Dr. Hannah Kimberly O. Grindulo, University and Board Secretary, along with OUBS staff members Ms. Shalom Amore C. Taluban and Ms. Jonalyn P. Valmonte, attended the 2024 National Association of SUC Secretaries, Inc. (NASUCS) Conference and General Assembly at Hue Hotels and Resorts, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from October 2-4, 2024.
The event themed “Secretaries-in-Action: Challenges and Transformations,” organized by NASUCS in cooperation with the Palawan State University and co-hosted by Western Philippines University, gathered University and Board Secretaries and administrative staff from SUCs across the country.
Day one featured a keynote message by Dr. Lilian A. de Las Llagas, Former CHED Commissioner and Board Secretary of the University of the Philippines. This was followed by the session on “Managing Work Expectations” by Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, Executive Director, Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). The last talk for the day focused on “Engaging Productivity through Work-Life Balance” by Dr. Eleonor E. Antonio, Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Palawan State University.
Day two began with the session “Understanding Legal Frameworks and Governing Boards of HEIs” by Atty. Cinderella Filipina B. Jaro, Executive Director, Commission on Higher Education. The day continued with the “Sharing of Best Practices” by Dr. June Grace C. Domingo, Board Secretary V, Nueva Vizcaya State University, and Mr. Dante S. Victoria, Jr., Vice President for Administration and Finance and Board Secretary V, Bukidnon State University. The participants shared their best practices and insights about challenges faced in their respective SUCs. This led to exchanges about innovative solutions and strategies like adopting digital systems, processes, and tools. The session on “The Principle of Completed Staff Work (CSW) in Board Governance” was discussed by Dr. Ruperto Sangalang, Former Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education. The second day concluded with the Membership Registration and General Assembly of State University/College and Board Secretaries in the Philippines. Regional university and board secretaries were nominated and elected to the new NASUCS Board of Directors 2024 roster.
The final day was dedicated to benchmarking activities and cultural immersion at Palawan State University and Western Philippines University. Participants visited both institutions and learned about their respective historical milestones and academic and administrative achievements, as well as their significant impact on the different sectors of the community. Representatives from PSU and WPU graciously toured the delegates around the city to experience Palawan’s culture.
The three-day event strengthened networks among SUC secretaries and magnified their important role in shaping the future of Philippine higher education. (By HG)
