AMSC joins 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) National Convention

Manila, Philippines (July 14, 2026) — Representing the higher education sector of the Bangsamoro region, Adiong Memorial State College (AMSC) actively participated in the opening days of the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly. The high-profile event, which commenced on July 13 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, gathered over 1,000 academic executives, policymakers, and university presidents under the theme, "Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures."

AMSC was represented by its State College President, Dr. Sherifa Rohannie K. Adiong, attending in her capacity as the PASUC BARMM Regional Chair.

During the event's high-level discussions, Dr. Adiong utilized the national platform to raise critical, localized issues affecting state colleges in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Specifically, she brought to the forefront the unique governance structure of AMSC, emphasizing that while the college operates within the BARMM territory, it legally falls under the jurisdiction of the national Commission on Higher Education (CHED), rather than the regional Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE).

The convention’s first day featured a premier national dialogue moderated by EDCOM II Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee. The panel featured heavyweights in Philippine education, including honorable Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, TESDA Director-General, Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose B. Bautista, Education Policy Expert and former CHED Commissioner.

The discussion focused heavily on aligning the country’s basic, technical-vocational, and higher education sectors to build a more competitive workforce.

A major highlight of the discussion led by Dr. Karol Yee and Sec. Sonny Angara—the author of the historic Anti-Bullying Act of 2013—was the critical need to enforce safe learning environments and combat bullying within schools.

To support this cultural shift, AMSC is slated to fortify its security measures and basic administrative foundations to guarantee a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all students and faculty members.

The convention continued into Day 2 with a focus on "Strategic Administration, Accountability, and Governance Innovation for Future-Ready SUCs." High-ranking government officials—including Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Hon. Frederick A. Vida, CHED Commissioner Myrna Q. Mallari, PAG-IBIG Fund VP Atty. Ronaldo A. Geron, and Assistant Solicitor General Hon. James L. Cundangan—shared vital insights on legal accountability and administrative excellence.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Hon. Arsenio M. Balisacan also delivered a plenary talk emphasizing that SUCs must evolve beyond merely expanding student access to actively driving regional economies, promoting research, and building long-term national competitiveness.

With PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo being reelected to an unprecedented fifth term to ensure leadership continuity, AMSC's active participation solidifies its commitment to translating national reforms into impactful local developments for the Bangsamoro community.

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