All eyes and ears were on Visayas State University (VSU) President Dr. Prose Ivy Yepes as she delivered her first State of the University Address (SUA) during the 2024 Academic Convocation Program, on October 4, at the VSU Gymnatorium.
President Yepes began her speech by reflecting on VSU's Centennial Celebration, marking a century of dedication to education and community, with events like the Kaugmaran Festival, Aquathlon, Fun Run, UGMAD Awards, Partner’s Day, and the Outstanding Viscans Awards.
She emphasized the university’s focus on shaping the future under her leadership by holding numerous academic meetings with faculty, students, and staff across campuses, laying the groundwork for VSU’s 2025-2028 strategic plan.
As part of the endeavor to reimagine the university, Yepes emphasized her proposed Vision, Mission, Strategic Goals, and Core Values.
Vision: To become a global green university that provides progressive leadership in agriculture, science, technology, education, and allied fields for societal transformation.
Mission: To produce graduates equipped with knowledge and lifelong learning skills with ethical standards through quality instruction, innovative research, and impactful community engagements.
Core Values: STRIDES: Service, Truth, Resilience, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence, and Social justice.
“The 2025-2028 strategic plan aims not only to define our aspirations but also to clarify the kind of students we want to produce—well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.” Yepes said.
She emphasized that VSU’s slogan represents a promise to the university and the communities it serves, noting that mediocrity will not be tolerated.
Accomplishments and recognitions
The university celebrated several achievements this year. President Yepes proudly highlighted program accreditations: 20 programs at level one, 15 at level two, 28 at level three, seven at level four, and 15 with candidate status. VSU has also maintained its institutional accreditation level four status.
Additionally, VSU received the Silver Award for the Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSO) 2.0 Clustering Program at the 2024 ITSO Presidents’ Summit, acknowledging the university's dedication to innovation and intellectual property protection.
Licensure examination success
The president acknowledged the university's success in licensure examinations, including achievements from the May 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination, the March 2024 Professional Teacher Licensure Examination, and the July 2024 Licensure Examination for Criminologists.
Faculty development
Over 300 faculty members attended various training workshops, conferences, and seminars locally and internationally. President Yepes highlighted this as a key investment in enhancing classroom and research capabilities.
Research and Innovation
VSU continues to excel in research and innovation, with two technologies successfully commercialized this year and seven others in the process of being transferred to potential incubators.
"Looking back at the past three years, a total of 39 technologies developed at VSU were commercialized," Yepes noted.
The university also filed 27 intellectual property applications and received three utility model registrations, ten copyright registrations, and one trademark registration.
Advancements in agricultural research
Part of VSU’s commitment to research includes upgrading the Abaca Tissue Culture Laboratory and the establishment of the Forest Products Innovation Center, both funded by national agencies. The Horticulture Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and the VSU Semin Laboratory were also upgraded, enhancing the university’s capacity in biotechnology.
Student Affairs and Services
The university has taken steps to improve student welfare, including organizing boarding house owners to ensure student safety and a supportive environment. In addition, dormitories are set for renovation, and the library is being transformed into a modern learning commons with digitized collections for easier access.
To ensure equal access to education, VSU aims to strengthen its action plan for marginalized students, with enhanced scholarships, academic mentoring, and financial aid programs.
Enhancing learning and connectivity
President Yepes announced that VSU is procuring smart TVs and interactive boards to create a more dynamic learning environment. Furthermore, the university is upgrading its Wi-Fi from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 6, with ongoing discussions with telecom providers, namely Globe and Smart, to improve cellular signal coverage.
Infrastructure projects
One of the big highlights from Yepes’ speech was the several infrastructure projects that are set to be started soon, including an academic building worth 80 million pesos, a digital learning center, and a vertebrae anatomy lab.
The rehabilitation of the former Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences (DLABS) building, one of the oldest facilities on campus, is now also subject for approval. Another project is a power plant and a multi-purpose building, as well as the Eastern Visayas Innovation Center for Health Biotechnology worth 32 million pesos.
Additional projects for next year include the enhancement of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, procurement of ICT equipment, and various equipment for different colleges and the VITA campuses.
She also expressed her commitment to making VSU a more inclusive and dynamic environment for students and the community. Planned upgrades to the VSU Market aim to create a modern space with the possible construction of fast food chains and coffee shops.
In terms of transportation and safety, the university is exploring the installation of traffic lights, a skywalk from the upper campus to the VSU market for safer crossings, and the revival of the Tuyok transport system. Upgrades to campus restrooms are also in the pipeline, making them more modern and accessible to students and faculty alike.
In her closing speech, President Yepes called on everyone to stay dedicated to service and the pursuit of excellence as VSU continues to evolve. Her vision aims to strengthen the university’s legacy, positioning VSU as a leading institution not only in the Visayas but in the country for decades to come.