SLSU Joins SUC Leaders in Shaping a More Innovative and Sustainable Higher Education System

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly stood among more than 1,000 leaders, presidents, and educators from 113 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide as they convened for the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly, held from July 9 to 11, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Anchored on the theme “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” the three-day event brought together higher education leaders, key stakeholders, and development partners, providing an opportunity to reflect, strategize, and collaborate on transforming Philippine higher education to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive world.

Representing SLSU at this national gathering were Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Marie Khul C. Langub, Vice President for Student Auxiliary Services; Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, Campus Director of SLSU-Tomas Oppus Campus; Dr. Frederick C. Aniga, Campus Director of SLSU-Maasin City Campus; and Mr. Leo Omamalin, Director of University Planning and Development. These SLSU officials actively engaged in the sessions, gaining knowledge from national and international leaders, policy makers, and fellow educators.

Among the highlights of the event were keynote addresses and panel discussions on redefining SUC governance, building AI-ready institutions, enhancing digital transformation, quality assurance frameworks, and workforce well-being, as well as the announcement of the approval of the second phase of the Revised Organizational Structure and Staffing Standards (ROSSS) for SUCs — a development anticipated to enhance SUC administrative and academic capacities.

PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo emphasized in his speech that the convention aimed to explore forward-thinking policies and initiatives to empower SUCs in areas such as strategic investment, digital transformation, human capital development, sustainability, global competitiveness, research collaboration, and transformational governance. He also noted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in preparing SUCs to remain globally competitive and responsive to societal needs.

SLSU’s participation in the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly equipped its leaders with fresh perspectives and actionable insights, which they aim to cascade to students, faculty, and stakeholders. These takeaways are expected to contribute to SLSU’s ongoing efforts to empower its community and help build a more resilient and transformative higher education system for the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)