UP Mindanao participated and contributed to marking a significant milestone in regional higher education collaboration in the 21st General Assembly of the Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN), hosted by the University of the Immaculate Conception – Bajada Campus on July 17, 2025.
Under the theme “Strengthening Roots, Reaching New Heights: DACUN’s Journey,” the 21st GA brought together academic leaders from Davao City and showcased the collective achievements and future aspirations of Davao’s premier higher education institutions.
UP Mindanao (UPMin) is a DACUN founding member among the current twelve member institutions, among which are: San Pedro College (SPC), Davao Doctors College (DDC), University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC), Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), University of Mindanao (UM), Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), Brokenshire College (BC), and Assumption College of Davao (ACD).
The UP Mindanao delegation, led by Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao, included Student Affairs director Associate Prof. Ligaya R. Leal, College Librarian Estela R. Dequito, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Mindanao Director Mr. Michael A. Gatela, who also represented the university’s Extension and Community Services, and Internationalization and Linkages Director, Assoc. Prof. Dennis John F. Sumaylo, and Public Relations Unit staff KC Ann Abella.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)- XI’s Dr. Christopher Pio Pulido, representing CHED – XI Regional Director Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, delivered the keynote remarks, wherein he presented the ACHIEVE Agenda, a strategic framework championed by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis aimed at transforming Philippine higher education.
The ACHIEVE agenda focuses on seven key pillars: Advanced Lifelong Learning Initiatives; Centralized Human Capital and Talent Development Planning; Harmonized Research and Development programs; Integrated Data Systems; Expanded Internationalization Strategies; Vitalized Internal Systems; and Enhanced Public Service Delivery.
DACUN president Prof. Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III of PWC presided over comprehensive reports from ten key committees, with new committee members inducted for the 2025-2026 term.
The reporting committees include Student Services, Research, Community Extension Services, Culture and Arts, Learning and Instruction, School Head, Registrar, Administration and Finance, Library, and Internationalization and Linkages.
The reports demonstrated the network’s broad scope in addressing regional educational needs and showcased the collaborative efforts of member institutions in advancing higher education standards across various disciplines and administrative functions.
The assembly marked a significant milestone with the induction of a new DACUN Board of Trustees for the 2025-2026 term. The newly-inducted trustees are led by Prof. Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III, PWC chancellor and chief operating officer, who now serves as President. Prof. Miguel D. Soledad, DDC president and chief executive officer, was named Vice President.
Fr. Karel S. San Juan, S.J., ADDU president, was inducted as Secretary, while Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr., USEP president, took on the role of Treasurer. Prof. Lyre Anni E. Murao now serves as Auditor.
Completing the board are the following trustees: Sr. Elvira D. Soleminio, M.A., ACD president; Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis, BC president; Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, SC, HCDC president; Sr. Aida T. Frencillo, OP, SPC president, Dr. Evelyn A. Magno, RMC president; Sr. Marissa R. Viri, RVM, UIC president; and Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., UM board chairman and president.
The assembly distinguished itself through the participants’ elegant display of Filipiniana and regionally-inspired formal wear, celebrating cultural identity alongside academic achievement.
The evening program featured performances by UP Mindanao’s Dance Ensemble and artistic presentations from San Pedro College, Holy Cross of Davao College, and Rizal Memorial Colleges. This cultural celebration reinforced the network’s commitment to preserving and promoting regional heritage while advancing academic excellence.
As DACUN continues strengthening its role in regional and national educational development, the 21st General Assembly demonstrated the power of inter-institutional collaboration. The assembly reinforced DACUN’s commitment to advancing higher education quality, research excellence, and community service across Davao Region, positioning the network as a vital force in Philippine academic development.
The Davao Colleges and Universities Network continues to serve as a collaborative platform for advancing higher education standards and fostering academic excellence throughout the region, with the newly inducted leadership team poised to guide the organization through its next chapter of growth and innovation.
The DACUN Board of Trustees take their oath of office administered by CHED-XI’s Dr. Pulido
