The Management Team of the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT) gathered in Manila on August 28–29, 2025, for its Annual Accomplishment Report and Action Plan Presentation, before heading to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, on August 30 for their team building. Forty participants took part in the three-day gathering, which included top management, middle-level managers, select first-level managers, and two respected retirees—Dr. Delailah Valencia, President Emeritus, and Dr. Olivia Lavadia, Former Principal—who shared their wisdom and experiences with the group.
Day 1: Looking Back, Moving Forward
The program opened on August 28 at the Phoenix Building, Quezon City, with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, PhD, University President, and Rev. Fr. John Mark D. Barroga, CICM, Vice President for Mission and Identity.
Fr. Barroga, in his homily, spoke of life’s unpredictability and reminded the participants of their role as stewards of the university. He underlined the value of preparedness and pointed out that a genuine mark of responsibility is doing one’s work faithfully, not only when being supervised but also when no one is watching.
After the Mass, the Cluster Annual Accomplishment Report Presentation was shown through an audio-visual format. In his message, Fr. Maniwang reminded the participants to look at sustainability not just as conserving resources but as a way of thinking. He also called for leadership grounded in honesty, guided by consistency, and strengthened by grace.
The reports were presented in a press conference-style setup, with clusters seated in front as top management and fellow leaders gave commendations and constructive feedback.
Day 2: Harnessing the Power of AI
The second day was devoted to a seminar on “Leveraging the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Intentional and Meaningful Learning,” conducted by Dr. Reuben Velarde, AVP for Business Development (Non-Print) and Marketing of Phoenix Publishing House.
Dr. Velarde noted that students today live in two worlds—the physical and the digital—and teachers have a responsibility to guide them in both spaces with safety, critical judgment, and ethical awareness. While acknowledging AI’s downsides, he also highlighted its potential to enrich learning when applied wisely.
In the afternoon, the focus turned to the Cluster Action Plan Presentations for Academic Year 2025–2026, with Vice Presidents laying out their thrusts and priorities for the coming year.
Day 3: Building Stronger Bonds
The last day of the program brought the group to Puerto Galera for a day of team building. Activities such as an island tour, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, and water sports gave participants the chance to bond in a more relaxed setting while strengthening their sense of teamwork.
For Dr. Darwin F. Dumlao, the newly appointed Assistant Principal for Administration and Student Services, the three-day experience was both enriching and eye-opening. He described the Annual Report and Action Planning as “a mirror and a map”—a mirror that reflects the university’s strengths and areas for improvement, and a map that lays out a concrete direction for the future. He added that the process fosters accountability, transparency, and collaboration across the institution.
Reflecting on the team-building activities, Dr. Dumlao shared that real success comes when people work together, listen to each other, and extend support. As a new member of the team, he committed himself to open communication and to cultivating an environment where teamwork and shared responsibility thrive.
A Tradition of Excellence and Unity
This annual gathering remains an important tradition for USLT leaders. It allows them to take stock of past accomplishments, set clear goals for the academic year ahead, and strengthen relationships among colleagues. By combining moments of reflection, planning, and renewal, the Management Team ensures it stays united and ready to deliver excellent and student-centered services.
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