CLARK, PAMPANGA - “Ang mundo natin ay patuloy na nagbabago kaya naman dapat hindi lamang ngayon ang iniisip natin kundi pati na rin ang hinaharap.”

These words began the video message of Senator Win T. Gatchalian, a Senior Fellow of the Philippine Futures Thinking Society, during the opening program of the University Futures Masterclass at Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), held at Widus Hotel on September 11, 2024.

With the theme “Advancing Research, Innovation, and Strategic Vision Towards a New Horizon in Higher Education,” the activities will be facilitated by the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures) and the Center for Leadership, Communication, and Governance, Inc. (CLCGi), in partnership with the Senate of the Philippines.

The lecturers, facilitators, and moderators include the following:

• Dr. Ruperto Sangalang - Former Commissioner of the Commission of Higher Education and former President of Cavite State University
• Dr. Michville A. Rivera - PhilFutures Board Member and Director for Strategic Education and Secretary-General
• Dr. Ma. Oliva Z. Domingo - Senior Fellow of PhilFutures
• Mr. Emmanuel De Guia - PhilFutures Director for Strategic Partnership and Networking
• Prof. Ramces M. Dili - Faculty Researcher, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila
• Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan - Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Local and Regional Governance and Director of the Governance Futures Lab at the University of the Philippines - College of Public Administration and Governance
• Ms. Jalaine Joyce Malabanan - Course Specialist at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Institute of Open and Distance Education

Indeed, progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything,” said Dr. Enrique G. Baking, University President, in his welcome message.

He added that the moral responsibility as stewards of inclusive, sustainable, and quality education is not to stop the future but to shape it, in order to ease the risks, perils, and intricacies of the transition.

Present at the three-day event, along with Dr. Baking, are the top management of the University, including Engr. Reden M. Hernandez, Vice President for Academic Affairs and concurrent OIC- Executive Vice President and OIC-Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Ranie B. Canlas, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Training, and Extension Services; Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services; members of the administrative council; and select faculty members.

The course for DHVSU participants will last a total of eight days: three on-site (September 11–13) and five online for the finalization and presentation of outputs (September 16–20).

“Ang aking model university ay sa inyong university. Hindi karaniwang University ng DHVSU. Kaya kapag may nagbe-benchmark noon, lagi kong sinasabi na dumaan sila sa DHVSU dahil marami silang makikita doon,” proudly said by Dr. Sangalang in his Provocateur message.

Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit