2024 State of the University Address: VSU strides for excellence and impact

Delivered during the State of the University Address on October 4, 2024, at the VSU Gymnatorium.

Warm greetings in unity and harmony to the distinguished members of the VSU academic community—CHED Chairperson Dr. J. Prosepro E. De Vera III; CHED director, regional office 8, Dr Maximo Aljibe,  Members of the VSU Board of Regents chaired by CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela; District Representatives of Leyte: Hon. Congressman and House Speaker Martin Romualdez,  Hon. Cong Carl Nicolas C. Cari of District V, Hon. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon of District III, Hon. Richard I. Gomez of District IV; City Mayor of Baybay City Hon. Jose Carlos  L. Cari; municipal mayors where the VITA campuses are located; University Key Officials, members of the university academic and administrative councils, faculty members, administrative staff, the most valued clients of VSU—our dear students—alumni, guests, friends, and to everyone joining us online, please accept my cordial greetings to all! 

What a privilege it is to stand before you in this Academic Convocation and reflect on our journey. Today is about embracing the spirit of growth, resilience, and excellence that defines Visayas State University. It is a moment to celebrate our past, honor our present, and envision our future.

This year has been monumental for our university, not only because of the milestones we achieved but also because of the connections we fostered. We began the year with a celebration of our legacy—the VSU Centennial Celebration—100 years of commitment to education, progress, and community. It was a time to remember our roots, the humble beginnings of our beloved institution, and the many challenges we overcame.

As Aristotle once said, “Education is the best provision for old age.” It was a time for gratitude—for the educators who ignited the love for learning, for the students who carried forth the torch of excellence, and for everyone who, through hard work and dedication, contributed to what VSU is today.

Throughout the Centennial Celebration, we gathered as a community joining hands to commemorate a century of history. We opened booths that showcased our rich heritage, our groundbreaking initiatives, and our forward-looking projects. The Alumni homecoming with more or less 2,300 attendees from both high school and college became a heartfelt gathering where we rekindled connections and celebrated lifelong bonds. Our Kaugmaran Festival was a vivid expression of our cultural pride, a joyful and colorful reminder of the unity and diversity we cherish. And the Aquathlon and Fun Run reminded us that in every endeavor, we move together—thousands of students, faculty, staff, and alumni running in unison, pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and showing the world what it means to be a Viscan.

There were so many other moments that brought us together—the UGMAD Awards, where we celebrated our farmers and fisherfolks, the stewards of our land and waters; the Farmers and Fisherfolks Day, a tribute to those whose hard work and dedication sustain not only VSU but also our broader community. All these activities and countless others served as a celebration of our rich history and as a springboard into the next chapter of our story—one that is filled with promise, potential, and purpose.

Another significant highlight of our Centennial Celebration was the Partners Day, where we honored our local and international partners who have been instrumental in our journey. We recognized the spirit that fuels our mission. We acknowledged that our success is not solely a product of our efforts but also a reflection of the common vision and commitment of all our collaborators. From academic institutions to industry leaders, each partner has played a role in shaping our programs, enhancing our research capabilities, and expanding our reach.

The culmination of our celebration was marked by the awarding of Outstanding Viscans, a tribute to our fellow proud Viscans who have excelled in various fields and embodied the spirit of excellence that VSU stands for. They have made significant contributions to society, inspiring future generations with their achievements and commitment to service.

Finally, the centennial convocation was a poignant moment that brought us full circle. Graced by the presence of the former presidents qespecially the founding father and first president of the then VISCA, Dr. Fernando A. Bernardo, and his family, this event was a celebration of our legacy and a tribute to those who laid the groundwork for VSU. We honored the former presidents for their contributions, recognizing how their leadership and vision have guided us to where we are today. Their tireless efforts  have created a strong foundation upon which we continue to build, ensuring that VSU remains a beacon of hope, innovation, community development and progress.

But beyond celebrations, this year has been about listening, engaging, and building a future that reflects the voices of everyone who makes up this great institution. We have conducted numerous consultative meetings—big and small—with faculty, students, and staff from across all our campuses. We came together not just to talk but to truly listen. What are your aspirations? What are the challenges you face? How do we build a better university together? These are questions we continue to ask, and the answers we receive are shaping the strategies that will guide VSU into the future.

