Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, Ph.D., University President, delivered his State of the University Address (SOUA) on August 1, 2025, during the Gawad San Luis for Employees at the James Ter Meer Gymnasium of the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao. His address was more than a report of accomplishments. It was a story of transformation, a vision of what the university has become and what it aspires to be.
From the beginning of his message, Fr. Maniwang delivered an inspiring reminder that the university’s achievements, represented by numbers and statistics, are only part of its story. It is also the strength of its people, the resilience displayed in classrooms, the quiet dedication behind research breakthroughs, and the everyday acts of kindness, often unseen, that profoundly shape lives and define the true spirit of the university.
He described the past academic year as a journey filled with trials, questions, and a shared desire to serve. The SY 2024 to 2025, as he described it, was not easy. However, the path was filled with purpose and the pursuit of greatness, not as separate individuals but as one united Louisian community. According to Fr. Maniwang, the university’s future should be guided by goals and the values it upholds. These values are faith, excellence, and hope, carried by people who believe in the institution’s mission.
Looking back, he highlighted significant accomplishments that defined the previous year. Under the thrust of Mission and Excellence, the university strengthened its Christian formation programs and Christian Faith Education. Community engagement efforts were deepened through meaningful partnerships with adopted communities. New extension activities were introduced, opening doors for outreach efforts that offered long-term impact and mutual growth.
Under People Excellence, the university strongly supported Employee Development Programs and Wellness Initiatives for Physical and Mental Health, and it continued to promote open dialogue with our employees and students to listen to their issues and concerns. One of the most meaningful transformations was in leadership visibility. Administrators became more accessible to students, faculty, and staff. These moments reflected the leadership’s willingness to listen and respond with empathy.
In the area of Academic Excellence, the university sustained strong University Rankings and improved board examination results. International partnerships also expanded, creating more opportunities for collaboration and exchange. Basic Education stood out at national and international levels due to consistent dedication and strong instructional practices.
Institutional Excellence also took significant steps forward. The university made visible progress in its transition to ISO 21001:2018 certification. This action strengthened the institution’s commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement. Campus infrastructure was enhanced to serve the needs of the community more effectively. One of the proudest moments came when the university was named a finalist for the Kapatiran Award by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). Among 46 institutions, only 11 were selected as finalists. USLT was the only Catholic school among them.
The Address also gave attention to the recent discussions surrounding the “Freedom Wall.” Fr. Maniwang took the opportunity to affirm the value of open expression in the university. However, he reminded the community that freedom must be exercised with responsibility. Communication, when done with truth and respect, can build understanding and unity. He encouraged all Louisians to speak with purpose and to act with compassion. As a Catholic institution, the university calls on its members to reflect dignity in words and actions.
The speech then turned toward the future. Fr. Maniwang laid out the strategic thrusts for School Year 2025 to 2026. These thrusts are designed to carry the university forward with direction, courage, and commitment.
The first priority is Faith-Inspired Campus Life and Formation. The university seeks to deepen spiritual growth through retreats, formation programs, and reflection activities. These experiences will help develop a culture rooted in humility, compassion, and spiritual depth. Efforts will also be made to hold retreats outside the campus with time for rest and recreation every two years. Fr. Maniwang also urged the VPMI office to champion more programs under the said thrust.
The second thrust is focused on Students’ Welfare and Well-being. Fr. Maniwang stressed that students are central to all institutional efforts. Their safety, personal growth, and sense of belonging will remain fundamental concerns. Programs for mental health, mentoring, and inclusive support will be expanded. Various departments, including OSAS and the Guidance and Counseling Office, are expected to work together to make the university a more student-centered institution.
Staff Upskilling and Reskilling form the third priority. Recognizing that the university’s strength lies in its people, the administration will invest in staff development through digital training and a leadership development track. The office of the Human Resource Management and Services will lead these endeavors, with support from academic heads and administrators. There is a clear intention to align these programs with industry needs and emerging technologies. Faculty members and staff will also be supported in improving their subject expertise and adapting to changes in education, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence. This School Year 2025–2026, new programs are being developed that are industry-centered and industry-aligned.
The fourth priority is Digital Transformation and Smart Campus Development. The university continues to improve its facilities and technological infrastructure. Within a month, all classrooms in the Basic Education School will be equipped with CCTV cameras. An escalator will be installed at the BCJ campus. The chapel at BCJ will be remodeled to provide a more welcoming space for prayer and reflection. Internet connectivity across the main campus will be improved. A four-storey Condotel will soon rise, offering housing for students, faculty, and other members of the community. True to the university’s missionary thrust, the payment system for the Condotel will be designed to remain affordable and considerate of the needs of students and personnel. If space allows, it will also accommodate visitors. A grotto, the largest among all CICM schools, will be built near the carpentry shop to serve as a spiritual landmark for the Louisian community.
The fifth thrust is Internationalization and Global Linkages. The university is actively building partnerships with institutions around the world. Faculty and student exchange programs are being strengthened. Academic heads and the Office of Glocal Partnerships and Engagement are working together to establish more meaningful collaborations. With the support of the Board of Trustees, a new name for the institution may be proposed in the future, one that reflects a broader and more global identity.
The final thrust is Innovation and Sustainability. The creation of the Advancement Office marks a strong step toward long-term development. The university is calling all departments to implement sustainability practices in daily operations. Innovation will not be limited to infrastructure or curriculum. It must begin with people. Fr. Maniwang encouraged everyone to accept change, face discomfort, and respond to challenges with courage.
He asked every Louisian to embrace a deeper role in the university, not only as employees or students but as institutional citizens. This means working with compassion, choosing collaboration, and acting with accountability. Decisions should not be made for personal gain but for the good of the entire university community.
As he ended his Address, Fr. Maniwang left the Louisian community with a strong and hopeful message. The future of the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao depends not only on the programs it offers or the structures it builds; it depends on the unity, faith, and values of its people.
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