Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) through its College President Augie E. Fuentes is attending the Higher Education Summit 2026, which opened on March 10 and continues until March 12 at the SMX Convention Center Clark in Pampanga. The activity is organized by the Commission on Higher Education in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology.
The gathering brings together leaders from universities and colleges, government offices, and partner institutions to discuss current issues and directions in higher education. This year’s summit carries the theme “Achieving Sustainable Futures: Transformative Higher Education for Human Capital, Innovation, and Global Responsibility.”
The opening program included messages from several education and government leaders. Among those who spoke were Bulacan State University President Dr. Teody San Andres, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson Jude Acidre, and Senator Loren Legarda, who heads the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education.
In her keynote address, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis discussed the ACHIEVE pathway, a framework that outlines priority actions for higher education institutions in the coming years. Her presentation focused on strengthening academic programs, expanding learning opportunities, and encouraging institutions to respond to social and economic needs.
Panel discussions followed the opening program. Speakers raised topics such as flexible learning programs, microcredentials, workforce development, research priorities, and improvements in digital systems used by higher education institutions. Participants also discussed how universities and colleges can work more closely with government agencies and industry partners.
The summit continues today with sessions under the SDG Action Summit on Higher Education, Science, and Technology, which looks at how institutions can contribute to national development through research, innovation, and community programs. Workshops and discussions are also being held on curriculum development, student support systems, research initiatives, and institutional partnerships.
Exhibit areas within the venue feature projects and research outputs from participating institutions and agencies.
Through its participation in the summit, DSSC takes part in national discussions on the future of higher education. The conversations during the event relate to Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, which encourage cooperation among institutions working toward inclusive and sustainable development.
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