Moreover, we have also sought to understand the aspirations of our external stakeholders—local government units, national government agencies, and our valued alumni. We recognize that their insights and expectations are essential in shaping VSU's role in the community and beyond. With this engagement, we can better align our goals with the needs and desires of those we serve, ensuring that VSU remains a relevant and responsive institution in the years to come. 

And as we look to the future, we recognize that this future is one we can shape with intention and foresight. This is why we embarked on a two-week Strategic Foresight and Scenario Building Workshop—a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for our Strategic Plan and Execution Continuum for 2025-2028. Together, we envisioned different scenarios and built a common understanding of the pathways that could lead us to greater heights. We reimagined VSU’s purpose, its potential, and its promise.

As part of this endeavor, we proposed a new vision, mission, breakthrough goals, strategic objectives, and core principles that define what we stand for and where we are headed. Our new vision is to become a global green university that provides progressive leadership in agriculture, science, technology, education, and allied fields for societal transformation. This is a call to action—an aspiration that calls on each of us to contribute to a better future, not just for our university, but for the communities we serve, for our nation, and for the world.

Our new mission is to produce graduates equipped with knowledge and lifelong learning skills with ethical standards through quality instruction, innovative researchers and impactful community engagements. We see the importance of producing graduates who are well-prepared to face the evolving challenges of society with a strong foundation in knowledge, ethical values, and the ability to contribute positively through continuous learning, innovation, and community engagement.

The 2025-2028 Strategic Plan aims not only to define our aspirations but also to clarify the kind of students we want to produce—well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Additionally, it outlines the types of talents we seek to hire and develop, ensuring that our faculty and staff embody the excellence we strive for. Moreover, we are committed to maximizing the impact of our expertise and research and to create a robust framework that aligns our educational offerings with the demands of society, and promotes meaningful engagement with the communities that rely on us.

We have embraced the STRIDES framework—the values that will propel us further and farther: Service, Truth, Resilience, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence, and Social Justice. As Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” 

The STRIDES are principles that must guide our actions every day, in every decision we make, in every opportunity we encounter. Our slogan, VSU Strides for Excellence and Impact, is a promise to ourselves and to the communities we serve—that we will not be content with mediocrity; we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, and we will ensure that our work has a meaningful impact.

Our ongoing efforts to streamline the university organizational structure is to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This update is designed to facilitate smoother processes, eliminate redundancies, and enhance communication across different offices, departments and campuses. This is also in compliance with the policies, standards, guidelines of the graduate programs, particularly section 15 item 1 on structure of graduate programs.  It is crucial that we adapt and evolve as an institution to better serve our stakeholders and remain responsive to the ever-changing educational landscape.

Our journey this year has also been marked by significant accomplishments in instruction, strengthening the quality of our academic programs. 

We continuously subjected our program offerings across the university system to CHED’s Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) evaluations, with a significant number of programs already receiving their COPCs—88 in total. In addition, 26 programs and specializations are currently in the process of application, demonstrating our dedication to aligning our programs with national standards.

The dedication of our academic community shines through in the accreditation efforts we have undertaken. With the assistance of program in-charge and task forces, we have continuously and successfully subjected numerous programs to AACCUP accreditation. As we speak, we can proudly say that we have achieved the following accreditation levels:

• 20 programs with Level I
• 15 programs with Level II
• 28 programs with Level III
• 7 programs With Level IV
• 15 programs with candidate status

Additionally, for this year, we have 27 programs, from both graduate and undergraduate programs, which are now subjected for survey visits for higher accreditation levels. 

