University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo and Board Secretary Dr. Franklin Dumayas represented the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) during the opening ceremony of the Elevating Leadership and Institutional Capacity towards Excellence in Philippine Higher Education (ELITE-PHE) on September 7, 2026.

The program is designed to strengthen the competencies of leaders of state universities and colleges (SUCs) as they take on greater responsibilities in navigating the complex demands of higher education.

The program emphasizes leadership competencies relevant to advancing research and innovation and delivering inclusive, high-quality education that prepares Filipino graduates for a competitive world.

In a post on her official Facebook page, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis underscored the critical role of institutional leaders in translating policies and frameworks into concrete and meaningful action.

“A policy can establish a direction. A framework can provide guidance. Resources can make implementation possible. But institutional leaders still have to make the crucial decisions,” Agrupis stated in her social media post.

Implemented in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), ELITE-PHE provided a platform for SUC leaders to exchange insights and strengthen their capacity to navigate emerging challenges in higher education.

The initiative advances the “C” of the Commission on Higher Education’s ACHIEVE Agenda—Centralized One Nation Human Capital Development Plan—by developing leaders who can guide institutions, shape policies, advance innovation, and translate reforms into tangible gains for Filipino learners.

For NEUST, participation in ELITE-PHE reinforces the University’s commitment to effective institutional leadership and governance while remaining responsive to the changing demands of higher education.

The University’s participation in ELITE-PHE likewise supports NEUST’s BRIDGE initiative by enhancing leadership capacities that contribute to responsive governance, innovation, and sustained institutional development.

“Attending this training has deepened my understanding of the important role of Board Secretaries in good governance and in ensuring continuity within an institution. Preserving institutional memory through proper documentation of decisions, actions, and records is essential to promoting accountability and ensuring that institutions remain grounded in their history,” Dr. Dumayas said in an interview.

“As a university president, the program reinforced my ability to align strategy with technology, reskill faculty and staff, implement data‑informed systems for student success, and strengthen operational resilience with ethical governance for AI use. AI should augment—not replace—human judgment; final decisions must remain grounded in professional expertise, institutional policy, and accountability,” Dr. Jugo reiterated.

The engagement further provided NEUST leaders with opportunities to gain perspectives on strategic leadership, innovation, and institutional resilience that may contribute to the University’s continuing pursuit of quality, adaptability, and sustainable growth.

Through engagements that broaden the perspectives and capacities of its leaders, NEUST continues to advance its commitment to building a more agile, collaborative, and future-ready institution.

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Sources: Office of the CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis Official Facebook Page, Development Academy of the Philippines LINANG Official Website