In partnership with the Human Resource Management & Development Office (HRMDO) headed by Prof. Abner L. Dellosa, the Sorsogon State University-Planning Management Office led by Dr. Catherine A. De Castro, spearheaded a 4-day Strategic Foresight, Planning, and Leadership Training-Workshop with the theme, “Capability Development Towards Innovation and SorSU’s Transformation in 2024 and Beyond” from November 14 to 17, 2023 at Gamboa’s Orchard, San Jose Malilipot, Albay.
The training-workshop aims to improve the leadership capabilities of the top and middle-level management team of SorSU, equip the participants with knowledge on strategic foresight in governance towards innovation and transformation in 2024 and the coming years, present and review the accomplishments of the university and craft the 2024 SorSU Annual Operational Plan.
SUC President III Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, together with SorSU’s top executives, Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (VP for Academic Affairs), Dr. Ryan V. Dio (VP for Research, Extension and Training), Mr. Gerald E. Fulay (VP for Administration and Finance), Dr. Telesforo Escoto (Campus Director-Sorsogon City Campus), Prof. Ellen Demdam (Campus Director-Bulan Campus), Prof. Andrew Detera (Campus Director-Castilla Campus), and Prof. Franklin Calaminos (Program Chair-Education and Entrepreneurship) in lieu of Prof. Lynn C. Mendoza (Campus Director-Magallanes Campus), as well as Directors, Deans, Unit Heads, Program Coordinators, Administrative & Finance personnel, and University Student Council (USC) leaders came together for this 4-day workshop-training.
During the 1st day session, VPA Gerald Fulay gave the welcome remarks, followed by the inspirational message by university President, Dr. De Jesus, who emphasized some points to remember:
“…struggles and hardships are normal ingredients of our daily lives… Keep in mind that the greater the hardships we surpassed, the higher the honor and rewards we will get. Applying these lessons to ourselves as one part of the university, the results will not only be for ourselves and families but also for the communities, the entire province and beyond. As an educational institution, we cannot foretell nor limit the magnitude of our impact to the lives of individuals and the trajectory of societies in the future. Wala na tayo pero ang mga kabutihang nagampanan natin ngayon ay patuloy pa ring mabubuhay at mapapakinabangan ng sangkatauhan. Yun ang napakahalagang bagay na dapat nating isaalang-alang”.
The emphasis on the significance of Leadership was also highlighted by University of Nueva Caceres President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, in her discussion on Leadership and Good Governance. She said that –
“…The university must have its own leadership philosophy. There should be no gap between the leadership plan, strategies and the mode of execution”. She also emphasized that “work is a virtue, but you have to ensure that you last long. Longevity is vital for the continuity of the university’s vision”.
Likewise, Dr. Lauraya stressed that “the university cannot transform if you do not have a servant leadership mindset”.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session focused on the topic, Leadership: Compassion Fatigue where Ms. Marylendra A. Penetrante of People4people Career Solutions reminded the participants that compassion fatigue manifests in sickness. She discussed the various phases of Compassion Fatigue, starting from the Zeal phase and ending on the Burnt-out phase. Knowing these phases will help the participants in crafting solutions limiting or preventing such from occurring.
The 2nd day activities focused on Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight where the participants utilized Foresight and Planning tools to generate strategic plans in their respective departments/units. The resource speakers were Dr. Michville A. Rivera (Dean of College of Public Administration and Governance – Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Director for Strategic Education and Board Member – Philippine Futures Thinking Society) and Ms. Andrea Francesca S. Camago (Secretariat and Program Manager – Philippine Futures Thinking Society). The participants crafted, presented and submitted their Futures Wheel and PESTLE outputs.
Lastly, on the 3rd and 4th day, the participants will focus on the university’s Annual Operational Planning and Budgeting Workshop. Dr. De Castro will present the PDP/RDP 2023-2028 and 2024 Plan based on the 2022-2026 Strategic Development Plan, the updated SWOT Analysis which will serve as inputs to the 2024 Annual Operational Planning and the institutional targets. Likewise, Mrs. Gloria B. Despuig (Budget Officer III) and Arch. Luisita F. Gegajo (Director, Project Management Office), Prof. Christine H. Ferolino (Director, R&D), Dr. Ana Cristina G. Fortes (Director, Extension and Training Services), the VPs, Campus Directors, and the Dean of the Graduate School will also discuss updates, targets and accomplishments. The outputs will form part of the 2024 Annual Operational Plan of the Sorsogon State University. The closing program will include the impressions and takeaways of the participants and the awarding of certificates. Dr. Ricafort (VP for Academic Affairs) will give the closing remarks. (SorSU PIO)
