A SENIOR official of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines  has completed an executive leadership program at the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education of the University of Pennsylvania through a grant from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Dr. Anna Ruby Gapasin, vice president for research, extension, and development, said the program reinforced the importance of human-centered leadership in public institutions.

While technology can improve efficiency, Gapasin stressed that values such as empathy, trust, and social connection remain vital to effective public education leadership.

She emphasized that fostering psychological safety and a sense of belonging among faculty and staff “is a strategic priority, as these human factors sustain innovation, resilience, and performance in resource-constrained public institutions.”

Gapasin added that integrating global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly quality education, will help guide PUP’s future governance as it balances technological advancement with its mission of inclusive and ethical education.

Her participation was supported by CHED’s Higher Education Upskilling and Study for Advancement of Staff and Faculty program, which aims to strengthen leadership and governance in state universities amid post-pandemic challenges and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.

The training comes as PUP positions itself as a prospective National Polytechnic University and deepens its engagement in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence ethics and governance.