Two CSU Key Officials Successfully Hurdle the Phil-HECS Executive Development Program

Dr. Rowena P. Varela, VP for Research & Extension and Dr. Luisito I. Tabada, Director of Auxiliary Services successfully completed the 3-month Philippine Higher Education Career System Executive Development Program which ran from July 19 to October 20, 2017.  The Executive Development Program (EDP) is one of the key features of the Philippine Higher Education Career System (Phil-HECS), an initiative of the Commission on Higher Education and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, that envisions to recruit, select, and develop senior executives in the Philippine higher education sector based on merit.  The program objectives are to prepare candidates for the unique demands of leading a State University and College and serves as a venue for them to dialogue and address critical issues in higher education, and to be developed as executives who are able to recognize, understand, and respond to various forces and changes that their institutions would face. The program consists of residential trainings, community engagement activity, and design and implementation of an experiential innovation project. It culminates in a colloquium where candidates present their project.

There are six competencies where the program aspires to produce innovative, accountable and highly competent education managers who will steer public higher education towards achieving the goals of the Higher Education Reform Agenda. These include 1) Manage self and work towards one’s full potential; 2) Lead a globally competitive HEI; 3) Think strategically and creatively; 4) Nurture a high-performing learning institution; 5) Generate and manage financial and other resources; and 6) Build collaborative and inclusive working relationships.  To develop the competencies, Drs. Varela and Tabada went though a very hectic and rigorous program that sometimes can be mind boggling and physically draining.  However, with sheer determination and a strong commitment to make CSU proud, they made it to the roster of Phil-HECS Fellows Batch 2 which received the Certificate of Completion on October 20, 2017 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.  Beaming with pride and a sense of accomplishment, they received their certificates from Dr. Benjamin Diokno, the current Secretary of Budget and Management, who served as Keynote Speaker during the Culminating Activity. Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan of CHED, Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascarinas of Bicol University representing PASUC, Dr. Orlando S. Mercado, the Chancellor of DAP Graduate School and the Phil-HECS EDP Faculty. ovpre/piaea