Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College

ISPSC Turnover Ceremony

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Share to Friend Print a Copy

ISPSC hold Board Meeting and Turnover Ceremony

Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) conducts its 104th Board Meeting and Presidential Turnover Ceremony to mark the official transfer of leadership symbolizing the passing of presidential responsibilities from the CHED Region 1 Director and former Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, to Dr. Mario P. Obrero, the new President of ISPSC, April 16, 2025.

The ceremony began with a procession of the Board of Trustees, led by CHED Commissioner Shirley C. Agrupis, who also serves as the Chairperson of the ISPSC Board of Trustees. Following the procession, the meeting moved into its preliminary discussions.

CHED Commissioner and Chairperson of the ISPSC Board of Trustees, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, shared an inspirational message emphasizing that the transformation of ISPSC is not the sole responsibility of the President. She called on everyone—from the lowest to the highest rank—to participate and work together in this journey.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, she expressed their full support as ISPSC navigates its path toward universityhood. She urged everyone to reflect on the kind of leadership instilled by the former president, Dr. Gilbert Arce, who played an important role in the transformation process and in crafting the strategic plan for ISPSC’s transition to university status.

Dr. Agrupis noted that when President Obrero presented his vision, it was not merely based on imagination; rather, it was grounded in data. From this data, he moved forward and shaped his vision for ISPSC to become a university—an approach that distinguished him among all the equally competent presidential aspirants.

She highlighted that a true leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Such leadership, she stated, is only possible when the DNA of a higher education institution’s leader is deeply ingrained in both flesh and heart.

Dr. Agrupis expressed hope that Hon. Obrero would create an atmosphere where everyone is heard and where individuals are free to share ideas without fear of being castigated.

She concluded with an optimistic note, saying that with concerted effort and full support of the whole ISPSC Community, in less than three years, ISPSC will become a university.

In her turnover speech, the CHED Regional Director IV and the outgoing Officer-in-Charge of the college Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, reflected on her term of service, which lasted exactly one year, three months, and twenty-four days. She described it as a profound experience that shaped her in ways she never imagined.

She shared that during this period, she stepped into the lives of those at the institution by providing guidance, support, and leadership—despite the limitations of time and space—with the goal of ensuring continued growth and stability until a permanent leader is elected.

She expressed that it had been a true honor to be part of the institution’s journey, and she was deeply grateful for the opportunity to have partly contributed to its success.

Looking forward, she remarked that the institution was now fortunate to have found a full-time father figure in Dr. Mario P. Obrero. She extended her gratitude to him for accepting the challenge with his whole heart and pure intentions.

She emphasized that the sense of belonging and the feeling of connection she experienced during her tenure were things she would always treasure, calling them a gift she would carry with her.

She stated her belief that the presidency is truly a matter of destiny, and that for Dr. Mario Obrero, ISPSC is his destined SUC.

She went on to define true leadership not as the act of wielding power, but as the ability to empower others—giving them accountability and helping them reach their own potential. She added that leadership involves actively listening to diverse voices, carefully balancing competing interests, and making decisions.

She noted that leadership requires the courage to do what is right, even when it is not easy. Comparing a leader to a ship’s captain navigating stormy seas, she said that a leader must stay the course, even when waves are crashing, always keeping the destination in sight.

With unyielding gratitude and unwavering resolve, he stated that he did not stand merely as the president, but as a champion of transformative education and a torchbearer for the bold dreams that would redefine the institution’s future. He thanked his family, mentors, colleagues, and friends for their unwavering trust, and acknowledged the trailblazers who had paved the way before him. He noted that their legacy served as the foundation upon which greatness would be built. He also expressed deep gratitude to the students, faculty, staff, and partners, whose courage to dream bigger inspired him to lead with unshakable purpose.

Dr. Obrero emphasized that the day was not merely about declaring leadership, but about declaring a collective resolve to rise above mediocrity. He reiterated that, together, the ISPSC community would transform ISPSC into a smart, globally competitive, and responsive state university by 2030.

He further highlighted that the quest to elevate ISPSC to UIP is not simply a name change; it is a call to action, a battle cry, a bold assertion that the institution is ready to conquer the challenges of the era.

Outlining his path to greatness, Dr. Obrero shared his road path for ISPSC, which included: 1) building smart campuses, 2) revolutionizing curricula, 3) becoming a research powerhouse, 4) extending reach through extension services, 5) securing financial stability, 6) empowering faculty and staff, 7) governing with transparency and accountability, ???? championing the Sustainable Development Goals, 9) forging global alliances, and 10) pursuing excellence through accreditation and recognition as a premier institution.

He then issued a challenge to every stakeholder, urging them to commit their talents, resources, and energy to this evolution.

Dr. Obrero declared that the time for hesitation was over, and that the era of greatness had begun.

Filled with hope and certainty, he acknowledged that while the road ahead would be challenging, the shared vision and the unbreakable spirit of the Ilocano people would drive them toward greatness. He concluded by stating that ISPSC was not just buildings or programs, but a living testament to what could be achieved when people unite with purpose and passion.

After Dr. Obrero's speech, the Board of Trustees moved forward with the adoption of his Vision, Goals, Mission, and Objectives (VGMO). This step marked a significant moment in the meeting, as the board formally endorsed the direction Dr. Obrero intends to lead ISPSC. The adoption of the VGMO serves as the foundation for the institution's future initiatives and strategic plans under his leadership.

Following this, the Board of Trustees, led by Dr. Agrupis, presented a plaque of recognition to Dr. Ferrer in honor of her service. After the turnover ceremony, the board continued with the remaining discussions of the meeting.

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