From 12 to 13 February 2026, the Saint Louis University (SLU) administration convened for the Midyear Performance Review and Evaluation (MPRE) held at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, SLU Main Campus. The goal of this event was to present the progress of the different units and clusters toward milestones that reflect the University’s dedication to mission and excellence– Missio et Excellentia.
SLU President, Rev Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, in his opening remarks, imparted his wisdom stating, “True leadership transcends structure. It is reflected in our influence, credibility, and the ability to mobilize people towards a shared vision.” He underscored the meaning and significance of leadership within the administration and among students. In his conclusion, he encouraged resilience and conviction. “May we then continue to live out authentic leadership not only in the attainment of all our KRAs, KPIs, and planned activities but in our everyday choices. Let us be the leaders we, ourselves, would willingly follow— visible not only in moments of comfort but more so in moments that test our resolve, challenge our character, and require us to lead with both conviction and compassion,” he remarked.
The Director of the SLU Office of Institutional Development and Quality Assurance (OIDQA), Hector L. Martin, PhD, then provided a brief review of the proposed action plans in the last Annual Performance Review and Evaluation (APRE). In outlining the objectives and setting the guidelines for the review, he also stated that the final stretch of the University’s 2022-2027 strategic plans will be elaborated on in the session.
MPRE Day 1
The performance reports of the Academic Cluster were presented first by the respective deans/ heads of offices of each School and the academic support units:
- Basic Education School (BEds) – Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico, Principal
- School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) – Glory I. Dela Peña, PhD
- School of Advanced Studies (SAS) – Faridah Kristi Cabbigat-Wetherick, PhD
- School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) – Engr. Jeffrey Des B. Binwag
- School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) – Ann P. Opiña, PhD
- School of Law (SOL) – Atty. Yasmine Lee R. Tadeo
- School of Medicine (SOM) – Dr. John Anthony A. Domantay
- School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) – Mary Pauline E. Namoca, PhD
- Office of Global Relations, Alumni Affairs, and Scholarship Programs (OGRAASP) – Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD
- University Libraries – Ms. Joey G. Gapasin
- University Registrar’s Office – Andrew S. Macalma, PhD
- Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension Center (RISE Center) – Richel L. Lamadrid, PhD
Ending MPRE Day 1, SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, PhD, presented the overall standing of the University in terms of sustained quality instruction, including the development of facilities. Dr. Espique essentially highlighted how the University has undergone community transformation through its innovative objectives. She drew the first session to a close by referencing the university’s achievements in the World Ratings and World Rankings. “This is a testament to the collective synergy of our University,” she said.
MPRE Day 2
The second day commenced with the presentation of the Mission and Identity Cluster, represented by SLU Vice President for Mission and Identity Rev. Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, CICM. As he outlined the cluster’s performance, he emphasized the need for “critical reflection and personal appropriation of faith” in advancing missionary identity and character. The units presented include:
- Center for Campus Ministry – Ms. Mary Glenda Rafanan
- University Outreach Program Office (UOPO) – Ms. Charmaine Mendoza
- Museum of Igorot Cultures and Arts (MICA) – Center for Indigenous Studies – Gaston Kibiten, PhD
- Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center (SCYWC) – Ms. Jennifer Garcia
Fr. Mwako highlighted the success of university initiatives in advancing CICM advocacies and missionary priorities. He said, “Mission identity is one of the aspects that makes us different from other educational institutions.”
Subsequently, the progress reports of the Administration Cluster were summarized by the SLU Vice President for Administration, Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced. Her discussion expounded on the reports of the following units:
- Campus Planning, Maintenance, and Security Department (CPMSD) – Mr. Jeffrey James Gamit
- Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) – Ms. Normita Rio-Pablico
- Data Protection Office (DPO) – Cecilia Mercado, PhD
- Information Systems and Technology Service Department (ISTSD) – Cecilia Mercado, PhD
- Center for Sports Development (CSD) – Ms. Honey Jerelyn Garcia
- Center for Counselling and Wellness (CCW) – Ms. Marie Ellami Refuerzo
- Human Resource Department (HRD) – Mr. Jeremy Lee Dela Cruz
- Health Services Unit (HSU) – Dr. Hosanna Mae Pajela
- SLU Residence Halls – Ms. Blesilda Braganza
- Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) – Ms. Mary Catherine Quintos
- Talged Center – Ms. Geraldine Saril
- Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) – Atty. Johanne Margarette Macob
Atty. Merced detailed how the cluster has fared in keeping up with the dynamic educational landscape. “In order for us to be relevant, we have to be responsive to the needs of the ‘now’, while looking into the future introspectively,” she said. Atty. Merced wrapped up the report with a call for the Administration to maintain its foresight in delivering excellent and responsive student services while also being a more human-centered SLU.
The Finance Cluster continued with a presentation from Assistant Treasurer, Mr. Allan Frank Silva.
The President’s Cluster also shared their performance reports, comprising the
- Office of Internal Auditor (OIA) – Ms. Delia Latawan
- University Information Office (UIO) – Atty. Johanne Margarette Macob
- Office of Institutional Development and Quality Assurance (OIDQA) – Mr. Hector Martin
The Hospital Cluster report was then presented by Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) Medical Center Chief Dr. Paul Adlai Quitquit, Hospital Administrator Dr. Myrna Espiritu, OIC Chief Nurse Fidel Bautista, and Finance Department Head Jennifer Balagot. Dr. Quitiquit noted on the achievement indicators for the hospital to further align with national health policies and foster more partnerships.
After the presentation of the different clusters, SLU Vice President for Finance, Roberto M. Arguelles, PhD, shared the Operations and Budget Performance Report for the various clusters from 2022-2026. He ended by emphasizing, “Our managerial responsibility is equal to our managerial accountability.”
Fr. Sales presented the resolutions as he addressed the areas for improvement in each unit, offering his own insights and requests. He also stressed the importance of preparing for eventualities. “Let us be audacious… so that we can have innovation and effective leadership,” he said.
As the MPRE concluded, preparations for the upcoming Annual Performance Review and Evaluation were shared by the Co-chair of the Strategic and Institutional Development Committee, Geraldine Wakat, PhD; and the discussion of the University’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan by Dr. Arguelles. (Article by Kassandra Lucero, UIO Intern | Photos by Mariam Santos, UIO Intern)
