The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) proudly participated in the annual SUC Fair, a remarkable event initiated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and hosted by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) from July 10-13, 2023 at SM City, Iloilo. The CHED-initiated SUC Fair serves as a platform to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of stakeholders nationwide in advancing higher education, research, and development. This year, it took center stage as part of the celebration of the CHED’s 29th Anniversary and the 3rd National Higher Education Day, focusing on exploring strategies for navigating the global landscape through innovations, cultural and arts preservation, and higher education quality.
With the theme “Navigating the Global Landscape through Innovations, Cultural and Arts Preservation, and Higher Education Quality,” this year’s SUC Fair aimed to: (1) commemorate the anniversaries of CHED and the National Higher Education Day with all the SUCs in the country; (2) highlight the current international context that challenges state universities and colleges to navigate successfully; (3) showcase the role of SUCs as drivers of economic growth; (4) celebrate the uniqueness of Filipino cultures and arts; and (5) feature initiatives promoting higher education quality.
Throughout the event, notable activities and sessions were held. Day 1 commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Hon. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, the Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines. This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the innovation exhibit and demonstration, led by Atty. Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, the First Lady of the Philippines. Day 2 featured a thought-provoking plenary session on the Role of Education in Preserving Culture and Arts, delivered by Victorino M. Manalo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). This was accompanied by Digital Arts and Song Writing competitions. Day 3 highlighted a captivating plenary session on Innovations in World Class Higher Education, presented by Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The day also included an exciting Vlog Competition. The final day of the Fair will feature EntrePinoy, a Youthprenuership Competition, and the Search for Mr. and Ms. SUC Fair 2023. The event will culminate with the announcement and awarding of winners for the various competitions, to be followed by a CHED Night activity with SUC Presidents. Students, Heads of Cultural Affairs from different SUCs, and Presidents and their representatives came together to make the SUC Fair 2023 a success.
The SUC Fair 2023 was participated in by SUCs per region. Davao Region was represented by the Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Davao de Oro State College (DOSC), Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), University of the Philippines-Mindanano (UP-Min), and University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). Representing the USeP President, Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., USeP’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, played a significant role in the event. With him was Dr. Arlene E. De Vera, USeP’s Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Unit, who accompanied the performers and contestants from USeP and PASUC XI.
‘‘Overall, it was an inspiring event that celebrated the achievements and potential of Philippine State Universities and Colleges. It served as an avenue for collaboration, cultural and arts preservation, and innovation in higher education. This remarkable event left me with a profound sense of pride and optimism for our education system and the remarkable individuals propelling its advancement. I am grateful to have been a part of this transformative experience and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of our SUCs in the years to come.’’ Dr. Gabales expressed.
USeP’s presence at the SUC Fair is a testament to the University’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the promotion of cultural heritage. USeP is proud to have showcased the talents and initiatives through this prestigious platform, further solidifying its position as a premier research University transforming communities in the ASEAN and beyond.
