SLSU strengthens Academic and Industry Linkages at CHED Presidents' Roundtable
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) continues to strengthen its presence in the national higher education community after joining the Achieving Beyond: 2nd Presidents' Roundtable Meeting for Unified Strategic Growth on July 8–9, 2026. Representing the University, President Dr. Jude A. Duarte joined fellow leaders of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in discussions aimed at advancing academic cooperation, industry engagement, and institutional development.
The gathering, spearheaded by CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong, served as a platform for university leaders to explore innovative approaches to addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education. By bringing together representatives from 22 SUCs across the country, the event encouraged stronger collaboration among institutions committed to improving educational quality and student outcomes.
For SLSU, the partnership opens new avenues for strengthening student mobility, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and building stronger connections with industry and academic partners nationwide. The initiative also supports the University's ongoing efforts to equip students with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected professional environment.
Throughout the first day of the event, university presidents engaged in strategic discussions on emerging priorities in higher education, including innovation, employability, internationalization, sustainable development, and institutional growth. Participants also exchanged insights on effective practices and explored opportunities for inter-university collaboration that can generate long-term benefits for students, faculty, and communities.
On the second day, delegates took part in a cultural and industry immersion across Southern Pampanga, providing a deeper appreciation of the region's economic drivers, heritage, and development initiatives. The delegation likewise visited the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and met with Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, CDC President and Chief Executive Officer, where discussions centered on expanding industry partnerships and creating more internship and experiential learning opportunities for students of participating SUCs.
SLSU's participation in the Presidents' Roundtable reflects the University's proactive approach to forging meaningful partnerships that support academic innovation, collaborative research, and workforce readiness. Through engagements such as this, SLSU continues to strengthen its role as a responsive and future-ready institution dedicated to providing quality education and creating transformative opportunities for its learners.
