“For NEUST, this [Higher Education Summit] further strengthens our commitment to place greater focus on sustainability, innovation, and global engagement in our programs and initiatives. We remain dedicated to preparing graduates who are ready to meet the challenges of the future and to contributing to the growth and development of the communities we serve.”
This was President Dr. Rhodora Jugo’s statement when asked about the significance of the Higher Education Summit 2026, as she represented the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology at the national gathering of higher education leaders.
Held on March 10–12, 2026, the summit gathered leaders, educators, and representatives from State Universities and Colleges, Local Universities and Colleges, and Private Higher Education Institutions across the country to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation, and align the work of universities with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The summit aimed to advance transformative higher education, reinforce science and innovation ecosystems, and work collectively toward more sustainable and resilient futures.
Anchored on the theme, “Achieving Sustainable Futures: Transformative Higher Education for Human Capital, Innovation, and Global Responsibility,” the activity featured plenary discussions, breakout sessions, and exhibits highlighting programs and best practices from various education agencies and institutions, while aligning policies with the government’s innovation agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In her message, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis emphasized the importance of aligning institutional directions with national priorities.
“The Higher Education Summit 2026 provides a platform for deliberate alignment of policies, institutional strategies, and national priorities. It affirms our shared responsibility to strengthen governance, refine academic programs, and ensure that resources generate meaningful and lasting impact,” she said, adding that the strength of the nation depends on a strengthened higher education system supported by clear priorities and enabling mechanisms under the ACHIEVE Agenda for 2025–2030.
Meanwhile, CHED Commissioner Dr. Myrna Mallari underscored that meaningful collaboration among higher education leaders remains essential in addressing global and national challenges, noting that progress requires collective action and shared responsibility.
Comm Mallari stressed that universities and colleges must continue to serve as centers of knowledge, innovation, and responsible stewardship amid emerging global concerns, including economic and geopolitical pressures.
“Amid geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs, this reminds us that universities and colleges must continue to serve as centers of knowledge, innovation, and responsible stewardship,” she said.
During the summit, participants also participated in workshops on key areas including curriculum and student development, research and innovation, campus operations and community engagement, and governance and partnerships.
Through collaborative discussions, the groups also exchanged best practices and developed recommendations that will contribute to an SDG Blueprint intended to guide higher education institutions in strengthening and expanding sustainable development initiatives.
When asked about the relevance of the summit to the University’s direction, Dr. Jugo added that the discussions reflect NEUST’s continuing commitment to global competitiveness and inclusive development.
“The University’s vision and mission reflect this direction as we continue to advance knowledge and innovation, produce globally competitive graduates, and help transform communities toward inclusive progress as we work toward becoming a globally recognized NEUST,” Dr. Jugo said.
#SDG4QualityEducation
#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals
📸: Higher Education Summit 2026 Official Facebook Page
