The second day of the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly featured in-depth discussions aimed at advancing reforms in Philippine public higher education, with a strong focus on global competitiveness, artificial intelligence (AI) readiness and institutional resilience.
Led by PASUC president Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, the event’s sessions included a diverse lineup of policy leaders, experts and thought leaders who explored strategic themes critical to shaping the future of the country’s 113 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
Opening the day, Fook Yen Chong, principal social sector specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), emphasized the need to invest in education, innovation and the knowledge economy to close the gap between economic growth and inclusive development.
He urged SUCs to create stronger research and innovation ecosystems that respond to national and regional development priorities.
In the subsequent plenary, CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela stressed the urgency of preparing SUCs for global competitiveness through internationalization and sustainability.
She encouraged SUCs to embrace digital credentials, cross-border partnerships and Sustainable Development Goal-aligned programs as essential tools for building future-ready institutions.
A major highlight of the day was Panel Session 1, “Future-Proofing Human Capital: Leveraging Digital Transformation and Innovation for Industry Competitiveness,” moderated by Batangas State University’s Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Albertson Amante.
Key insights were delivered by Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Assistant Commissioner Judith Dongallo-Chicano of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and Assistant Director Jo-dann Darong of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
They collectively emphasized the role of SUCs in aligning with government and industry to produce agile, future-ready graduates equipped for a digitally driven, innovation-led economy.
In the afternoon, Panel Session 2 addressed transformative SUC programs and quality assurance frameworks in an engaging discussion led by former Western Philippines University (WPU) president Dr. Elsa Manarpaac.
She was joined by experts Dr. Milabel Ho, executive director of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP); Dr. Raul Muyong, CHED director; and Dr. May Rose Imperial, chairperson of the Philippine Technological Council Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET).
Panelists advocated for institutional reforms that move beyond mere compliance, calling for quality assurance systems that are forward-looking, data-informed and outcomes-based.
Plenary Session 5 featured Engr. Nicanor S. Villaseñor, president of the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology (PFST), who delivered a talk titled “Science on the Go: Building Knowledge, Sparking Discovery.”
He underscored the role of experiential learning and regional Science Centrums in shaping 21st-century learners — critical thinkers who are smart, creative and innovation-driven.
Capping off Day 2 was a plenary talk on “Health and Wellness: Work-Life Balance in SUCs,” led by former Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag. Drawing attention to the declining healthy life expectancy in the Philippines, Tayag highlighted the importance of institutionalizing wellness programs in SUCs.
He emphasized that achieving work-life balance requires supportive leadership, flexible work environments and access to initiatives like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and life coaching — all critical to building a resilient, high-performing academic workforce.
As the convention continues, participants will explore strategic reforms in procurement, resource governance, staffing standards and AI readiness — critical levers in building a future-proof higher education system.
Key sessions include high-level dialogues on optimizing institutional procurement and workforce management, as well as a forward-looking panel on building an AI-Ready SUC through stronger policies, capacity development and innovation ecosystems.
