In an event that stirred both pride and optimism, Chancellor Dr. Renato O. Arazo delivered the 3rd Annual State of the Campus Address (SOCA) at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria on September 30, 2024 held at the University Multi-Purpose Hall. Before a packed audience of university officials, faculty, students, and local community members and his immediate family, Chancellor Arazo presented a comprehensive overview of the university’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and great plans for the future.
The address began with Chancellor Arazo celebrating USTP Claveria’s unprecedented growth. The university has seen a remarkable increase in student enrollment, with 1,781 students passing the entrance exam for the 2024-2025 academic year, pushing total first-semester enrollment to around 4,000—up from 2,568 in 2020. “This growth is a testament to our commitment to quality education and our expanding impact on the community,” Chancellor Arazo remarked.
USTP Claveria Chancellor Dr. Renato O. Arazo, in his inspiring 3rd State of the Campus Address (SOCA) delivered before a packed of audience of university officials, members of the Administrative and Academic Committee, faculty, students of USTP Claveria, local officials and local community members to include his immediate family, retirees held on September 30, 2024 at one o’clock in the afternoon at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the USTP Claveria.
The event also highlighted USTP Claveria’s efforts to enhance student welfare. Dr. Argin A. Gulanes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services, introduced several key programs, including the SAGOP-KADASIG initiative aimed at providing students with resources for academic and career development. In addition, the university experienced a significant increase in scholarship opportunities, with the number of recipients of the CHED Tulong Dunong Program rising from 42 to 168 between 2022 and 2024.
The implementation of a free shuttle service and a pantry program of the BSSW program in collaboration with the OVCSAS, to combat transportation and food insecurity further underscored USTP’s commitment to student well-being. The Free Shuttle Service is a collaborative initiative of Congressman Christian Unabia, 1st District Representative of Misamis Oriental and Governor Peter Unabia of Misamis Oriental.
On January 12, 2024, USTP-Claveria witnessed a heartfelt initiative led by 1st District of Bukidnon Representative, Congressman Jose Manuel F. Alba, who extended financial support to 339 students from the 1st District of Bukidnon. The cash assistance, distributed on the 3rd floor of the USTP-Claveria Administration Building, benefitted students from various municipalities, including Manolo Fortich, Malitbog, Baungon, Libona, Sumilao, and Talakag. This initiative reflects the university’s strong ties with regional leaders and highlights the importance of providing direct support to students, ensuring that they have the resources to continue their education and thrive academically.
USTP Claveria also made strides in promoting cultural and athletic excellence. The university’s representatives earned top honors at the PASUC National Cultural and Arts Festival, and the ROTC Unit’s stellar performance at the ROTC Games Mindanao League 2024 earned them multiple medals, USTP Kalamag won overall champion in Philippine Rodeo Finals 2024 – Champion in reflecting USTP’s balanced approach to student development.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Alexander L. Ido’s initiatives on Comprehensive Higher Academic Mastery Program (CHAMP) and the Licensure Examination Advancement Program (LEAP) have led to improved academic performance and increased licensure exam pass rates, notably a 46.15% pass rate in the Agriculture Licensure Exam and a perfect 100% pass rate for first-time takers in the March 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers.
Research and community engagement were focal points of Chancellor Arazo’s address. The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria has made significant strides in research and innovation, marking the period from 2022 to 2024 with impressive funding achievements and noteworthy outputs.
In 2022, the Research Office secured PHP 5.12 million in external funding, setting a solid foundation for future projects. The following year saw a remarkable increase, with funding soaring to PHP 32.05 million. By 2024, USTP Claveria continued this upward trend, securing an additional PHP 24.011 million. These substantial funds have been instrumental in supporting a diverse range of high-impact research initiatives.
