Setting a bold trajectory for the new fiscal and academic year, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP unveiled a comprehensive stewardship agenda and a revolutionary institutional governance framework during a joint faculty and staff solidarity meeting held on February 2, 2026. The presentation, delivered during the "President’s Hour,"  outlined an ambitious roadmap for Fiscal Year 2026 anchored on digital transformation, quality governance, and people-centered development. This strategic direction ensures that the university remains aligned with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda, the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Leadership Through Stewardship

At the heart of the President’s address was a call for a fundamental shift in leadership philosophy focused on "Stewardship," which he defined as the responsible planning, management, and care of resources—such as environment, finances, or property—entrusted to one's care. Prof. Cañezo emphasized that the university does not belong to its administrators but to the students and the public, promoting a culture of ethical accountability and acting as a caretaker rather than an owner. This principle is intended to ensure benefits for future generations while encouraging a "New Year, New Leaf" mindset for every individual within the BiPSU community.

Strategic Alignment: The A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda

A cornerstone of the address was the formal integration of the CHED A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda (2025–2030)  into the university’s operational fabric. Under Memorandum Order No. 02, s. 2026 , issued on January 6, 2026, all university units are directed to consciously integrate these priorities into their planning, implementation, and evaluation processes.

The strategic framework is built upon four primary thrusts: Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning, Centralized One-Nation Human Capital Development, Harmonized SDG-Based Research and Innovation, and Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization Strategies. These are supported by three essential enablers: Integrated Real-Time Data Collection and Analytics; Vitalized Policies, Internal Systems, and Governance; and Effective and Efficient Public Service.

Instruction as the University’s Bottom Line

Reaffirming the university’s primary mandate, the President underscored that teaching and learning remain the ultimate measures of institutional success. Under the "Academics and Lifelong Learning" cluster, the university is targeting 100% passing rates in board exams and maintaining its status as a top-performing school with topnotchers. To bolster this mission, the university is integrating AI in Education and pursuing an industry-responsive curriculum. Furthermore, BiPSU is moving toward "smart campuses" through aggressive digitalization and the implementation of innovative systems like ROSS 2  for both faculty and students.

"Green Knowledge" Stewardship

Prof. Cañezo highlighted the Green Knowledge Stewardship One-Hardbound Thesis and Dissertation Policy as part of the Weaving of Worthiness (WoW)  initiative. This policy modernizes research submission by requiring only one (1) printed and hardbound copy for official archival purposes, with all other required copies submitted digitally.

The environmental impact is significant, with an estimated 3.34 million pages of paper saved , which translates to approximately 610 trees conserved and 15 tons of CO2 emissions avoided. The initiative, supported by CHED Commissioner Prof. Michelle Aguilar Ong , ensures that research is stored in the BIPSU-ScholarsHUB , a readily accessible digital archive developed to support soft-copy submission and archiving. This policy is scheduled for a nationwide launch in February 2026.

Immersion and Experiential Learning

To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the President discussed Memorandum Order No. 228, s. 2025 , which mandates the design of faculty-led immersion programs and activities. These programs involve students in authentic environments such as industry-aligned projects or international field experiences to ensure they apply academic knowledge to professional practice. Simultaneously, faculty immersion activities allow educators to engage with government agencies and research environments to align curricula with current global standards and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

Institutional Governance and Employee Welfare

The solidarity meeting also featured the unveiling of a revised BiPSU Governance Framework, which utilizes a network-based organizational structure to break down operational silos. This includes specialized offices for Executive Operations, Academic Affairs, Finance and Sustainable Management, Research and Societal Impact, and Student/Strategic Partnerships.

Recognizing that human capital fuels institutional progress, President Cañezo introduced welfare-centric initiatives such as a Child-minding Center to support working parents. Additional HR initiatives for 2026 include micro-credentials on computer literacy for administrative personnel, Civil Service Examination support for non-eligible staff, and proposals for salary increases for non-regular personnel.

Call to Action

Closing the solidarity meeting, President Cañezo called for collective accountability, reminding the community that "we work as a team" to change lives. Looking ahead, the President announced that the State of the University Address and the official visit of Commissioner Ong are scheduled for February 26-27, 2026. This roadmap marks a definitive milestone in the university's strategic direction, "Weaving of Worthiness for BiPSU 2.0," ensuring continued excellence and community empowerment.

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