Graduate Programs

1. Master of Agricultural Development
2. Master of Science in Applied Economics
3. Master of Science in Plant Breeding
4. Master of Management in Business Management
5. Master of Management in Agribusiness Management
6. Master of Science in Land Administration and Management
7. Master of Land Administration and Management
8. Master of Science in Language Teaching
9. Master of Weed Science
10. Master of Fisheries major in Aquaculture
11. Master of Fisheries major in fish Processes
12. Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science and Technology
13. Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science
14. Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology
15. Master of Science in Chemistry
16. Master of Science in Development Sociology

Undergraduate programs:

17. BSCE in Construction Engineering and Management
18. BSCE in Geotechnical Engineering
19. BSCE in Structural Engineering
20. BSCE in Transportation Engineering
21. BSCE in Water Resources Engineering
22. BS in Mechanical Engineering (Baybay)
23. BS in Mechanical Engineering (Isabel)
24. BS in Industrial Engineering
25. BS Secondary Educ major in Math
26. BS in Marine Biology
27. BS in Industrial Security Management

 Likewise, our university has sustained its institutional accreditation level IV status, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of public service and academic quality. Also, we are in anticipation of this year's call for SUC leveling, ensuring that we remain ahead of the curve.

On the quality assurance front, we have conducted retooling sessions for 39 of our ISO 9001:2015 internal auditors, strengthening our internal audit process and paving the way for successful ISO surveillance. We also initiated inception meetings with our VITA campuses to prepare for their ISO certification the soonest time possible, which demonstrates our commitment to expanding quality management throughout the university system, living the true meaning of “No Viscans left behind.”

As part of our continuous improvement initiative, we have consulted with process owners to review existing documents and procedures, ensuring that our operations are streamlined, much simpler, and remain efficient.

Our efforts do not stop at local benchmarks; we have also coordinated with other line offices for applications to international ranking systems, including the Times Higher Education (THE), UI Green Metrics, and QS Ranking. These endeavors reflect our ambition to strengthen the university’s international reputation and global prominence. 

We are also pleased to share that a proposal for funding for the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) at the national level has been approved, with an appropriated budget of Php 630,000 per NEP 2025 that will further enhance our quality initiatives and bring us closer to national recognition after being recognized as PQA Level II awardee in the region. 

We have updated our associate membership status with the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), reinforcing our engagement with regional standards and partnerships.

Moreover, we have once again proven our commitment to academic excellence through remarkable achievements in various licensure examinations. This year, we produced several board topnotchers—one from the May 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination from the VSU Main, four from the March 2024 Professional Teacher Licensure Examination from the VSU Main and VSU Tolosa, and one from the July 2024 Criminologists Licensure Exam from VSU Tolosa. These are stories of perseverance, dedication, and passion. To our topnotchers, I say: You make us proud, and you inspire us all.

But beyond the topnotchers, we have also produced a significant number of passers in respective licensure exams:

40 Mechanical Engineers from both VSU Main and VSU Isabel
39 Criminologists from VSU Tolosa
28 Civil Engineers from VSU Main
1 Registered Nurse from the VSU Main
256 Elementary Teachers from the Main and VITA Campuses
365 Secondary Teachers from the Main and VITA Campuses
11 Food Technologists from the Main Campus

This is a manifestation of the quality education and our resilience that is yielding positive outcomes across the board.

We have invested heavily in the professional development of our faculty. Over 300 faculty members were sent to various training workshops, scientific conferences, and seminars—both locally and internationally—focusing on developing specialized skills that can be applied in the classroom and in research. This commitment to continuous learning and development is rooted in the belief that the strength of our institution lies in the strength of our faculty researchers.

As an academic institution, our success is ultimately measured by the success of our students. This year, the VSU System produced 2,444 graduates in various degree and non-degree programs, with 599 graduates earning Latin honors across all campuses. This is the first time we conducted a clustered graduation in the main campus, with the release of the TOR, Diploma, and even the alumni IDs. To our graduates, I say: You are the future of this country. You are the embodiment of our hopes and dreams, and we know you will carry the values you have learned here wherever you go.

Our strides in research, extension, and innovation have been remarkable, especially in 2024. This year, we successfully commercialized two technologies developed at VSU, while seven additional technologies are currently in the process of MOA negotiations for transfer to potential incubatees or adopters.

Looking back at the past three years, a total of 39 technologies developed at VSU were commercialized by entrepreneurs, showcasing our dedication to transforming research into tangible benefits for society. In 2023, we filed 27 intellectual property applications, covering patents, utility models, copyrights, trademarks, and industrial designs. We also saw 22 IP applications pending as of September 2024, which include 4 patents, 13 utility models, and 5 trademarks. Additionally, we were successfully granted 3 utility model registrations, 10 copyright registrations, and 1 trademark registration.

