Guimaras State University (GSU), represented by University President Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño and other key officials, joined presidents of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from across the country in the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly, held from July 13 to 15, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.
Carrying the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures,” the convention convened university presidents, policymakers, development partners, and higher education executives for a three-day discourse on governance, institutional resilience, policy reforms, and the evolving landscape of Philippine higher education.
Serving as Chairperson of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC) Region VI, Dr. Parreño joined fellow SUC presidents from Western Visayas in advancing regional perspectives during one of the country’s foremost assemblies on public higher education governance. Participating alongside her were Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz of West Visayas State University (WVSU), Dr. Jeffrey O. Clarin of Aklan State University (ASU), Dr. Efren L. Linan of Capiz State University (CapSU), Dr. Raffy P. Reyes of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), and other university leaders from the region.
The annual convention serves as PASUC’s principal policy forum, providing a venue for strategic dialogue on institutional governance, fiscal stewardship, internationalization, digital transformation, research productivity, innovation ecosystems, technology commercialization, and human capital development. Discussions likewise examined emerging policy directions shaping the future of public higher education and the expanding role of SUCs in national development.
The program featured keynote addresses and plenary discussions led by senior officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), Department of Justice (DOJ), EDCOM II, the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, the British Council, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), and other national and international organizations.
Founded in 1967, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges remains the country’s foremost organization of public higher education institutions, serving as a collective platform for advancing policies on academic quality, institutional governance, accreditation, public financing, faculty development, research, and student welfare.
Also present in the event were Dr. Ann Lyn S. Tumapang, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Mrs. Janet R. Aleman, University/Board Secretary; Mrs. Ma. Rechel A. Pillora, Head of the Human Resource Management Office; Dr. Kert D. Pillora, Mosqueda Campus Director; Dr. Kyrl S. Palma; Ar. Shyra V. Maximo; Mrs. Frennie D. Zarate; and Mr. Randy Galve.
