The Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly 2026 kicked off today (July 13) at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.
With the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures,” the three-day activity aims to strengthen the capacity of SUCs as catalysts of innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and transformative nation-building in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected global environment.
The gathering also commemorates PASUC’s 59th founding anniversary, which seeks to reaffirm the collective commitment of the SUC sector to excellence in instruction, research, extension, production, and governance.
Tarlac State University President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza attended the event together with Vice Presidents Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano (Academic Affairs), Dr. Marlon V. Gamido (Administration), Dr. Niño B. Corpuz (Research, Innovation, and Extension), and College Deans Dr. Miriam S. Galvez (CoE) and Dr. Edwin T. Caoleng (CPAG).
The program is structured around six core thematic blocks and high-level tri-focalized dialogues. Each segment deliberately pairs national agency heads with multi-sectoral experts to convert macro-level state mandates into actionable campus strategies.
Hon. Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, Senate President of the Senate of the Philippines for the 20th Congress, served as the keynote speaker with a talk entitled, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures”.
Moreover, the high-level dialogue entitled, “Navigating the Role of SUCs: Translating National Education Reforms into Institutional Transformation” featured Hon. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Secretary of the Department of Education, Hon. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Hon. Ma. Cynthia Rose Bautista, Education, Legislation, and Policy Advisory Council Member of The Second Congressional Commission on Education.
The second day of the convention will tackle sessions on governance and accountability, innovation, partnerships, development, instruction, internationalization, student success, digital transformation, and institutional effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the third day will emphasize talks about human capital development and research, extension, innovation, and commercialization.
PASUC is an organization that comprises 113 public tertiary institutions in the Philippines, working under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). It acts as the unified voice for SUCs, advocating for their welfare, budgets, and development.