As of September 2024, we filed nine new intellectual property applications, comprising three patents, three utility models, and three copyrights. We now have 39 active partners from local government units, industries, NGOs, SMEs, and other stakeholders supporting our research and extension efforts. Moreover, we have 10 more research outputs lined up for IP filings in the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December). These ongoing initiatives are crucial in protecting our innovations and promoting a culture of research and extension that contributes to socioeconomic development.

VSU also received the Silver Award for the ITSO 2.0 Clustering Program during the 2024 ITSO Presidents’ Summit, recognizing our dedication to innovation and intellectual protection. We also promoted VSU technologies during the 2nd Abanteknolohiya and entered into a partnership agreement with Philippine Innov-Ventures for Agriculture, ensuring that our technologies reach those who need them most.

Our commitment to research, extension, and innovation also saw the upgrading of the Abaca Tissue Culture Laboratory at the National Abaca Research Center (NARC), funded by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR). This upgrade strengthens our capacity to contribute to the abaca industry, supporting agricultural advancements and ensuring sustainability. In addition, the Establishment of the Forest Products Innovation Center (FPIC) at the College of Forestry and Environmental Science, funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), aims to develop and promote innovative solutions in forest product utilization, further enhancing our role in supporting sustainable environmental practices.

These initiatives, alongside other pivotal projects such as the Upgraded Horticulture Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and the Enhanced VSU Semen Laboratory, funded by DOST PCAARRD, continue to position VSU as a leader in agricultural research and biotechnology.  Moreover, we proposed to the Board of Regents to approve the establishment of additional research centers— livestock and poultry research and development center, center for sociocultural dynamics and heritage studies, and geospatial and GIS research and services center.

These efforts help us bridge the gap between research and community needs, providing technological solutions that drive growth, resilience, and innovation in the region and beyond.

In the area of Student Affairs and Services, we have made significant strides in strengthening our support and advocacy programs, particularly in mental health, safety, interpersonal relationships, and student accommodations. One of our key initiatives is the organization of boarding house owners, which will foster a harmonious environment between VSU and the local housing community. This is an important initiative enhancing the support we provide to our students, ensuring their safety and security while promoting a culture of mutual support between boarding house owners and VSU. We have also enhanced our student onboarding and college orientation programs, ensuring that every new student feels welcomed and supported from the very start of their VSU journey.

In addition, we conducted a thorough review of existing policies and practices to address issues affecting campus engagement opportunities. This includes focusing on the repairs and maintenance of dormitories and transforming our library into a modern learning commons while digitizing important collections for easier access. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our ongoing efforts to revise the student manual, which is currently in the pipeline and set to be presented during the fourth quarter board meeting this year. Our partnerships with community organizations, government bodies, and private universities are all integral to our mission of continually improving student services, ensuring that VSU remains a nurturing environment for every learner.

More importantly, we aim to strengthen the affirmative action plan for students, ensuring equal access to quality education, particularly those from underrepresented, marginalized, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This involves enhancing support systems like scholarships, academic mentoring, and financial aid programs, along with targeted outreach and capacity-building initiatives to bridge educational gaps. By doing so, we seek to create a more inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their circumstances.

In administration and finance, we are making great strides towards modernizing our infrastructure and systems. We completed the first phase of the VSU Data Center, implemented the IPV6 in partnership with DOST-ASTI, PREGINet, and VICARP, and launched a new document request and tracking system for the Office of the University Registrar. 

As part of our budget per NEP 2025, we will be making significant advancements in our university ICT infrastructure to enhance learning and connectivity for our students and faculty. We will procure smart TVs and interactive boards to equip our classrooms, providing a more dynamic and interactive learning environment. This is just the first phase of such procurement. 

A major upgrade to our university Wi-Fi capacity is underway, transitioning from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 6. This upgrade will significantly enhance coverage and accommodate a larger number of devices connected simultaneously, which is crucial given that our number of Wi-Fi users has quadrupled. The VITA campuses are also included in this upgrade, ensuring that all learners across the university system benefit from a much-improved connectivity and interconnectivity. 

