EU goes beyond borders in Faculty & Employees Congress 2024

The University’s Faculty & Employees’ Congress 2024 embodied the spirit of internationalization as guest speakers delivered invaluable perspectives on key topics shaping the landscape of education, Feb 12, at the University Gymnasium. 

The congress provided faculty and employees with invaluable insights into the impact of globalization on education, leadership development, and school discipline. 

Guest speaker was Dr. Mohd Raziff Jamaluddin, head of Corporate Communication and Event Management of the Universiti Teknologi MARA of Selangor, Malaysia, who shared his insights on the role of globalization in education.  

"As you have reached 77 years, you have to revisit your mission and vision, find a statement that you want to be a global citizen. The mission statement is the purpose of your existence, so that you know why you are here. If you want to go out, you go out to the community and to the world. What do you see for yourself in the next 5 years? Where do you see Enverga University in 2030?” Dr. Jamaluddin said. 

Dr. Jamaluddin also discussed that living in harmony with other peoples is the call of the times. We all need to celebrate diversity, to respect one another’s cultures, and to encourage inclusivity in higher education. To live harmoniously and to understand one another is the key to global peace and a sustainable future, he emphasized.  

Consultant Mildred San Agustin of the Power Talk Training Center discussed how to unlock leadership potentials and harness team members’ unique traits for effective team development. 

"You must identify your unique branding — what sets you apart and defines who you are. This uniqueness is the essence of your character, enabling you to stand out amidst the crowd. By recognizing and embracing these distinctive traits, you can unlock your full potential to become not only a leader but also an effective team member. This journey involves understanding how your individual strengths contribute to the collective success of the team," she stated. 

"It's about leveraging your personal attributes to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth within the team dynamic. Ultimately, by harnessing your unique qualities, you can play a pivotal role in driving effective team development and achieving shared goals," she added. 

Dr. Maria Sylvia Avila, director of the Human Resource Development, shared the University’s latest Code of Discipline and discussed its principles and provisions, underscoring the institution's commitment to fostering a culture of discipline and excellence. 

"The Code of Discipline has been a long overdue project; it has been revised in keeping with the trend of progressive discipline. Since all employees act as ambassadors of the University, they are expected to observe high standards of conduct in the workplace,” Dr. Avila stated. 

During the opening ceremony President/COO Naila Leveriza highlighted the University's recent achievements. “Since its humble beginnings 77 years ago, Enverga University has evolved into what it is today, the number 1 university in Quezon and ranked 58th in the Philippines, according to the EduRank list of 100 best universities in the Philippines,” she remarked.  

President Leveriza emphasized the university’s current objective of internationalization to foster a globally competitive institution. “My dear faculty and employees, I invite you to stay with us here in this very challenging journey and I’m sure that with everyone’s cooperation and support we can achieve our dream,” she concluded in her talk. 

Dr. Benilda Villenas, Senior Vice President and Vice President for Academics and Research, welcomed the EU community to the 77th foundation anniversary, with internationalization as the focal point. She said that "The congress not only marks a celebration of the academic institution’s history but also serves as a reflection on the strides EU have taken in fostering excellence, transcending boundaries, and contributing to the broader tapestry to ASEAN harmony."

"We're not only participants in this event but active contributors to a legacy that spans seven decades, 77 years of dedication, resilience, and collective pursuit of knowledge have shaped us into a community that goes beyond geographical borders," Dr. Villenas shared. 

Dr. Avila, the event organizer, also expressed that, "We aim to offer valuable sessions led by renowned experts within academia and industry. These sessions were carefully curated to enhance the professional skills and competencies of our faculty and staff, empowering them to excel in their respective roles and contribute effectively to our institution's growth." 

"By organizing this congress, we envisioned creating an inclusive and dynamic community of educators, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. We firmly believe that through such platforms, our faculty and non-teaching staff members can build strong professional networks, collaborate on research projects, and develop innovative teaching methodologies that positively impact our students' educational journey," she ended. 

Executive officers, administrators, program deans, faculty members, and non-teaching personnels of the University, attended the congress while John Kristoffer Tibor, faculty member of College of Arts and Sciences, hosted the event. 

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The event reflects the University's dedication to creating a positive impact not only within its community but also beyond borders, contributing to the following Sustainable Development Goals: 

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. By prioritizing the health and wellness of faculty and employees, the event contributes to creating a supportive and healthy work environment.  
• SDG 4: Quality Education. The congress aims to enhance professional development and collaboration among faculty and staff, ultimately improving the quality of education provided by MSEUF. 
• SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among faculty and staff, the congress promotes partnerships and networking opportunities essential for achieving sustainable development goals.