In the heart of every academic institution lies a moment that encapsulates a university community’s spirit, ambition, and unity: the President’s Convocation. This ceremonial event serves as a cornerstone, marking the commencement of a new chapter filled with academic pursuits, growth, and collective aspirations. It is a time when faculty, staff, students, and distinguished guests come together to celebrate the values of achievements, leadership, and service that define the essence of higher education.
Beyond the accolades, the President’s Convocation is a time for reflection and renewal. It is a moment to reaffirm the values that bind the University community: a commitment to service, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge. It is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with privilege– the privilege of education, opportunity, and belonging to a community that values each individual’s unique voice and perspective within and outside the University.
In the end, the President’s Convocation is more than just a ceremony; it is a celebration of the collective pursuit of excellence, the enduring power of education, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. It is a testament to the values that define the University community, with values that will continue to inspire, guide, and unite in the years to come.
URS President’s Convocation Held
By: Janelle Faulve
The University of Rizal System (URS) held its President’s Convocation at the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Tanghalang Sining (EARTS) on February 24.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Marvin Amoin, Vice President for Administration and Finance, expressed his gratitude to the faculty and staff for their continuous support and guidance, highlighting the milestones achieved by the University while looking toward the future.
During his message, Dr. Allan Conde, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the importance of teamwork and coming together.
Dr. Nancy Pascual, University President, thanked the three vice presidents, campus directors, the University Supreme Student Government, faculty and staff, and her family for their constant and unwavering support.
The recognition and in-person oath-taking of the 73 newly hired and promoted faculty and staff in the different available plantilla positions of the University followed.
The President’s Report highlighted the journey and achievements of the University under the President’s leadership, which set the tone for the academic year ahead, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, diversity, and inclusivity through its 67M+ external grants; 100% AACCUP accredited baccalaureate and graduate programs; high passing rate in board examinations in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, master electrician, and agriculture and biosystems engineering; licensure examinations top notchers for professional teachers, electronics technician, and fisheries professional; ISO 9001:2015 certification for five years in a row; PRIME-HRM maturity level 2 by CSC; and a good ranking in the higher educational institutions according to EduRank.
Additionally, the President also stated the various achievements under the Academic Affairs division, such as the new academic programs developed, enrollment and graduation trend, AACCUP-accredited programs for the period 2020-2023, and the new academic policies and guidelines proposed and approved by the Board of Regents. Following are the Research Development, Extension, and Production division’s accomplishments such as the revision of the research operations manual; University research agenda; extension operations manual; presentation of completed research, research publications, and the total engagement in extension and research throughout the ten different campuses; holding of national and international research and extension conferences; registration and filing of intellectual properties; and the setting of University extension thrusts and priorities. Lastly, under the Administration and Finance division, the President emphasized the University’s involvement in community outreach development, CHED Bayanihan project training conducted, infrastructure projects, grants and subsidies from other government agencies, budget utilization rate, the construction of the University Health and Wellness Center, MODEL University Resilient and SMART Building, and the dormitory and business centers in Antipolo City, Morong, and Tanay Campuses. The URS Development Goals, the plans from Year 1 to Year 4 under her leadership in terms of administration, faculty and staff, curricular programs, and students were also cited.
Meanwhile, the Introduction to Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight followed with Dr. Jocelyn Gagalang, Director of the Information Unit, highlighting the dynamic approach to planning and decision-making, acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties of the world while actively seeking to navigate them proactively and strategically, thus, enables one to become more resilient, agile, and future-ready by integrating long-term thinking into one’s strategic planning processes.
As the event closed, Dr. Marites Rio, Vice President for Research Development, Extension, and Production, concluded with an invitation for all members of the University to embrace the new chapter under the leadership of Dr. Pascual, thanking them for all their dedication and constant support as One URS.
