Prior to the conclusion of his eight-year term this October 31, Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, VSU President, delivered his final State of the University Address (SUA) earlier today, October 9, during the 2023 University Academic Convocation at the Visayas State University (VSU) Gymnatorium.
The convocation emphasized the significant achievements the university has achieved throughout the last year of Dr. Tulin’s administration for four main areas, including (1) administration, (2) academic and student affairs, (3) research, extension and innovation, (4) planning & resource generation, and the VITA (Villaba, Isabel, Tolosa, Alangalang) satellite campuses.
In his speech, Dr. Tulin introduced that these areas are the critical components for our university to move forward in terms of sustainability and growing prospects in the next few years.
“All of these areas that we will cover were the strong foundations that allowed us to build and bolster our systems to prepare us for sustainability and expanding opportunities for this year and the years to come,” Dr Tulin said.
Forged Partnerships and Internationalization Initiatives
Following the university’s continuous pursuit in forging collaborations with local, national, and international institutions, Dr. Tulin lauded the numerous linkages the university has established for the year 2023 only.
“This year, we have forged a total of 323 stronger link with other academes, private organizations and government agencies through Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between our international, national, and regional, SUCs and other agency partners,” Dr. Tulin added.
Further, he also highlighted the inclusion of VSU in the list of universities acknowledged in the different globally recognized assessment systems and accreditation body such as the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Times New Higher Education World University Rankings, and UniRank.
Dr. Tulin also noted the exchange programs that the university has established with different educational institutions, as well as the university's acceptance of international and exchange students.
“Four new international students have enrolled from Bangladesh and Belgium bringing our total of international students to eleven. Among them, two gentlemen from Bangladesh are pursuing Master’s degrees in Tropical Ecology and Soil Science, while the two ladies are participating as exchange students from KU Leuven in Belgium,”
Student Affairs and Achievements
He also stressed the different achievements acquired by Viscans in different local and national competitions and licensure examinations.
“We got back-to-back top 3 licensure exam topnotchers this year. Engr. Jesriel C. Casinillo and Engr. Kenzo Braye Rendora Gerale, RCE, RMP. Engr. Casinillo took the 3rd spot in the licensure exam for agricultural and biosystems engineers last September 2023 while Engr. Rendora [Gerale] is top 3 during the Master Plumber Licensure Exam, respectively.”
Additionally, VSU Tolosa also produced 3 regional top scorers in the April 2023 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE).
The university touts its program of sending faculty to universities abroad for higher studies, as part of its strong push for further study.
“Our strong support for further studies has sent many of our faculty and staff to prestigious universities abroad, Ms. Aira Mae T. Gavan is now pursuing a full-time Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program at the Yale School for the Environment (YSE) and Dr. Ea Kristine Clarisse B. Tulin, a faculty at the Department of Biotechnology is also pursuing her postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical School.”
Research and Development
Dr. Tulin further recognizes the outstanding scientists and researchers at VSU who continue to thrive in their fields of expertise and continually contribute to the university's research objectives.
“In VSU, we have consistently top three cited scientists: Dr. Monina Escalada, Dr. Victor Asio, and Dr. Janet Alexis De Los Santos, who are also multi-awarded scientists in their respective fields.”
A brief overview of VSU's accomplishments in Research, Extension, and Innovation includes 124 funded projects, 45 funded extension projects, and seven innovation activities. It has taught 9,248 beneficiaries, signed memorandums of understanding, and boosted budget allocation by 9.4% since 2022, according to Dr. Tulin
Planning and Infrastructures
Visayas State University is launching the Futures Thinking Initiative in an effort to become the green metropolitan national institution, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and green innovation. The university also intends to use Smart Campus Infrastructure to expand its reach and international standing, further expressed by President Tulin.
Moreover, VSU is reaching the end of its Land Use Development Plan, with plans to construct a two-story dorm and a three-story academic facility, as well as to further international presence through collaborations with universities in Japan, Germany, the Czech Republic, Cambodia, Belgium, Samoa, Fiji, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
VSU intends to boost faculty and student mobility by 10%, improve Innovation and Advanced Technology Development, and reach global rankings in Times Higher Education and Quacquarelli Symonds. It intends to construct a Learning Resource Center, and through International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation, to align campuses with international standards.
In preparation for the establishment of VSU’s College of Medicine, the university’s committee began conducting benchmarking activities at various institutions after the approval of the House Bill No. 7412.
The university has also commenced its preparations for the centennial anniversary which will officially commence in January 2024.
Gratitude and Appreciation
“Finally, it is through accolades like this, and inspiring individuals like all of you, that made our vision a reality. Together, let us propel VSU's initiatives farther and further. Daghang salamat kanatong tanan at Mabuhay ang Visayas State University.”
President Tulin expressed gratitude to the VSU administration, as well as national and local politicians, for their support and aid in making VSU one of the top colleges in the country. They promise to work harder to help the university prosper and become a regional hub for knowledge exchange and scientific advancement in Southeast Asia.