Sunday, August 12, 2007

Pres. Sevilleja bares programs, thrusts

"CLSU must continue to lead the way in the promotion of quality education, the discovery of new knowledge, and the development of new products and technologies that are beneficial and vital to the growth and progress of our community and society."

Newly appointed CLSU President Dr. Ruben C. Sevilleja emphasized this vision-mission in his acceptance speech during the turn-over ceremony of the presidency at the University Auditorium last May 2.

Prior to this, he took his oath of office before the Commission on Higher Education Chairman Carlito S. Puno soon after he was selected as the 7th president of the 100-year-old Central Luzon State University last April 21.

The president is a noted educator, a renowned researcher and scientist, and a former Vice President for Academic Affairs of CLSU.

A CLSU alumnus graduating his BS in Agriculture major in agricultural economics in 1973, the new CLSU president rose from instructor to professor and researcher to vice president in his almost 33 years of service in the university.

Dr. Sevilleja holds an MS in Aquaculture Economics from Auburn University, Alabama, USA (1978) and a PhD in Development Economics from University of Wales Swansea, United Kingdom (1997).

"I am deeply honored and privileged to accept with humility the duties and responsibilities of the presidency of the Central Luzon State University," Dr. Sevilleja said.

"As new president, I must assume the responsibilities which my predecessors have discharged so well. I have to assess how I could meet the same stern test. Certainly, I must hope for the fullest measure of everybody’s unconditional cooperation and generous support," he pointed out.

Dr. Sevilleja recognized the university’s immediate past presidents, especially Dr. Fortunato A. Battad and Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan, with whom he worked in various administrative capacities in the university.

The new CLSU President identified four paramount tasks that the university needs to address through his leadership with the support and cooperation of the CLSU constituents.

These are (1) to continue to stimulate the quest for knowledge, (2) to transmit that knowledge to the university’s main clientele - the students, farmers and other stakeholders, (3) to remain the masters of that knowledge, and (4) to assess the values which this knowledge should enable CLSU constituents to serve.

He further said, "Universities have become the lynchpin of progress, have absorbed the function of intellectual leadership,and have become principal assets of our economy and our nation."

Dr. Sevilleja pledged to provide a strong and dedicated leadership and hard work to (1) sustain academic excellence, (2) pursue excellence in research and development, (3) expand and intensify extension and community services, (4) participate in national priority thrusts and concerns, (5) upgrade and modernize physical facilities and resources, (6) optimize operational efficiency and effectiveness, (7) improve student welfare and services, (8) enhance faculty and staff welfare, (9) broaden access to higher education, and (10) intensify and expand resource generation programs.

He likewise enjoined the CLSU constituents to help make CLSU a pro-people university and a proactive and engaged partner for progress.

"With focus and resolve, all university constituents and stakeholders must work together in harmony to secure the brightest future for our institution while fulfilling our responsibility to the people and our country", Dr. Sevilleja also said.

Pres. Sevilleja marks 100th day!

Accomplishments and initiatives ranging from preparation of a work plan and timetable for the finalization of the University Strategic Plan to effecting operational and management efficiency and effectiveness are among the major concerns addressed within the first 100 days of President Ruben C. Sevilleja.

Since May 2, 2007, when he accepted the key of responsibility in leading CLSU from Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan, during a simple turn over ceremony, there was never an idle day for Pres. Sevilleja. He buckled down to work since then in keeping with his pledge of "providing strong leadership and dedicated work" for the welfare of the university, its constituents and clientele.
Following are the highlights of accomplishments during President Sevilleja’s first 100 days.

I. Improved Governance
· Preparation of work and financial plans by office and by program as basis of operation for the period of July to December 2007, and as budgetary benchmark for Fiscal Year 2008.
· Submission of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008 to the Commission on Higher Education and to the Department of Budget and Management (Region III).
· Issuance of a directive for the implementation of cost-cutting measures to generate savings as embodied in the approved Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA).
· A manpower review is on-going for non-academic contractual personnel aimed at rationalizing the number, work assignment, and salary rates, with the ultimate objective of arriving at a reasonable number commensurate to university’s financial capability without sacrificing the overall quality of service.
· Issuance of designations to top level management officials (VPs and Deans/Directors levels). Some changes and realignment/reassignment of program leadership were made.
· Initiated the review of the university’s organizational management structure.

II. Sustained Academic Excellence
· Implemented a computerized enrolment and registration system developed by the Office of Admission for incoming freshmen.
· Developed and finalized MS and Ph D programs in Renewable Energy Systems under the Open University; Certificate in Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medicine in response to the government’s Education Tourism Program.
· Developed a proposal for re upgrading of facilities and equipment for academic and research programs.
· Signed an agreement with the university and Norway for the implementation of an Academic and Research Exchange Program.

III. Knowledge Pursuit
· Carried out (10) new studies; nine (9) training programs in various areas of concern
· Conducted the Annual In-House Review for Completed and On-going Researches last June 8, 2007.
· Constituted a working committee to develop a Bioenergy R & D Program for submission to national and international agencies for possible funding.

IV. Enhanced Development Impact
· The CLSU Center for Central Luzon Studies initiated a study on the problems and opportunities of rice farmers in Nueva Ecija.
· Constituted working committees to conceptualize a Model Rice Drying Facility to be operated by the University Agribusiness Office to serve as a showcase to demonstrate its technical and economic feasibility; and to develop a proposal on Poverty Alleviation and Enhancement of Food Security through Sustainable Technologies to be spearheaded by an Institute of Sustainable Technologies.

V. Proactive Engagement
· Reached an agreement with the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) for the grant of mobile refrigerated vans for onions, dairy products and fish to be operated by CLSU. This program is a component of the National Cold Chain Program under the Department of Agriculture.
· Developed a 13-ha cultivation and demonstration project for Chinese Hybrid Rice Production in partnership with the Beidahuang Seed Group under the umbrella agreement between CLSU and General Bureau of Land Reclamation of Heilonjiang Province of PROC.
· Extended the IMPACT Project of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme being implemented with the Science City of Muñoz.
· Assigned to the College of Business Administration the development of a training course on Cooperative Management to cater to the skills and management training needs of officers of cooperatives. This course is intended to be conducted in partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) for officers of cooperatives involved in the carabao upgrading program.
. Signed an agreement with the Commission on Information and Communication Technology for the implementation of the "iSchool Project" to be implemented by the Information Systems Institute.