PASAY CITY — Delegates from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), led by University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar – Tangaran alongside key university officials, attended the opening day of the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly. The three-day event kicked off today, July 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
Anchored on the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures,” this year’s convention coincides with PASUC’s 59th Founding Anniversary. The gathering brings together higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to address systemic shifts and chart strategic directions for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the country.
Adhering to the prescribed cultural attire, the NWSSU delegation joined fellow academic executives from across the archipelago in wearing traditional Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog. Registration officially commenced, paving the way for a jam-packed Day 1 roster focused on setting the strategic direction for public higher education.
The Opening Ceremonies formally began with a grand processional of PASUC regional chairs, national officers, and distinguished guests. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, PASUC Auditor, introduced the delegates, followed by a formal welcome and opening declaration from PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo. Hon. Michelle A. Ong, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing collaborative governance and institutional excellence.
The morning session reached its peak with an opening keynote address from Senate President Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian of the 20th Congress, who spoke comprehensively on how transformative leadership can empower SUCs to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
Following a welcome luncheon, the afternoon transition shifted from ceremonial to rigorous policy dialogue. The NWSSU officials participated in a High-Level Dialogue featuring key national education agency heads, including Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez.
Moderated by Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), and council member Hon. Ma. Cynthia Rose B. Bautista, the dialogue zeroed in on “Navigating the Role of SUCs: Translating National Education Reforms into Institutional Transformation”. The discussion provided NWSSU and other member institutions with critical policy updates and structural frameworks aimed at aligning campus governance with the country’s long-term workforce and development goals.