“Excellence in education means more than high test scores or impressive rankings. It encompasses our students’ holistic development, nurturing their intellect, character, and values. Let us strive to create an environment where our students are inspired to reach their full potential, where innovation is encouraged, and where critical thinking is fostered.” Thus quipped Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, University President, as he addressed the Saint Louis University (SLU) Management Team during the first day of the Annual Management Review (AMR) Part 1 for Academic Year 2023-2024.
Held on 29 to 30 May 2024 at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, the AMR seeks to ensure continuous pursuit of Missio et Excellentia by having the SLU Management Team engage in an in-depth assessment and review of the outgoing Academic Year vis a vis a crucial planning for the incoming one.
Rev. Fr. Sales then expressed gratitude to the Management Team saying, “Your hard work, cooperation, and coordination have been nothing short of exemplary.”
Highlighting that the AMR is a “crucial institutional activity,” the University President reminded the Management Team to reaffirm the key values of commitment to excellence, student-centered approach, collaboration and unity, ethical leadership and social responsibility, and Christ-centeredness.
Moreover, Rev. Fr. Sales mentioned, to guarantee longevity and relevance of the institution, the incoming Academic Year shall focus on the following areas: access for our students, resilience through innovation, infrastructure support, financial stability and sustainability, as well as internationalization and inclusion. “Let us move forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, together, we will inspire, innovate, and lead,” he remarked.
An audiovisual presentation was thereafter shown exhibiting and celebrating SLU’s continuing journey towards Catholic integral formation and global excellence.
Afterwards, Vice President for Finance Roberto M. Arguelles, PhD, who also serves as the Quality Management Head, facilitated the Strategic Plan Midterm Review which pressed on the review of SLU Mission-Vision Statement, Quality Policy Statement, Core Values, and Strategic Goals. The Survey for the review of the University Vision and Mission Statement is still ongoing and the form can be accessed via: https://forms.gle/bTvYjrqGadYvVxBT9.
Dr. Arguelles said that the outgoing Academic Year focused on establishing innovation structures; hence, “ next year, we will see results.”
The second day commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Emery Mwako, CICM, together with Rev. Fr. Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM and Rev. Fr. Sales. This was immediately followed by the “Directions and Targets for AY 2024-2025” presentations of the various clusters namely:
- Academic Cluster by the different deans/heads:
– Basic Education School by Principal Alejandro Pablico,
– School of Accounting, Management and Computing Studies by Dean Glory Dela Peña,
– School of Advanced Studies by Dean Faridah Kristi Wetherick,
– School of Engineering and Architecture by Dean Jeffrey Des Binwag,
– School of Law by Dean Jerico Gay-ya,
– School of Medicine by Dean John Anthony Domantay,
– School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences by Dean Ann Opiña,
– School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts by Dean Mary Pauline Namoca, and
– Academic Support Cluster by University Research and Innovation Center Director Richel Lamadrid. - Mission and Identity Cluster by Rev. Fr. Emery Mwako, CICM, Vice President for Mission and Identity;
- Administration Cluster by Center of Counselling and Wellness Director Corazon Kawi;
- Audit Cluster by Internal Auditor Edwardo Kidayan;
- Finance Cluster by Asset Management, Inventory, and Control Officer Joseph Ong; and
- Hospital Cluster by SLU- Sacred Heart Medical Center Hospital Administrator Paul Adlai Quitiquit.
After the presentations, Rev. Fr. Sales gave his response to the “substantial and profound reports”.
Thereafter, AY 2024-2025 Program Implementation was tackled by Dr. Arguelles prior to the Cluster Management Review.
The holding of the Management Review ascertains that all operations, programs, and projects of all University units are aligned towards genuine and inclusive excellence, geared toward innovations, and strategized for a future-proof institution.
Photos by Riane Kenneth Gengania
