QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) convened its 177th Regular Board of Trustees (BOT) Meeting on March 5, 2025, at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. The meeting, Chaired by CHED Commissioner Marita R. Canapi, served as a crucial platform for strategic discussions aimed at the continued development and efficient operation of ASIST.
Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., ASIST President and BOT Vice Chair, led the proceedings alongside esteemed board members, including Director Apollo Edwin S. Pagano, OIC-Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority-Cordillera Administrative Region (NEDA-CAR), Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, Regional Director of CHED-CAR and Student Trustee Mr. Prince Andrey T. Lizardo. Joining the meeting virtually via Zoom were Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology-CAR (DOST-CAR), and Dr. Genelyn B. Viloria, Faculty Trustee.
The meeting featured presentations from key resource persons. Dr. Nero M. Paderes, Director of the Agriculture, Food, and Technology Innovation Incubation and Commercialization Center (AFTIICC), and Dr. Ma. Digna T. Bose, Research Ethics Committee Chair, attended in person, providing valuable insights. Dr. Noel B. Begnalen, Vice President for Academic Affairs, participated virtually, contributing to the comprehensive discussions.
This 177th meeting held particular significance as it marked the first BOT gathering with the newly appointed Regional Directors of NEDA-CAR and CHED-CAR, signifying a strengthened collaborative effort towards regional development and higher education advancement. The Board deliberated on various agenda items, focusing on strategies to enhance academic excellence, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships with community and partner agencies.
The meeting was deemed highly successful, with board members reaffirming their commitment to ensuring ASIST's continuous growth and its ability to provide exceptional educational opportunities to its students. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute significantly to the institution's ongoing efforts to deliver great value to its community and partner agencies, solidifying its position as one of the leading institutions in the region.