, the Red Phoenix maintained their composure in the closing moments to escape with a dramatic 62–61 victory and secure the title.

Shan Benedict Yap earned a spot in the Mythical Five for his versatile contributions, averaging 2.80 points, 2.40 assists, 2.40 steals, and 7.40 rebounds to anchor HSCI’s championship run. Finals MVP Kent Fuentes complemented this effort with a dominant championship performance, tallying 21 points, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 9 rebounds while delivering under pressure on both ends of the floor.

“It feels unreal and truly rewarding to be named MVP after winning the championship. All the hard work, sacrifices, and countless hours of training finally paid off. But I know I couldn’t have achieved this alone. My teammates, coaches, and supporters played a huge role in helping me succeed. I think what helped me earn this title was determination, discipline, teamwork, and staying focused no matter the pressure,” Fuentes shared.

The victory marked more than just another trophy for the team. It symbolized the successful beginning of a new era under Head Coach Jophil Cercado, together with assistant coaches Val Raniel and Robert Hainga, who guided a roster composed of both returning players and several new additions throughout the tournament.

“Every time we prepare for a game or attend practices, we face different kinds of challenges. As the new coach of the Hua Siong Boys basketball team, it is paramount to instill the winning culture for which this institution has long been known. Maintaining that standard of winning basketball is always a challenge, but it is one that we are committed to embracing,” said Cercado.

The championship roster included CB Bastian, Adam Justin Belonio, Renz Boluso, Cesar Clavesilla III, Derrick James Delfin, Schofiel Diomon, Matthew Dordas, Kent Fuentes, Reil Gutierrez, Niel Ramses Habaña, Marc Justien Mongcal, Hanz Panaligan, Gerrylle Seloterio, Shaun Venus, and Shan Benedict Yap.

The thrilling finale proved that amid all the transitions surrounding the basketball program this year, one thing ultimately remained the same: their winning spirit. | via Rhesya Angelique dela Rosa and Rejean Grace Cuebillas

Photo courtesy of Mr. Jophil Cercado