by Leo G. Almonte, MDC
The West Visayas State University hosted the 2nd Futures Thinking Seminar-Workshop last February 17, 2023, at the Diversion 21 Hotel,Iloilo City.
Aklan State University, Capiz State University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, Central Philippines State University, Guimaras State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, Northern Iloilo State University, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, University of Antique and West Visayas State University participated in the high-level workshop represented by their university presidents and vice presidents.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz welcomed the participants in his address, while Dr. Raul F. Muyong gave a message afterward. Mr. Emmanuel De Guia, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Networking PhilsFutures, provided an overview of the activity and expected output, together with Ms. Jalaine Joyce Malabanan, PhilFutures Chief.
The seminar-workshop aims to produce capstone projects on each institution’s research niche anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals and regional development priorities. Participating HEIs in the region came together to identify an emerging Futures Agenda, mainly geared towards institutional capstone projects.
Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz presented WVSU’s capstone project entitled “Mental Wellness for Resilient Filipinos,” a research-based initiative to institutionalize solutions to mental wellness in the region. The presentation identified the problem, competitive landscape, solutions, framework, work plan, timeline, and key metrics.
Participants came up with recommendations to sustain the Futures Agenda and ensure the implementation of their action plan. Building a “Futures Thinking culture” through the facilitation of seminars among faculty, research enthusiasts, and students; and enhancement of middle managers’ skills in risk management and governance are among the recommended action points agreed upon by the participants.