President Jugo calls for unity, accountability, and actionable solutions as university leaders review accomplishments and address institutional priorities

The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) officially launched the Administrative Council (ADCO) Mid-Year Planning 2026 at the Gabaldon Campus on July 2–3, bringing together university administrators, deans, directors and unit heads to evaluate institutional performance and formulate strategies for the second half of the year.

The opening session was marked by a strong call for unity, collaboration, and accountability from University President Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo, who challenged university leaders to transform institutional concerns into concrete and measurable actions.

“Our goal is not to identify who is at fault. Our goal is to identify institutional problems and develop institutional solutions,” Dr. Jugo emphasized during her keynote address.

President Jugo underscored that the planning activity was designed to encourage honest dialogue rather than assign blame. Drawing from the pre-planning consultations, she noted that although university offices perform different functions, they face remarkably similar and interconnected challenges that require coordinated institutional responses.

According to the President, these issues affect nearly every aspect of university operations—from instruction, research, extension, and production to accreditation and student welfare—making collaborative planning more essential than ever.

She urged participants to ensure that every issue identified during the planning sessions would result in a concrete action plan with designated responsible offices, realistic timelines, and measurable outcomes.

“Our objective is to leave this planning activity with actions, timelines, and commitments,” she emphasized.

President Jugo underscored that the planning activity was designed to encourage honest dialogue rather than assign blame. Drawing from pre-planning consultations, she noted that while university offices perform different functions, they face common challenges that require coordinated institutional responses. She noted that discussions held during the pre-planning consultations revealed that while each office performs different functions, many of the challenges confronting them are remarkably similar and interconnected.

She concluded her message by expressing gratitude to the University’s administrators, faculty, staff, and members of the governing board for their unwavering commitment to institutional excellence. She expressed confidence that the Mid-Year Planning would strengthen collaboration and produce meaningful outcomes that will benefit the entire NEUST community.

University Maintains Financial Stability Amid Fiscal Challenges

Providing an overview of the University’s fiscal performance, Ms. Mary Rose M. Santos of the Budget Office and Mr. Eduardo R. Guillasper Jr. of the Finance Office presented the institution’s financial accomplishments for the period of January to June 2026.

Despite the reduction in the University’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) brought about by government austerity measures, they reported that NEUST remains financially stable through prudent fiscal management and efficient resource utilization.

The report emphasized that responsible financial stewardship will continue to sustain the University’s academic programs, research initiatives, extension services, and administrative operations throughout the year.

Institutional Performance Surpasses Target

The Planning and Development Office, represented by Ms. Kathleen Rose Y. Jose, presented the University’s physical accomplishments and performance indicators under the FY 2026 PREXC Performance Review.

As of July 1, 2026, NEUST achieved an overall accomplishment rate of 73.48 percent, surpassing the 70-percent target established under the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA).

Meanwhile, Dr. Kenneth L. Armas, Director of the Planning and Development Office, presented the proposed Resolution Matrix, which consolidated the outputs of the pre-planning workshops into key institutional concern areas requiring immediate action.

Among the priority areas identified were human resources and staffing, facilities and infrastructure, and digital systems and automation. The proposed resolutions were deliberated by the Administrative Council and subsequently approved, refined, or endorsed for further study.

The morning session concluded with a reaffirmation that the University’s greatest strength lies in its shared commitment to excellence, responsible governance, and collaborative leadership.

Afternoon Session Highlights Accomplishments Across Colleges and Offices

The afternoon session focused on the presentation of accomplishment reports from various colleges, campuses, and administrative offices, highlighting significant achievements and best practices that contributed to the University’s overall performance during the first half of the year.

Among those who presented their accomplishment reports were Atty. Eric G. Claudio, Director of the Office of International Affairs; Ar. Gregorio L. Villaviza, Dean of the College of Architecture; Dr. Olive Chester C. Antonio, Dean of the College of Public Administration and Disaster Management; Ms. Rhea Lyn F. La Peña, Head of the Production Office; Engr. Jeric R. Aduna, Dean of the College of Engineering; Dr. Marilene C. Hipolito, University Research Director; Dr. Analyn M. Gamit, Director of the Quality Assurance Office; Atty. Gerald A. Quijano, Campus Director of the Atate Campus; and Dr. Elenita R. Paet, Director of the Moral Recovery and Spiritual Uplift Program.

The session also recognized recipients of various institutional awards, honoring individuals and offices for their exemplary performance and valuable contributions in advancing NEUST’s mission of excellence in instruction, research, extension, production, and governance.

As Day 1 concluded, university leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing institutional priorities through strategic planning, responsible governance, and collaborative action.

NEUST Mid-Year Planning Day 2 Highlights Environmental Stewardship and Strategic Direction

The second day of the NEUST ADCO Mid-Year Planning combined environmental stewardship with strategic planning as university officials and administrators participated in activities that reinforced the institution’s commitment to sustainability and future-focused development.

The day opened with a Synchronized Tree-Planting Activity in support of the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research, Development and Extension Consortium (CLAARDEC) as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The initiative also formed part of NEUST’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land.

Carrying the theme “Connecting Science, Society, and Sustainability,” the activity brought together university officials and administrators in planting fruit-bearing trees, symbolizing growth, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. Through this initiative, NEUST joined fellow CLAARDEC member institutions in promoting sustainable practices and reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and community development.

Following the tree-planting activity, Ms. Laida May S. Bartolome of the Planning and Development Office presented a comprehensive recap and synthesis of the first day’s discussions. Her presentation highlighted the key issues, insights, and commitments identified during the opening sessions and provided participants with a clear transition from identifying institutional concerns to developing strategic actions and measurable outcomes.

The morning session continued with the presentation of the University’s 2027 Institutional Targets by Dr. Kenneth L. Armas, Director of the Planning and Development Office. He presented the University’s strategic priorities and key performance targets for 2027, emphasizing the need for all colleges, campuses, and administrative offices to align their programs, projects, and initiatives with NEUST’s vision of academic excellence, responsive governance, and sustainable development.

The activity was graced by the visit of Congressman Julius Cesar Vergara, District Representative of the 3rd District of Nueva Ecija, representing Hon. Jude A. Acidre, Chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education. In his message, he highlighted the importance of strategic planning in strengthening government institutions and reaffirmed his support for the higher education sector, recognizing NEUST’s vital role in nation-building through quality education, research, and innovation.

In her closing remarks, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo expressed her heartfelt appreciation to all participants and university officials for their active participation and invaluable contributions throughout the day’s activities. She acknowledged the collective efforts of the University’s leadership, faculty, and staff in ensuring the success of the Mid-Year Planning and encouraged everyone to sustain the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility as the institution moves forward in achieving its strategic goals. President Jugo emphasized that the success of the University’s plans depends not only on well-crafted strategies but also on the commitment of every member of the NEUST community to transform these plans into meaningful action.

As the Mid-Year Planning continues, NEUST remains steadfast in fostering collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and sustainable initiatives that will strengthen the University’s role as a leading institution in education, research, extension, and innovation.

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