SU holds 1st Academic Convocation for SY 2025-2026

Silliman University (SU) held its All-University Academic Convocation on July 30, 2025, with the theme, “The Future of Asian Higher Education is Now,” at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.

In her address, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU President, highlighted Asia’s growing role in shaping the global education landscape, emphasizing the region’s advances in research, innovation, and collaboration.

McCann then presented SU’s ongoing digital transformation through initiatives such as iFlex, the Digital Learning and Instruction Office, and AI integration in curriculum design, as well as recent developments like the KOICA-funded project with Hannam University.

Finally, the President outlined SU’s initiatives in internationalization, lifelong learning, and sustainability, aligning them with key trends redefining higher education across Asia.

Meanwhile, outgoing deans, directors, principals, and chiefs were also recognized alongside new ones who will be taking on the leadership helm for the next term.

A. The following were recognized for key roles at the University level:
-Dr. Margaret Helen U. Alvarez, outgoing dean of the Graduate Programs
-Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez, outgoing dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts
-Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, outgoing dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
-Dr. Van Cliburn M. Tibus, outgoing dean of the Divinity School
-Dr. Janet S. Estacion, outgoing director of the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
-Dr. Maria Lorena L. Tuballa, outgoing dean of the College of Engineering and Design
-Dr. Ferdinand M. Mangibin, outgoing dean of the School of Public Affairs and Governance
-Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista, outgoing director of the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences
-Dr. Walden R. Ursos, outgoing dean of the Medical School
-Dr. Theresa A. Guino-o, outgoing dean of the College of Nursing
-Dr. Madeline B. Quiamco, outgoing dean of the College of Mass Communication, and Atty. Florin T. Hilbay, outgoing dean of the College of Law, could not make it to the event.

These administrative roles will be assumed by the following, respectively:
Assoc. Prof. Ferdinand M. Mangibin
Asst. Prof. W Don F. Flores
Assoc. Prof. Alana Leilani C. Narciso
Asst. Prof. Lope B. Robin
Assoc. Prof. Aileen P. Maypa
Asst. Prof. Klint Ian V. Austero
Asst. Prof. Johanna A. Diago
Paolo Manuel G. Jimenez
Dr. Jennifer Barimbao
Asst. Prof. Theorose June Q. Bustillo
Asst. Prof. Irma Faith B. Pal
Atty. Golda S. Benjamin (officer-in-charge)

B. The following School of Basic Education (SBE) principals were also introduced at the convocation:
-Dr. Leslie Jane Devibar-Estrella (Early Childhood School principal)
-Asst. Prof. Maria Rosario D. Villanueva (Elementary School principal)
-Asst. Prof. McDiery A. Concepcion (Senior High School principal)
Dr. Elve O. Nasvik, Asst. Prof. Ethel R. Burgos, and Asst. Prof. Brenda B. Boladola previously occupied these respective roles. Meanwhile, Busmion remains the JHS principal.

C. The following were recognized for key roles at the following offices:
-Dr. Beulah Rose R. Torres, outgoing director of the Office of Quality Instruction and Excellence (OQIE) (formerly the Office of Instruction).
-Dr. Enrique G. Oracion, outgoing director of the Research and Development Center (RDC)
Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista will assume the role of OQIE director. Finally, Engr. Debonaire Mamhot will take on the role as chief of the Facilities Management and Administrative Services (FMAS).