Among the notable research projects funded during this period are: Sustainable Practices in Agriculture: This initiative received PHP 10 million to explore integrated pest management and organic farming techniques aimed at improving crop yields; Aquaculture Innovations: With an allocation of PHP 8 million, this research focuses on sustainable practices in fish farming, including the development of eco-friendly fish feeds; Renewable Energy Solutions: A project dedicated to alternative energy sources, particularly solar energy, was funded with PHP 5 million, promoting sustainability in local communities; Water Resource Management: This research, allocated PHP 4 million, investigates sustainable practices for managing local water resources to support agricultural activities; Alfalfa Project for Dairy Farming: Funded by PCAARRD DOST, this project received PHP 3 million, focusing on improving dairy production through enhanced forage management; DTI Shared Facilities Project on Cacao Processing: Aimed at supporting local cacao farmers, this project has a budget of PHP 5.8 million, providing access to shared processing facilities; Research grant of 6.5 million on Food Technology from DOST.
USTP Claveria’s research output has also garnered attention. In 2022, the university presented 51 research papers at various conferences, including 14 at local, 9 at regional, and 28 at international levels. This engagement continued in 2023, with 22 papers presented across multiple forums. The university’s publication record further reflects its research prowess, with 7 papers published in ISI and Scopus-indexed journals in 2022, increasing to 21 in 2023.
Furthermore, the iWRITE Program has been instrumental in building research capacity among faculty and staff, resulting in ten published papers in ISI and Scopus-indexed journals and securing PHP 12.3 million through accepted research proposals in 2023. The university also engaged students through internship programs, providing hands-on research experience.
Innovation remains a priority, with the university filing three patent applications in 2023, underscoring its commitment to translating research findings into practical solutions. Strategic collaborations with organizations like the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR-SLAM) and national agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have enhanced USTP Claveria’s research capabilities. Faculty members have also achieved recognition at various conferences, including a Best Abstract Award at the International Research Conference on Education (IRCE) 2024.
With its commitment to research excellence and community engagement, USTP Claveria continues to position itself as a leader in advancing knowledge and innovation, shaping a promising future for the region and beyond.
Additionally, the university’s community outreach efforts have impacted over 14,000 individuals, further cementing its role as a pillar of community support.
The Chancellor also announced ongoing and future infrastructure projects, including the completion of the USTP Claveria Cafeteria, Business Center, and International Dormitory Phase 2. Plans for a College of Nursing and a state-of-the-art soils laboratory were also unveiled in collaboration with Congressman Yevgene Vincente “Bambi” Emano and Governor Peter “Sr. Pedro” Unabia, to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region. This announcement was met with deafening cheers and applause from the packed gymnasium, signaling widespread support for the new program. The applause echoed throughout the venue, reflecting the excitement and anticipation for this proposed additional program to the university’s offerings.
“The enthusiasm in this room tells me that we are on the right path,” Chancellor Arazo remarked with a smile, clearly moved by the overwhelming response.
These developments reflect USTP Claveria’s continued focus on enhancing its facilities to support academic excellence and research.
In one of the most electrifying moments of the address, Chancellor Arazo revealed the approval of 78 new plantilla positions for faculty, a historic milestone that drew applause from the audience. Undeniably, that was one of his most notable achievements- the granting of over 400 Instructor I Plantilla Positions to the university—a milestone which he attributed to the support of Congressman Bambi Emano and Mayor Meraluna Salvaleon Abrogar. With that, his undying expression of gratitude in behalf of the university, for the realization of that long standing dream.
The much-applauded announcement of USTP Claveria’s GAA budget increase from PHP 169 million in 2021 to PHP 365 million in NEP 2025 has been met with widespread enthusiasm. This boost is expected to significantly enhance the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, infrastructure development, and community engagement efforts. As a result, USTP Claveria is poised to accelerate its growth, further establishing itself as a center of excellence and expanding its impact on both regional and national development.
Chancellor Arazo concluded his address with an inspiring message of unity and collaboration. “Like a thriving forest, USTP Claveria will continue to grow, evolve, and flourish,” he stated, reinforcing the university’s commitment to innovation and resilience.
Following the address, attendees gathered for a celebratory dinner, where vibrant performances from the KALASI Dance Troupe added to the festive atmosphere, and attendees shared in the joy of the university’s achievements. The event left the USTP Claveria community inspired and optimistic about the future, with Chancellor Arazo’s leadership continuing to guide the university toward new heights in education, research, innovation and community service.
Dr. Nueva D. Salaan, StratComm Focal
Claveria, Misamis Oriental – September 30, 2024
