Kalinga State University successfully conducted its 2024 Strategic and Operations Planning Integrating Futures and Foresight on December 19-20, 2024, at the Red Star Hotel, Tabuk City, Kalinga. The event brought together university officials, department heads, program chairpersons, student and faculty regents, and student leaders to collaboratively shape KSU’s future. Esteemed speakers from the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG) Governance Futures Lab led the sessions. These included Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, Program Director and Director of the Center for Local and Regional Governance; Lui Joshua N. Cuadra, Program Manager for Futures Policy Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships; Marvin Jay S. Musngi, Program Manager for Futures and Strategic Foresight Research; Keith Isaiah G. Catalan, Program Manager for Futures and Strategic Foresight Research; Robbronne Amiel K. Villegas, Program Manager for Futures Education and Knowledge Co-Creation; and Priscilla Denise G. Pigao, Program Manager for Futures and Foresight Institutional Capacity Development.
In her inspirational message, President Joy Grace P. Doctor emphasized the importance of collaboration, open communication, and shared commitment to excellence. She reminded participants that achieving the university’s goals depends on their ability to work together effectively. This set the tone for the workshops, which focused on identifying key factors, crafting a new vision, addressing challenges, and formulating strategic goals.
The first workshop, Key Factors Identification, tasked participants with identifying internal and external factors contributing to the university’s strengths and weaknesses. The second workshop focused on crafting KSU’s vision for 2030, aligning with the Cordillera Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028, Tabuk City Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2023-2028, and House Bill No. 7948, which seeks to enhance KSU’s governance, expand academic offerings, and strengthen autonomy. This bill, supported by Hon. Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang and presented by University Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Romualdo U. Wacas, positions KSU as a leader in arts, culture, and indigenous governance. It also enables equitable access to education and public-private partnerships.
The proposed vision statement, “A leading university advancing innovation, indigenous cultural heritage and governance, and academic excellence for sustainable and inclusive development,” reflects these goals while drawing inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and President Doctor’s aspiration for KSU to achieve global recognition for excellence in instruction, research, community engagement, and leadership development. Once approved by the Board of Regents, this vision will guide KSU’s direction for 2025-2030.
The third workshop, Coaching and Mentoring: Insights, Hindsight, and Foresight, involved identifying issues and challenges, reviewing past interventions, and exploring innovative solutions. The fourth workshop focused on formulating strategic goals and objectives aligned with KSU’s domains: administration and finance, instruction, research, and extension. The final workshop, Operations Planning for 2025, outlined programs, projects, and activities to achieve these strategic goals.
Dr. Rhonjhon Garming, Director for Planning and Strategy, expressed his gratitude to the speakers and participants, commending their dedication and collaborative spirit. He noted that the event laid a strong foundation for KSU’s future, ensuring its continued leadership in innovation, cultural heritage, and academic excellence. The successful planning session reaffirmed KSU’s commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive development for the Cordillera Administrative region and beyond. //MJ Wacas-UIO
