The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) participated in the 2025 Midterm Convention and General Assembly of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), held from July 9 to 11, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.
In line with the theme “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” the convention served as a strategic platform for higher education institutions to collectively shape a progressive path forward. It emphasized the vital role of SUCs in driving transformative change through innovative practices, sustainable development, and a commitment to academic and institutional excellence.
The event gathered over 1,000 SUC leaders, academicians, administrative officials, and key partners from across the country for three days of dialogue, policy engagement, and collaboration. The convention provided opportunities to explore forward-thinking initiatives centered on digital transformation, strategic investments, human capital development, research collaboration, global competitiveness, sustainable development, and transformational governance.
USeP’s delegation was led by University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., alongside Dr. Roger C. Montepio (Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension); Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva (Chancellor of the Tagum-Mabini Campus); Dr. Aristeo C. Salapa (Dean of the Mintal Campus); Dr. Edeliza S. Gonzales (Dean of the College of Business Administration); Dr. Joan D. Gervacio (Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents); and Mr. Robert C. Satorre (University Records Officer).
Spearheaded by PASUC under the leadership of its President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, the convention reaffirmed the resolve of SUCs to transform Philippine higher education through responsive leadership, inclusive governance, and strategic sectoral alignment.
Among the highlights of the three-day gathering was the address of Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, who emphasized the critical role of sustained and strategic investments in strengthening the SUC sector. She announced the formal approval of the second phase of the Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (OSS) for SUCs and presented updates on its implementation.
The convention also featured a keynote address from Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, who discussed “Trends and the Future of Philippine Higher Education.” She facilitated an executive session with SUC leaders to collectively surface institutional challenges and formulate policy recommendations to guide national direction.
Reflecting on USeP’s participation, Pres. Gabales said, “This convention has been instrumental in realigning our institutional goals with national priorities and global trends. The release of NBC No. 598 will significantly empower SUCs like USeP to strengthen our internal systems, expand our functional capacities, and deliver more responsive and future-ready services to our stakeholders.”
The University’s active engagement in this national gathering demonstrates USeP’s strong commitment to advancing its mission through innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight. USeP remains determined in its role as a future-ready university, contributing significantly to nation-building and the continuous transformation of Philippine higher education.
On July 19, 2025, PASUC officially announced the release of National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 598, titled “Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (OSS) for SUCs – Phase II,” issued by the DBM on July 15, 2025. This milestone issuance institutionalizes the second phase of the OSS, now encompassing key functional areas such as the Office of Research and External Linkages, and Auxiliary Services. NBC No. 598 marks a significant step forward in strengthening the institutional capacity of SUCs and enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of their service delivery systems.
