University key officials, headed by ESSU President Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan, Jr., the Vice Presidents, Campus Administrators, Deans, Directors, and Unit Heads engaged in the second part of their Top Management Workshop on ESSU's Future Direction for 2025-2030 in Cebu City on October 28 to 29, 2024.
On day one, the ESSU delegation was hosted by the Cebu Normal University (CNU) for a benchmarking activity on the latter's College of Medicine, quality assurance initiatives, and best practices on other key University functions. The innovative methods and high standards set by Cebu Normal University in various fields impressed the officials from ESSU. The successful benchmarking activity provided valuable insights that will help ESSU in shaping its future direction. ESSU sends its message of gratitude to the CNU community for such a worthwhile engagement with immeasurable takeaways to bring back home.
On the second day, the management team immersed in an impactful discourse on "Spirituality Integration on Student Well-being Focusing on Social & Moral Development" courtesy of Rev. Fr. Alipio Antonio B. Añano, Jr. The discussion led to a deeper understanding of the importance of incorporating spirituality into education in order to promote holistic student development.
Former ESSU President, Dr. Edmundo A. Campoto, gave a presentation on "Building a Global University." Dr. Campoto's insights on the internationalization of higher education and his personal experiences at renowned universities abroad were both enlightening and inspiring, highlighting the need for ESSU to adapt to the changing global landscape.
Moreover, Professional Certified Life and Mental Health Coach, Dr. Marife F. Garfin, gave a lecture on "Integration of Mental Health in Instructions." Dr. Garfin emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues in educational settings and provided practical strategies for educators to support students' emotional well-being. Her holistic approach aligns with ESSU's vision of nurturing not just academic excellence but also the overall growth and development of its students.
Dr. Emilia L. Baquilod, a former Vice President for Academic Affairs, then gave an interesting presentation on "Quality Assurance in the 21st Century." Her insights shed light on the key components of a successful quality assurance framework, inspiring ESSU officials to strive for continuous innovation and adaptability in order to remain relevant and competitive.
In the entire two-day activity, the participants embarked in an extensive exchange of ideas, in-depth analysis of process outcomes, and strategic operational frameworking in order to lay out a clear path to a way forward, staying firmly grounded on the institution's vision of national and global academic relevance.
Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan, Jr. as University President, ESSU is poised to become a leading institution in the region, setting new standards for innovation and inclusivity in higher education. With Dr. Pagatpatan at the helm, ESSU is on the right track to achieve even greater success and make a positive impact on the lives of its students and the communities it serves. The University will continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and pave the way for a brighter future in education.
