A new chapter in the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) history is set to begin as the University’s 11-member Board of Regents (BOR), during the 196th USeP BOR Meeting, has chosen Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. over four (4) other hopefuls to succeed outgoing USeP President Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, whose two four-year term ends on November 11, 2023.
The USeP BOR is chaired by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag and vice chaired by USeP President Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, with members: Hon. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero, Chair of Senate Committee on Higher and Technical and Vocational Education (CHTVE), represented by Atty. Manases ‘Mans’ R. Carpio; Hon. Marquez “Mark” O. Go, Chair of House of Representative- Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE), represented by Hon. Vincent J. Garcia; Hon. Maria Lourdes D. Lim, Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) XI; Hon. Anthony C. Sales, Regional Director of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI; Hon. Antonio T. Dela Cruz and Hon. Fidel M. Valdez, Jr., Private Sector Representatives; Hon. Analyn Q. Villaroman, Faculty Regent and President of the USeP Faculty Federation (USePFFed); Hon. Kenneth A. Araya, Student Regent and President of the University Student Government (USG); and Hon. Antonio M. Faunillan, Jr., Alumni Regent and President of the USeP Alumni Federation.
Dr. Gabales earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education in 1996 at the Mindanao State University (MSU). He obtained his Master of Science in Educational Measurement and Evaluation in 2002 at the Institute of Research and Statistics at De La Salle University. He finished his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Development Research and Administration in 2010 at USeP.
Dr. Gabales has served as the USeP Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) from January 2020 to the present. Also, he has held significant positions within USeP, such as Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance, and Resource Management; Director of the Curriculum and Instruction Office; and Dean of the College of Education. His tenure at USeP has been marked by his commitment to advancing the University’s mission and cultivating an environment of academic excellence.
Throughout his academic and administrative career, Dr. Gabales has received numerous accolades and grants. Notably, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed him to conduct research at Kent State University in Ohio, USA, from 2009 to 2010. He was also a nominee for the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning at Charles Darwin University, Australia, in 2016, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the field of education at international conferences.
Dr. Gabales envisions USeP as becoming a world-class University that transforms communities for a sustainable future in the Davao Region and beyond. In his Vision, Mission, and Goals (VMG) statement, he said that USeP should provide inclusive and innovative education, research, and community engagement that empowers individuals to become global citizens, leading and serving with integrity, compassion, and creativity to foster the transformation of sustainable and future-ready communities.
One of Dr. Gabales’ standout qualities is his dedication to research and data-driven decision-making. He has consistently implemented strategic interventions that have driven organizational development and growth. His commitment to the systematic use of data ensures that USeP remains adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of the academic community.
As the University welcomes Dr. Gabales to his new role, the USeP community expresses profound gratitude to outgoing President Dr. Generalao, who has provided steadfast leadership, transforming vision, and a legacy of excellence during her tenure.
The University is excited about the future and the promise that Dr. Gabales brings to the institution. The community is confident that, under the leadership of Dr. Gabales, USeP will continue to thrive, innovate, and remain dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and dynamic community of scholars.
The USeP community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders—extends its warmest welcome and congratulations to Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr.
Dr. Gabales will officially assume the USeP Presidency on November 12, 2023.
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