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  • Dr. Mario P. Obrero: First Anniversary at the Helm of ISPSC

    One year ago, Dr. Mario P. Obrero stepped into leadership as the 5th President of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) with a vision grounded in progress, resilience, and transformation. Today, as he marks his first anniversary in office, the story of his leadership unfolds not merely in milestones achieved, but in the renewed spirit that now defines the College.

    From the outset, Dr. Obrero’s leadership has been guided by a clear direction, captured in his State of the College Address theme, “Vision, Progress, and Path Forward.” It is a vision that resonates across ISPSC’s seven campuses, uniting administrators, faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders under a shared commitment to excellence.

    In just one year, this vision translated into tangible growth. ISPSC now serves over 17,000 students across 63 academic programs, reflecting a steady increase in enrollment and public trust. Behind these numbers is a strengthened academic workforce including dedicated educators whose expertise continues to elevate the institution’s standards of teaching and learning.

    Dr. Obrero’s stewardship has reinforced the institution’s reputation for academic excellence. Across multiple Licensure Examinations for Criminologists, Education, Agriculture, and Midwifery, students have consistently surpassed national passing rates, with some programs achieving near-perfect and even perfect performance.

    These achievements are not isolated victories. They reflect a strengthened instruction, faculty development, and student preparation mirroring hallmarks of a leadership that prioritizes outcomes and impact.

    Beyond examinations, ISPSC also reached a defining milestone as 100% compliance with the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

    Another defining feature of Dr. Obrero’s first year is the aggressive push toward research-driven development. Within his first 100 days, eight research centers were established across campuses addressing critical areas such as agriculture, fisheries, governance, health, and indigenous education.

    This initiative signals a shift that ISPSC is no longer just a teaching institution but is becoming a hub for knowledge creation and community solutions.

    In the past year alone, faculty and researchers completed 55 research projects, many of which have been presented, published, and even utilized by industries and local communities. Complementing this is a robust extension program that has reached thousands of beneficiaries, proving that ISPSC’s research is not confined to journals but extends to real-world impact.

    Dr. Obrero’s leadership also highlights the College’s role beyond academics. Through initiatives like the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Kiosk and various extension programs, ISPSC has strengthened its connection with communities especially farmers, indigenous groups, and local stakeholders.

    Recognition from agencies such as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), CHED, and DENR underscores the institution’s growing influence in cultural preservation, environmental advocacy, and educational excellence.

    These efforts reflect a deeper philosophy that education must not only inform but it must transform.

    Furthermore, Dr. Obrero has steered ISPSC toward internationalization. The College has forged partnerships with institutions across France, Canada, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, opening doors for academic exchange, collaborative research, and global engagement.

    This expanding network signals ISPSC’s readiness to step onto the global stage which is an important stride as it prepares for its transition into the University of Ilocos Philippines (UIP).

    In terms of infrastructure, progress under Dr. Obrero is also visible in the physical transformation of ISPSC. Over 25 infrastructure projects have been completed, including academic buildings, laboratories, and student facilities such as the Sea Urchin Hatchery in Narvacan.

    These developments ensure that growth is not only conceptual but also structural, providing students and faculty with environments conducive to innovation and learning.

    But despite these accomplishments, Dr. Obrero remains candid about the challenges ahead which included budget constraints, rising enrollment, digital transformation, and the need for continuous curriculum alignment.

    Yet, what defines his leadership is not the absence of challenges, but the ability to navigate them with strategic clarity. His administration has identified ten key development goals, focusing on academic excellence, research expansion, internationalization, and sustainable development, that is, laying a roadmap for the institution’s future.

    As ISPSC celebrates this milestone, Dr. Obrero’s first year stands as a testament to purposeful leadership. It is a story of an institution in motion which keeps steadily evolving and collectively striving toward a shared vision.

    More than achievements, this first anniversary marks the strengthening of an identity that ISPSC is a community of learners, innovators, and nation-builders.

    And as the College moves forward to universityhood, one thing is clear, the path has been set, and the journey has only just begun. (MVB)

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