Kalinga State University Holds Public Forum for the University's Search for the Next University President

Posted on September 11, 2024

In line with Kalinga State University’s continuous pursuit of academic excellence and leadership, a public forum was held today at the university gymnasium as part of the search for its next university president. The event was attended by a diverse audience including university employees, students, government and private sector representatives, and other key stakeholders.

The public forum provided an opportunity for the university community to engage with the candidates and hear their vision, plans, and programs for the institution’s future. It also allowed attendees to raise pertinent issues and concerns that they hope the next president will address, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the selection process.

The formation of a Search Committee for President (SCP) followed the provisions of Republic Act No. 8292 and CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, series of 2022. The KSU Board of Regents, through BOR Resolution No. 026, series of 2024, and BOR Referendum No. 5, series of 2024, approved the establishment of the SCP and its corresponding budget. The SCP was tasked with the objective evaluation of candidates’ qualifications and backgrounds.

The SCP was chaired by Dr. Elsa Palao Manarpaac, former president of Western Philippines University and a retired university professor, along with the following esteemed members:
Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, President of Isabela State University and President of the Regional Association of State Colleges and Universities-Cagayan Valley
Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, CESO III and Director IV, Regional Director of CHED-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
Fr. Roman A. Macaiba, Jr., Private Sector Representative, member of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk, and Superintendent of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk Catholic Schools Network
Dr. Maria Cyrila C. Bawer, Faculty Representative, Professor VI, and Dean of the College of Education, KSU
Ms. Xin-Ziyi O. Gup-ay, Student Representative, President of the Supreme Student Council, Bulanao Campus, KSU

Secretariat members included:
Dr. Perfella R. Buen, Board Secretary V, KSU
Dr. Maricel B. Berdan, detailed Confidential Staff, Office of CHED Commissioner Marita R. Canapi
Mr. Mark Rolanne S. Desolo, Administrative Assistant VI, Office of CHED Commissioner Marita R. Canapi

During the forum, Dr. Manarpaac provided an overview of the forum’s guidelines and rules. Following the forum, an interview with the SCP was held at the Alumni Center, designed to offer further insight into the candidates’ personal characteristics, situational responses, and rapport with the academic community.

The qualified candidates vying for the position of university president are as follows:
Dr. Marilou B. Adora, Professor V and Vice President for Academics and Student Development, with vast experience in academic leadership and student affairs.
Dr. Joy Grace Doctor, Professor VI and Vice President for Administration and Finance, recognized for her role in managing KSU’s administrative and financial operations.
Dr. Paulino Reyes II, Professor IV and Dean of the College of Advanced Studies, known for his contributions to higher education leadership and development programs.
Dr. Robert Rodolfo, Professor VI and Dean of the College of Forestry, with a distinguished reputation in environmental studies and sustainability.

The results of the assessment conducted by the Search Committee for President (SCP) will be submitted to the Kalinga State University Board of Regents (BOR), the institution’s highest governing body. The BOR will undertake the final deliberation and selection to determine the next university president.

Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang, University President, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Search Committee for promptly responding to his request to initiate the search for the next university president ahead of the conclusion of his term on October 5, 2024. He also extended his appreciation to the Kalinga State University employees, students, as well as representatives from both the government and private sectors, for their presence and participation in the public forum.

This public forum is an essential step in ensuring that Kalinga State University continues to be led by a visionary and capable leader, dedicated to advancing the institution’s goals and addressing the needs of its community.