Following his reappointment as President of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Dr. Dennis de Paz introduced his vision to transform the institution into a National University for Resilience and Climate Action (NURCA) under the banner of “ONE EVSU 2.0,” on May 17.
Dr. de Paz secured his second term during a meeting with the Board of Regents on May 16 at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office in Quezon City.
Under ONE EVSU 2.0, President de Paz is now steering his administration toward strengthening the university’s role in tackling urgent environmental challenges, advancing research, and building EVSU’s identity as a climate-resilient institution.
“I thought of coming up with a development plan for my second term and making EVSU a National University for Resilience and Climate Action. In that way, all our plans and actions will be geared towards resiliency and climate action,” Dr. de Paz shared.
The university president also told The Industrial Wheel that he already instructed that the university will add a subject focused on resiliency, climate action, and research and extension activities in the coming months.
Furthermore, the university will also offer new programs and new undergraduate programs aligned with making EVSU a NURCA.
Meanwhile, CHED Commissioner Shirley Agrupis on Friday lauded the latest EVSU 2.0, stating that this grant is a milestone of unity and shared endeavor of the EVSU community.
“The EVSU 2.0 is a grand line. It grants not just in its crafting but grant in its purpose. But the grandeur of the purpose cannot be materialized without the one effort, one community of EVSU,” said Agrupis.
She further underscored that the recent appointment of the university president was driven by his outstanding performance in his first term, especially the collaborative achievements of the entire institution.
As EVSU aims its sights to achieve NURCA status, the university is expected to pave a brighter future of resilience, top-notch research, and climate education.
It is known that since the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the university has used modernization efforts in an efficient and technologically advanced environment to foster innovation and education.
Moreover, Prof. Christopher Bacungan, president of the Federation of EVSU Faculty Association, emphasized the significance of a renewed faculty welfare, outlining that the faculty hope will be addressed in Dr. de Paz’s continued term.
“We strongly urge the University President to mandate the Office of Internationalization to establish a dedicated team focused on scouting international scholarships, collaborating with global organizations, and providing guidance and support throughout the application process for faculty members,” Bacungan said.
Meanwhile, EVSU Student Regent Hon. Quiruben B. Dejaño expressed his hope that Dr. de Paz’s efforts to support the student body will continue to thrive.
“I hope for the EVSU 2.0 that his support towards students will continue to strive. Student leaders will fly high with their achievements with the new EVSU that the University President planned,” he claimed.
Dejaño also added that students will play a big role in participating in the NUCRA plan of EVSU, visioning a successful implementation.
Dr. Dennis C. de Paz first assumed the presidency in 2021, his second term is scheduled to officially begin on June 3, 2025, with an early reappointment ensuring uninterrupted leadership of the university.
Article by Carl Anthony Dotingco