The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) community gathered in full force at the MRMA- EVSU main to witness the much-anticipated President’s State of the University Address (SUA), a landmark event that showcased the institution’s achievements, aspirations, and unity under the leadership of its visionary president.
The MRMA was brimming with simple elegance and pride as EVSUnistas filled every seat, demonstrating support for the university’s leadership. The venue provided a comfortable and dignified setting for the event.
The program formally commenced at 9:00 AM, with a processional followed by a video presentation highlighting the university’s 20th Charter Anniversary milestones. A soulful musical interlude by Mr. Daniel Triste, set a reflective tone before Master of Ceremonies Mr. Rex B. Palompon introduced President de Paz as the driving force behind EVSU’s ascent in both the national and international academic landscape. Under his stewardship, EVSU has produced top board exam passers, climbed national metric rankings, centralized its academic system, and embraced smart campus innovations. His leadership has elevated the university’s branding and global standing.
At 10:00 AM, the president took the stage, warmly welcoming the entire EVSU community, distinguished guests, and stakeholders. His address was a sweeping overview of governance, infrastructure, research, and internationalization.
He began by highlighting good governance practices, noting the success of the Human Resource Management Office’s programs, including ROSSS and PRIME, as well as the Harampang initiative that fosters open dialogue within the EVSU community. He also underscored the university’s compliance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) COPC standards, acknowledging CHED Regional Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe for his support.
The president also celebrated advances in research and extension services. He highlighted the success of the DABEST and iSTEAM research congresses, the university’s partnership under the MEIC program, and initiatives on disaster risk reduction through MOCCOV. The establishment of the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub and the publication of Scopus-indexed research were hailed as milestones, with faculty recognized for their contributions to knowledge creation. To date, EVSU has recorded 235 citations, a figure President de Paz urged the academic community to continue expanding.
Internationalization was framed as a strategic imperative. The president emphasized that global engagement is not optional but essential. He cited 16 MOAs signed during the AUAP and 6 local MOAs that reinforced community partnerships. EVSU’s participation in the ASBN Consortium, that included Dr. de Paz as one of the discussants was mentioned, along with the president’s attendance at a Canadian conference. EVSU’s rise from 61st to 24th in UNIRANK was celebrated, marking its dominance in Region VIII. The Scientific Index and PQA achievements were highlighted, with faculty once again asked to stand in recognition of their excellence.
The SUA closed with performances by Hannah Noelle Granali Diaz and Denise Valerie Granali Diaz, followed by a lively vocal and dance number from Mr. Duanne Gariando with SAMLEYAW, which left the audience inspired. More than a report, the event served as a celebration of progress, a reaffirmation of purpose, and a reminder of what the EVSU community can accomplish through shared commitment and leadership.
Written by: MSP | UMDC
This feature article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education; SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
