PASAY CITY, Philippines — The second day of the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly unfolded with powerful discussions aimed at deepening reforms in Philippine public higher education, with a focus on global competitiveness, AI-readiness, and institutional resilience. Led by PASUC President Dr.Tirso A. Ronquillo, the event’s sessions featured 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 was Mr. Fook Yen Chong, Principal Social Sector Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) who 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 following plenary, CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela emphasized the urgency of preparing SUCs for global competitiveness through internationalization and sustainability. She urged SUCs to embrace digital credentials, cross-border partnerships, and SDG-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 BatStateU’s Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services Engr. Albertson D. Amante. Key insights were delivered by Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon (DEPDev), Asst. Commissioner Judith Dongallo-Chicano (CSC), and Asst. Director Jo-dann Darong (DTI)—who 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 tackled transformative SUC programs and quality assurance frameworks in an engaging discussion led by former Western Philippines University (WPU) President Dr. Elsa P. Manarpaac and joined by experts AACCUP Executive Director Dr. Milabel E. Ho, CHED Director Dr. Raul F. Muyong, and PTC-ACBET Chairperson Dr. May Rose C. Imperial. Panelists pushed for institutional reforms that go beyond 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 an inspiring 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 about “Health and Wellness: Work-Life Balance in SUCs,” led by former DOH Undersecretary Dr. Enrique A. Tayag. Drawing attention to the declining healthy life expectancy in the Philippines, Dr. 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—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.
