Leaders from state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country converged at Mindoro State University (MinSU) on August 26, 2026, bringing together institutional leaders, education advocates, government officials, and industry partners in a shared dialogue on leadership, collaboration, and the continuing advancement of higher education.
The gathering, held at the University Auditorium of the MinSU Main Campus in Alcate, Victoria, formed part of Vinculum 2026: Presidential Investiture, Reaffirmation and Leadership Convergence.
The convergence was attended by presidents and representatives of various SUCs, led by Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and president of Batangas State University–The National Engineering University.
Joining him were Dr. Silverio Ramon D. Salunson, President of Tarlac Agricultural University; Atty. Ryan L. Estevez, DPA, Ppresident of the University of Camarines Norte; Dr. Elbert C. Edaniol, President of Occidental Mindoro State University; Dr. Jameson H. Tan, President of Bulacan Agricultural State College; Dr. Frederick T. Villa, President of Southern Luzon State University; Dr. Mario R. Briones, President of Laguna State Polytechnic University; Dr. Amabel S. Liao, President of Western Philippines University; Dr. Venson L. Limpiada, President of Palawan State University; and Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, President of Catanduanes State University and Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, CESE, President of Romblon State University.
Also present were representatives of Samar State University, Palawan State University, Marinduque State University, Western Philippines University, and Catanduanes State University, including Dr. Felisa Gomba, representing Samar State University President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia; Prof. Marissa S. Pontillas, former Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the University President of Palawan State University; and Ms. Lenie Zulueta, representing Marinduque State University President Dr. Diosdado Zulueta.
Moreover, the convergence also attended by distinguished education, government, and industry leaders. Among them were Dr. Napoleon B. Imperial, CESO III, former deputy executive director IV of the Commission on Higher Education.
Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, MinSU President welcomed the distinguished guests and thanked the participating SUC presidents and representatives for joining the event.
In her message, she emphasized the importance of working together, sharing experiences, and strengthening partnerships among SUCs to support research, innovation, and institutional development.
Apostol also expressed MinSU’s commitment to building stronger ties with other universities and learning from one another to further improve higher education and contribute to the development of the communities they serve.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among participating SUCs.
The agreement establishes a mechanism for the reciprocal exchange and engagement of qualified external expert peer reviewers for manuscripts submitted for possible publication in university journals, college-based journals and other duly recognized scholarly publications.
Beyond academic publishing, the agreement provides a framework for cooperation in research, innovation, knowledge exchange, capacity-building and leadership convergence.
It will allow participating institutions to share expertise and resources while giving faculty members and researchers opportunities to connect with counterparts from other universities.
The partnership is expected to strengthen research networks among SUCs and encourage greater exchange of knowledge and academic expertise.
Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, CHED Commissioner and Chair of the MinSU Board of Regents, graced the occasion and emphasized the significance of leadership in moving institutions forward and fostering meaningful collaboration.
The guests shared advice and insights on leadership, institutional strengthening, and the importance of collaboration, encouraging MinSU to further expand its partnerships and continue pursuing initiatives that will contribute to the university's growth and development.
An open forum formed part of the leadership convergence, providing participants an opportunity to raise questions, exchange views, and engage in discussions on issues and opportunities facing higher education institutions.
The dialogue underscored the value of collective leadership in addressing emerging challenges and maximizing opportunities for SUCs.
More than a gathering of university presidents, Vinculum 2026 offered a glimpse of what stronger collaboration among SUCs can achieve: institutions sharing expertise, opening doors for researchers and academics, and working together toward a more dynamic and responsive higher education sector. (jdtdc)
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