Additionally, we are working to improve cell phone reception on campus. Through the ICTMC, we are in discussions with Smart and Globe Telecoms to enhance cellular signal coverage, providing better communication access for everyone at VSU.

Furthermore, I want to extend my congratulations to everyone involved in the recent Public Financial Management Workshop. The successful submission of our Project Procurement Management Plans (PPMPs) is a proof of our concerted efforts and dedication. The importance of having well-structured PPMPs cannot be overstated; they are vital for effective resource allocation and project implementation, ensuring that we involve end users in the process to create solutions that truly address their needs anchored on the KPIs and targets indicated in the strategic plan for the next 4 years. By engaging those who will be directly affected by our initiatives, we promote a culture of collaboration, stewardship, and ownership, ultimately leading to good governance, transparency, accountability, improved productivity and better outcomes for our university.

One of the significant achievements this year has been the revision and submission of the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This plan has been endorsed by the Technical Working Group and is now awaiting approval by the Board of Regents and CHED. A stakeholders’ forum is set, for both the LUDIP and Strategic Plan, to ensure that both internal and external stakeholders are aware of and can contribute to this transformative initiative.

The ongoing compliance with the minimum requirements per CMO No. 18 series of 2016 for the establishment and offering of the Medicine Program here in VSU cannot be understated, further expanding VSU's academic offerings. 

As we continue to shape VSU’s future, we remain committed to our Go Green Project, funded by the national government. This project aims to develop VSU into a global green university, a national leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship to leave a positive impact on human and planetary health and wealth.

I would also like to highlight our strengthened international partnerships, which have been pivotal in expanding our global reach. We have signed new agreements with esteemed institutions such as:

• VLIR-UOS, in Belgium
• The Wadhwani Foundation in Indonesia
• Institut Sepuluh Nopember in Indonesia
• Universitas Negeri Surabaya in Indonesia
• The European Union Mobility Program
• The SDIG Project with MMSU
• Malang State Health Polytechnic in Indonesia
• The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia
• The Science Education Association in Thailand
• The German federal enterprise Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Germany
• Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia
• University of Putra Malaysia

Additionally, we have seven more partnerships under review and for signature: UNDANA, FPT University, Istanbul Okan University, Kagoshima University, Kagosima Japan, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Maejo University, Thailand

Our presence at international educational meetings and fora has also been noteworthy. We were part of the Philippine delegation to the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, and one of only 15 higher education institutions in the country to join the Global Internationalization Training and Workshop 2024 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Furthermore, we were selected as one of 30 higher education institutions in the country (out of 300 applications) to participate in the US-PH Global Partnership Workshop 2024. We are also among the 10 higher education institutions selected to join the FEF-R Project on student mobility by the Embassy of France in the Philippines, and one of 15 higher education institutions joining the Philippine delegation to the 2024 European Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition.

In line with our commitment to student mobility, we have provided several enriching programs this year, including the 2024 AAACU Summer Enrichment Program hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and the Yoshinoya Holdings Limited Company Field Study Program in Tokyo, Japan. Our students will also participate in the 2024 University Consortium Summer School at National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan, and the upcoming 9th AUAP Global Leadership Program in Bangkok, Thailand, along with the One Young World Summit 2024 in Montreal, Canada.

We have also granted scholarships and opportunities for international students, welcoming four new degree-seeking international students this year. In addition, we have hosted various international visitors, both faculty and students, including representatives from universities in Indonesia, Belgium, Japan, and the Czech Republic, further enriching our academic environment.

Our strategic partnerships and consortia have grown as well. We have actively engaged with the Association of the Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), the Asian Association of Agricultural Colleges and Universities (AAACU), the University Mobility for Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), the SEA -University Consortium, the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS). We have renewed our membership with the ASEAN University Network (AUN) for 2024. 

Regarding our global rankings, we have made significant progress:

• We ranked between 301-400 in the world for THE Impact Rankings in SDG 2 and SDG 9, and between 401-600 in SDG 5.
• We have achieved Reporter Status in the THE World University Rankings 2024.
• Additionally, we were granted the QS Stars Award (3 Stars), which VSU will accept in November in Macau during the QS Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific.

