Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), led by University President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., participated in the 2025 Midterm Convention and General Assembly of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) held at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, from July 9 to 11, 2025.

Held under the theme “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” the three-day convention pooled top leaders from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide to address emerging challenges in Philippine higher education, such as digital transformation, AI integration, quality assurance, and institutional sustainability.

The event opened with a grand ceremony led by PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo and PASUC Vice-President for Visayas Dr. Norberto P. Mangulabnan. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Hon. Marita R. Canapi opened discussions with a keynote on transformative SUC governance, followed by high-level presentations from CHED Chairperson Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, DBM Secretary Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, and Asian Development Bank Country Director Hon. Pavit Ramachandran, among others.

The second and third days focused on expert-led sessions on future-proofing human capital, quality assurance frameworks, digital governance, and work-life balance in SUCs. It also tackled critical policy issues, including procurement, resource management, and staffing standards, culminating in a forward-looking dialogue on building AI-ready institutions.

The convention concluded with a synthesis session, closing ceremonies, and a luncheon, marking a unified commitment to advancing innovation, excellence, and sustainability across the SUC sector. (By Aniway P. Millares)