LEADERS from 284 state universities and colleges and local universities and colleges celebrated the culmination of their transformative journey through the Global Academic Leadership Program on November 29, 2023.

This collaborative initiative between the Commission on Higher Education and the Asian Institute of Management aimed to equip leaders with the skills needed to navigate the intricate landscape of 21st-century education, shaped by globalization, technology, and social concerns.

During the intensive 40-day online program, SUC and LUC presidents, alongside CHED officials, were immersed in frameworks, principles, and innovative tools tailored to addressing contemporary challenges.

This comprehensive approach prepared them to handle stakeholder concerns, promote collaborative governance, and strategically transform their institutions into dynamic learning organizations.

The graduation ceremony, hosted at the AIM campus in Makati City, was graced by distinguished figures such as AIM President Jikyeong Kang, CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III, and SUC and LUC Program Directors Prof. Federico Macaranas and Prof. Nieves Confesor.

“GALP is more than a program; it’s a catalyst for change. As these leaders graduate, they carry with them the tools to shape a future where education adapts to the demands of our time, driven by innovation and sustainability,” AIM President Jikyeong Kang said.

SUC and LUC presidents commended De Vera’s leadership, highlighting his commitment to their development through budget allocation for programs like GALP.

They also applauded AIM for its exceptional program design, qualified faculty, and conducive learning environment.

“The objective of this program is quite simple – we recognize that the challenges facing academic leaders in higher education are very broad and numerous,” said De Vera.

“They deal with a wide range of stakeholders – students and their parents, faculty, alumni, local governments, audit and budget agencies, legislators, even informal settlers who illegally occupy their campuses. It is very difficult to convert an academician into a President or Vice President of the university because the training for professors is very different from the training for administrators.”

Now equipped as agile problem solvers, these graduates are poised to respond adeptly to the challenges posed by globalization, technology, and human-centered concerns outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Empowered with the ability to lead their institutions, they are tasked with delivering quality tertiary education, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable transformation.