As one of the leading state universities in Mindanao committed to advancing quality, innovation, and inclusive development, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) continues to actively engage in national platforms that promote collaboration, policy dialogue, and collective action among higher education institutions. Through its participation in the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly, USeP contributed to discussions on strengthening public higher education and advancing institutional strategies responsive to the needs of a rapidly changing society.
The University joined more than 1,000 delegates from the country’s 113 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) at the said event held on July 13–15, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. Through its participation, USeP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transformative leadership and strategic governance in support of a future-ready and globally competitive Philippine higher education sector.
Anchored on the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures,” the three-day convention gathered university presidents, academic executives, policymakers, educators, researchers, extension practitioners, and development partners to discuss how public higher education can respond more effectively to the country’s evolving development priorities.
Representing USeP were University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., Vice President for Administration Dr. Maria Luisa B. Faunillan, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Roger C. Montepio, and Tagum-Mabini Campus Chancellor Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva.
Throughout the convention, the USeP delegation participated in plenary sessions, policy dialogues, leadership forums, and networking engagements centered on strategic governance, digital transformation, research commercialization, industry collaboration, quality assurance, and institutional resilience. Discussions stressed the expanding role of SUCs in developing future-ready graduates, generating research that addresses national priorities, accelerating technology transfer, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and contributing solutions to emerging economic and societal challenges.
Among the convention’s highlights was the high-level dialogue on translating national education reforms into institutional transformation, which underscored the importance of stronger alignment among basic, technical-vocational, and higher education. Speakers emphasized responsive governance, digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and the adoption of flexible learning pathways such as microcredentials to equip learners with competencies needed in an increasingly dynamic workforce.
The convention also provided opportunities for participants to exchange best practices and strengthen collaboration among academic institutions, government agencies, industry leaders, and international organizations in pursuit of a more resilient, innovative, and globally competitive higher education sector.
Recognizing the value of the convention, the President highlighted the importance of collective leadership in strengthening the future of public higher education.
“As a state university, we share a collective responsibility to lead, innovate, and ensure that our academic institutions remain responsive to the changing needs of society. Through collaboration and strategic governance, we can empower our universities to create impact and transform the communities we serve,” the President said.
He is confident that the knowledge, strategic insights, and collaborative networks gained from the convention will further strengthen USeP’s initiatives in quality assurance, research and innovation, digital transformation, internationalization, and sustainable development.
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