Representatives from the government, academia, and different stakeholders convened at the 1st University of the Philippines-State Universities and Colleges ‘UP-SUC’ Summit. The summit took place at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Thani in Davao City earlier today, September 15. It centered around the theme of “Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy: Strengthening Partnerships in Philippine Public Higher Education.”

Present at the summit were the RTU officials, namely, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, RTU President; Dr. Marc DG Garvida, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA); and Dr. Rodolfo L. Ducut, Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). The attendees also included Senator Bong Go; Congressman Mark Go, who represented Baguio City; Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), as well as other university presidents such as Dr. Bert J. Tuga from Philippine Normal University (PNU); and Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos from the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), among others.

The investiture ceremony of Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, the 22nd President of UP, served as a preliminary event leading up to the 1st UP-SUC Summit. The purpose of this summit was to convene leaders and key figures from state universities and colleges (SUCs) in order to encourage collaboration among SUCs in various academic, research, and public service initiatives that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Furthermore, this occasion culminates with the signing of the Mindanao Declaration, which solidifies the dedication of the UP and SUCs to enhance cooperation in more robust and efficient ways.

PMG