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  • ISPSC strengthens higher education collaboration at PASUC Annual Convention

    As ISPSC continues to strengthen its position in Philippine higher education, the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, led by ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero, joined fellow SUC leaders at the 2026 PASUC Annual Convention and General Assembly to help shape the future of the country's state universities and colleges. Held at the SMX Convention Center Manila from July 13-15, 2026, the convention served as the premier national gathering of leaders and stakeholders of the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) system. 

    The three-day gathering was also attended by Dr. Filipinas Gasalao, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Jocelyn Absolor, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, Hon. Lilia Bambico, Faculty Union President and Dr. Christian Gandeza, Executive Assistant to the President, featured high-level dialogues with distinguished national leaders, including officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Economy, Planning and Development, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Science and Technology, and other government agencies. Discussions emphasized strategic governance, innovation ecosystems, digital transformation, human capital development, institutional capability, and research commercialization which are all critical pillars in preparing Philippine higher education for an increasingly competitive global landscape.

    Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) to address the evolving needs of the country's 113 State Universities and Colleges. Senate President Gatchalian emphasized that a stronger partnership between legislators and higher education institutions is vital in advancing a more competitive, innovative, and future-ready Philippines.

    In her talk, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson highlighted that institutional transformation must be matched by strategic investments in digital learning, faculty development, student welfare, and regional cooperation. Dr. Agrupis cited CHED’s major reforms designed to strengthen public higher education and to reinforce the government’s broader agenda on quality and accessible higher education, including a multi-billion-peso funding package to address tuition shortfalls in State Universities and Colleges and Project BALAY. 

    Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University was reelected PASUC President for five consecutive terms. 

    As the College continues to move onwards to becoming the University of Ilocos Philippines, insights gained from these forums will further guide strategic initiatives that align with global standards while remaining responsive to national and local development needs. (MVB)
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