In light of all these efforts, we have developed an Internationalization Plan for 2025-2028, which has been approved by the UAC and UADCO and is pending approval by the Board of Regents. This plan introduces a comprehensive Internationalization Strategy that will guide VSU in adopting a holistic and structured approach to internationalization. We have established clear policies and strategies to steer our internationalization efforts, along with well-defined performance indicators to measure our progress and outcomes effectively.

Just this week, we honored the dedication of our loyal employees during the culmination program of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. These individuals, who have dedicated a decade or more of service to VSU, exemplify the commitment that fuels our university’s progress. Their support and passion have shaped the VSU we know today, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them for their remarkable contributions.

I want to highlight the exceptional achievements of Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr. and the PHILGAP Champs, led by Dr. Zenaida C. Gonzaga whose visionary leadership have made significant strides in agricultural advancement. They are not only making a difference in our university but are also leaving a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Moreover, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Janet Delos Santos for once again being recognized as the lone VSU faculty member listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists, as published by Elsevier of Stanford University. This is a remarkable achievement that brings pride not only to her but to the entire VSU community.

My felicitations as well to our students for their impressive participation and victories in various local and international competitions and conferences. Your hard work and passion continue to shine brightly which brings honor to the university and inspires us all.

This year’s awardees and outstanding government workers, including those who were awarded in the past years, are considered  public service exemplars worth emulating. 

It’s also worth highlighting the soon-to-be-implemented infrastructure projects funded by the government through Congressional District V and the DPWH Regional Office 8, aimed at enhancing our academic capabilities and supporting our educational mission:

1. Construction of Academic Building: Php 80 million
2. Construction of Digital Learning Spaces Center (Phase 1: Kokoy Romualdez Auditorium): Php 40 million
3. Construction of Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory and Morgue: Php 5.6 million
4. Replacement of Power Generator: Php 8 million for infrastructure 
5. Construction of Multi-Purpose Building: Eastern Visayas Innovation Center for Health Biotechnology (EV-Biotech): Php 32 million

Looking ahead, we have several projects scheduled for next year that will be funded by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025:

1. Enhancement of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Teaching/Learning Facilities: Php 14 million to support the offering of the Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program.
2. Procurement of equipment, Furniture and Fixtures for the Administration building of VSU Alangalang - Php 770,000. 
3. Procurement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment worth Php 33.6 million to support the implementation of the Management Information System for VSU Main and External Campuses. This investment will advance our digital transformation roadmap, including the development of additional information systems and an executive dashboard, as we aim to create a more efficient, and paperless environment.
4. Procurement of various equipment for the different colleges/departments for VSU Main, VSU, Isabel and VSU Villaba worth Php 20 Million.

and ongoing repairs charged to income are the:

1. Skills Laboratory of the College of Nursing –  Php 2.8 M
2. Microbiology Laboratory & Food Testing Analytical Laboratory of the Department of Food Science & Technology –  Php 1.6 M
3. Infirmary Shed (VSU Infirmary) – Php 1.5M

Additionally, we will be seeking board approval for the following to be funded by our income:

1. Procurement of Fire Protection Equipment including alarm system worth Php 15 million in order to obtain our Fire Safety Certification 
2. Construction of Academic Building: Php 30 million
3. Rehabilitation of the former DLABS building which houses both the Department of Language and Literature and Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences–Php 8 million, which includes a construction of a new washroom and comfort rooms at the back of the building
4. Purchase of a service truck for garbage disposal and other necessary transportation services

On the works are the proposals on:

1. Upgrading the Water facilities by constructing another water reservoir
2. Inventory and Evaluation of Primary Utility Infrastructure of VSU Main
3. Establishment of an integrated waste management 
4. Establishment of water refilling stations and garbage bins as one of our priority sustainability initiatives 

We are awaiting for the submission of  project proposals from the academic and SAS units for the upgrading of the academic departments’  ICT needs, laboratory and library facilities and the comprehensive plans, designs and project cost for the massive rehabilitation and repairs of classrooms, research facilities, student and staff housing, and the establishment of a heritage lane in the lower campus in coordination with the National commission on culture and arts, and others.

