Press Release
PWC Board Chair Says Canivel is Not the President of the School
April 13 2023
In a letter addressed to the heads of schools in Davao and the leaders of educational associations in the country, Philippine Women’s College of Davao Board of Trustees Chairperson Elizabeth San Pedro Lietz clarified the ongoing intra-corporate dispute over control of the school.
Regarding a letter sent by Mr. Canivel to the educational community, Ms. Leitz wrote, “Please be informed that the letter sent by Mr. Emmanuel Q. Canivel on March 24, 2023 claiming to be the President of PWC and revoking the authority of Prof. Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III as Chancellor and COO of PWC, is devoid of authority and validity.”
Last January, Mr. Canivel led a small group of Board of Trustees members in a hostile takeover, declared himself president of PWC, and revoked the authority of Prof. Pijano as Chancellor and COO, without any legal basis.
Ms. Leitz explained: “PWC is currently facing an issue involving a rogue group of a miniscule number of corporation members (the ‘Canivel group’ for brevity) attempting to seize control of the institution through machinations and questionable maneuvers. One of the early attempts of Mr. Canivel to take over PWC was to appoint himself as President, absent any legality.”
Ms. Lietz provided a certified true copy of the PWC General Information Sheet (GIS) on record with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicating the line-up of the school’s officials, which was submitted to and accepted by the SEC on 21 February 2023.
Amid this intra-corporate struggle, PWC employees staged a quiet protest when Mr. Canivel withheld the salaries of all teaching and non-teaching personnel. Although the teachers and other rank and file employees eventually got their pay when the release of the payroll was finally given the green light, the salaries of administrators and middle managers have, so far, been withheld.
Such disruptive incidents have made employees seek the intervention of appropriate government agencies. A long time PWC employee, who requested anonymity, pointed out that what Canivel and his small group are doing is against the law, as well as an affront to the values of morality, ethics, and decency that PWC stands for. He cited Article 116 of the Labor Code, “Withholding of wages and kickbacks prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, to withhold any amount from wages of a worker or induce him to give up any part of his wages by force, stealth, intimidation, threat or by other means whatsoever without the worker’s consent.”
#PWCares #heartstrongpwc
Hospitality Management students triumphed at MAFBEX
The PWC of Davao continues its tradition of excellence as its Hospitality Management students triumphed at the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) Interschool Competitions, held from May 8th to 11th at the SMX Convention Center Davao.
10th DACUN Youth Leadership Summit
The DACUN Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Committee successfully held the 10th DACUN Youth Leadership Summit in partnership with New Breakthrough Consultancy on April 22–23, 2025, at the PWC RSM Events Center. With the theme “A Decade of Transformational Leadership,” the summit brought together student leaders from various colleges and universities across the region for two days of collaboration, dialogue, and leadership-building activities.
(Photo Credit: The Rock)
#DACUNYouthLeadershipSummit
Sexual And Mental Health Awareness
The PWC Human Resource Development Office and the PWC Health Center collaborated to host a seminar on Sexual Health and Mental Health Awareness on May 2, 2025, at the RSM Events Center. Facilitated by Ms. Pricilla M. Senoc, a Health Education Promotion Officer III from the Davao City CHO, the session engaged faculty and staff on the importance of sexual and mental well-being.
DOT-XI and DA-XI Partner with PWC of Davao for “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” Celebration
The Department of Tourism-XI and the Department of Agriculture-XI proudly partnered with the Philippine Women’s College of Davao through its Hospitality and Tourism Management programs for a vibrant “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” celebration from April 25-27, 2025, at Ayala Malls Abreeza.
Boetheia Psyche Patriots Secure Victory at CPCD Days 2025
The Boetheia Psyche Patriots of the PWC – Psychology Department proudly represented the institution during the Collegiate Psychology Club of Davao (CPCD) Days held on April 6 and 13, 2025. With active participation in all major events, the team showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship — ultimately earning the title of 2nd Runner-Up for Overall Champion.
EMI ENGLIS is one of this year’s Garbo sa Dabaw 2025
EMI ENGLIS is one of this year’s Garbo sa Dabaw (Pride of Davao) Awardees for the Arts, a prestigious honor presented during the Pasidungog event, which celebrates Davao’s founding anniversary at the SMX Convention Center.
Mindanao Trade Expo 2025
A tripartite partnership aimed at enhancing fashion, home, and lifestyle products using the Maguindanao Inaul was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the opening of the Mindanao Trade Expo Araw ng Dabaw 2025 edition at Abreeza Ayala Mall. The MOU signing was attended by Dr. Rosevic Cembrano, President of the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc.; Romeo Diocolano, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism; and Emi Englis, Director of the PWC Davao Center for Innovation and Social Ventures and President of the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc., who represented PWC Chancellor Vicente Antonio Pijano III.
PWC Basic Education Family Day
amilies, fun, and unforgettable moments! The PWC Basic Education Family Day at RSM Events Center was a blast, bringing learners and parents together for a day of laughter, games, and bonding. Seeing everyone join in the activities and enjoy quality time together made the celebration extra special. Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun! See you again next year!