PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES — Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) participated in the 2024 National Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, on July 15-17.

Among the representatives were Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Student and External Affairs; Hon. Vennie G. Coton, Faculty Regent; Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, Legal Officer III; Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda, Executive Assistant to the President; Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal, University and Board Secretary; Dr. Concepcion Gayrama, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Administration; Atty. Pahmi Ampaso, CAO - Finance; Dr. Sheila Day A. Gabuya, Supervising Administrative Officer - Finance; Dr. Alvin L. Ampong, Director for Extension Services; Ms. Ammabelle Sabagkit, Cashier III; and Ms. Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, Information Officer II and Special Assistant to the President for Appointments and Public Affairs.

Anchored on the theme “Advancing Competitiveness of SUCs for National Development,” this year’s convention aimed at strengthening State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) as contributors to the nation’s growth, enhancing programs and initiatives, and aligning these with the needs of the global society.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquilo, PASUC National President, elaborated on key components of the convention, which included examining the current state and future directions of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), identifying opportunities and challenges related to financial frameworks, and exploring innovative approaches necessary for maintaining and improving the quality of education amidst fiscal challenges. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing the global competitiveness of SUCs.

“We need to highlight the role of quality assurance in maintaining and elevating educational standards to ensure that the benefits of higher education are maximized and sustained,” he added.

Meanwhile, PASUC President Dr. Ronquilo also presented the President’s Report for 2022-2024, highlighting accomplishments in governance and management, representation and partnerships, and various programs, activities, and projects implemented.

“We still have a lot to do, and it is important to remember that we will be measured by our actions, not our intentions,” he emphasized.

Other highlights during the event included discussions on the Philippines Free Higher Education: Issues, Challenges, and Ways Forward; Positioning Philippine SUCs in a Competitive Global Village; The Imperatives of Quality Assurance: Ensuring the Gains of Higher Education; Health, Wellness, and Longevity; the ROSSS Phase II: Inspiring Productivity and Efficiency of SUCs Workplace; Scaling Research and Innovation Ecosystems: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities; and Artificial Intelligence: Engineering a Smart Campus for Sustainable Development.

This year’s PASUC convention also featured prominent speakers from national and international organizations and other partner agencies, including Hon. Ralph G. Recto, Secretary of the Department of Finance and principal author of the Universal Access to Quality and Tertiary Education Act.

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