Leaders of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) gathered at the University of Rizal System (URS) Morong Campus for the 3rd SUCs Executive Forum, which officially commenced on September 1, 2026, under the theme “Building Smart SUCs Through Collaborative Leadership, Digital Innovation, and Institutional Excellence.” Spearheaded by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, the three-day forum runs until September 3, 2026, and aims to institutionalize modern frameworks and foster digital adaptation among among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
The conference opened with a warm reception led by URS President Dr. Nancy T. Pascual, alongside kumustahay moments with other SUC leaders. Highlights of the opening sessions included the State of the Commissioner’s Address (SOCA), delivered by Commissioner Apag III, and the highly anticipated launch of the SMART SUCs 2030 Framework, which outlines a comprehensive digital ecosystem and development roadmaps for local public universities over the next decade.
Key activities lined up for the executive forum include the OCDRA Election for Executive Officers, managed by PSAU President Dr. Anita G. David, and a dedicated “SMART SUCs Excellence Showcase” featuring institutional breakthroughs from Bukidnon State University, Davao Oriental State University, and the University of Antique. SUC leaders, including NwSSU President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, also joined the President’s Roundtable Discussion.
NwSSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Romeo B. Santos, together with Mrs. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, Ms. Jireh S. Fortaleza, Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, and Ms. Miel Rosse C. Solayao, participated in technical talks on the SMART University Ecosystem led by BEFIED GROUP Chief Executive Mr. Ryan Soh.
The subsequent days of the forum will focus heavily on governance and compliance, covering technical workshops on board protocols, CHED-OIQAG universityhood status led by Dr. Lora L. Yusi, and Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) guidelines under Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes. Technical staff will also run specialized presentation and workshop tracks covering crucial internal platforms, such as the Travel Authority System, E-Agenda, and the SUCs Profiling Integrated System, ensuring that operational and administrative efficiency scales uniformly across all participant institutions.
The forum is scheduled to wrap up on September 3 following an open forum, a community exhibition networking night, and a general thanksgiving mass hosted by the University of Rizal System.