These infrastructure and equipment  investments are one of the many ways of acquiring and providing better facilities that foster an innovative learning environment and safe workspace, and support the holistic development of our faculty, staff, and students.

On the pipeline are the revisions of REI Manuals, faculty manual, faculty development manual, merit system plans for faculty and administrative staff, and workshops/writeshops on improving our SPMS (strategic performance management system), Scopus indexed publications, IP protection of our research products, technologies, innovations and other scholarly and creative works , future-proofing of our academic programs that will integrate AI and other emerging technologies, micro -credentials , credit transfer and others. Early next year, we also aspire to have our public service  continuity plans aimed to prepare and equip all functional units with ready strategies in times of disasters.

As we look towards the future, we are committed to enhancing the overall experience at VSU for students, visitors, and the community. One of our upcoming initiatives is the reactivation and rebirth of the Pasalubong Center. By reviving this center, we aim to provide a vibrant venue that showcases local products and promotes the culture and identity of our community, giving our visitors a meaningful way to bring a piece of VSU back with them.

In addition, we plan to improve our accommodation facilities, including the construction of a new hotel that will better serve our growing number of guests, participants in conferences, and visiting scholars. This aligns with our vision of being a welcoming academic hub. 

We also aim to upgrade the VSU market through a Public-Private Partnership, transforming it into a modern, vibrant marketplace that meets the needs of our stakeholders while fostering local business and entrepreneurship. These developments are all part of our broader strategy to create an inclusive, dynamic, and globally competitive environment for everyone at VSU.

We will be renovating the Balay Alumni, a dedicated facility to strengthen alumni engagement and provide a comfortable venue and accommodation for alumni activities. This upgrade will help foster connections and create a welcoming space for graduates to return, network, and contribute to the university community.

Another key initiative is the revival of the "Ikot" service, a university-provided transportation system for students and employees. By reinstating this service, we aim to improve accessibility across our large campus, ensuring more convenient movement for all members of the university, especially those without personal transportation.

We also intend to renovate the amphitheater fronting the administration building. Upgrading this space and its comfort rooms  will improve the overall experience, making it a more vibrant setting through various university programs.

In addition, we are exploring the construction of traffic lights and a skywalk to enhance campus safety. With increasing vehicle and pedestrian traffic, these improvements will help manage traffic flow more effectively, reducing risks and ensuring safer crossings. This aligns with our goal to create a safer and more organized campus environment.

We recognize the need for repairs to comfort rooms in each building throughout the university. Modern, clean, and well-maintained restroom facilities are essential for the well-being of students, employees, and visitors, contributing to a more comfortable and welcoming campus.

Finally, we also are committed to do robust strategies  that will upgrade the infrastructure, facilities and equipment of the VITA Campuses based on the priorities included in their LUDIP.

Indeed, we already have done great accomplishments but we still have a great mission to complete. Thus, I encourage each of you to continue to be an active part of this  journey. I ask you: What kind of university do we want VSU to be? How can we continue to make a difference in the lives of our students, in our communities, in the world? In the words of John Dewey, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." And here at VSU, we are living it—every day, every step of the way.

Let us focus on the pathways that will lead us forward. Let us create a dynamic environment where ideas flourish and every voice is heard, by harnessing the strengths of our faculty, staff, students and alumni. This means investing in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects that encourage creative problem-solving and engaging in partnerships with local and international institutions. Together, we can develop programs that not only address the current challenges we face but also anticipate future needs, ensuring that VSU remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to service, education, and the pursuit of excellence. May we embrace the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that we are not alone in this endeavor.

Before I end, I say: "Let us embrace every challenge as an opportunity, every setback as a lesson, and every triumph as a stepping stone towards a greater future. Together, we will continue to strive, to inspire, and to achieve excellence in all that we do.”

Together, we are more than a university; we are a community, a family, and a force for positive change. Together, we are VSU. 

To the great men and women of this great university, thank you so much, and may the rest of the year and the years thereafter be filled with boundless opportunities and profound achievements. 

We offer everything and all our accomplishments and future plans to God for we are nothing without Him and His Divine interventions. 

Mabuhay Viscans, mabuhay Visayas State University! 

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