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A Year of Change and Commitment for Development: MinSU President celebrates first year anniversary of leadership

365 days of continuous thrust for development, improvement and commitment to excellence.

A year ago, Mindoro State University turned a new chapter in its leadership history. On July 11, 2024, the University welcomed its second president and first woman president, Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, to take the helm of MinSU. Now, twelve months later, that moment of change has blossomed into a full year of achievement, commitment, and a bold journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.

 Dr. Enya Marie Apostol, MinSU President as she delivers her first University Address

To celebrate this milestone, the University hosted “Pagtanaw: Unang Anibersaryo at Ulat sa Unibersidad”, an anniversary celebration and the President’s first State of the University Address, held at the MinSU Main Campus Auditorium. The day began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Matthew M. Marasigan.

 

Dr. Ciedelle P. Salazar, Vice President for Academic Affairs, underscored the collaborative spirit that defined the past year. A short audio-visual presentation then recapped the President’s leadership journey before Dr. Apostol herself took the stage.

 

In her speech, Dr. Apostol expressed gratitude for the support she received in her first year and highlighted achievements under her administration’s guiding framework: LIFTMINSU – which stands for Leadership Excellence, Inclusivity, Fiscal Prudence, Technological Advancement, Management of Resources, Innovation, Network of Partnerships, Sustainability, and Upward Mobility.

 

“Leadership must walk where it is most needed; it must listen deeply, discern wisely, and rise above words to transform vision into action,” Dr. Apostol stated, emphasizing a model of leadership rooted not in power, but in empathy and presence.

 

Under Leadership Excellence, the President reported the institutionalization of performance reviews, the initiation of high-level strategic engagements, weekly campus flag ceremonies, and the empowerment of student governance structures. These efforts laid the groundwork for a culture of transparent, responsive, and engaged leadership.

 

Dr. Apostol proudly reported an 85% growth in Mangyan student enrollment, promoted gender inclusion through the GADLY digital platform, celebrated SOGIE and mental health awareness, and supported over 8,000 scholars. Recognition programs such as the Unsung Hero, Serbisyong Maaasahan, and Malasakit Awards were launched to promote values-based leadership, highlighting Inclusivity.

 

Under Fiscal Prudence, MinSU secured ₱23.2 million in external grants supporting research, climate resilience, and food innovation. The University’s commitment to Technological Advancement was equally strong, with the launch of AI-powered systems such as DORA and Project DATA, and the award-winning Project MOSES on environmental sustainability.

 

On the infrastructure front, Dr. Apostol proudly highlighted significant strides under Management of Resources, including the development of a man-made lake and footbridge, creation of new plantilla positions, and the ceremonial use of Kam-Pay, a symbolic bell that commemorates institutional milestones.

 

Innovation, a pillar of her leadership, was reflected in MinSU’s inclusion in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings and reforms in academic publication and research ethics.

“MinSU is not just rising - we are ascending,” Dr. Apostol powerfully declared, highlighting the institution’s steady rise in impact and recognition.

 

Partnerships were a driving force in the university’s progress. Under Network of Collaborative Partnerships, MinSU trained over 9,000 extension beneficiaries, launched the flagship Awati Ti-Kape project benefiting the Hanunuo Indigenous community, and fostered collaborations with multiple national and local agencies.

 

On the environmental front, Sustainability efforts blossomed with the implementation of Project ECODROP, rainwater harvesting systems, vertical gardens, and plastic waste reduction initiatives, demonstrating the University’s commitment to green innovation.

 

Lastly, Upward Mobility was marked by increased scholarship grants, national accolades such as the IABC Communications Olympiad win, and high board exam rankings in CHRA, CLE, BLEPT, and Agricultural Engineering.

 

Capping off the celebration were two significant launches: the official Facebook page of the University President, “Pres. Enj – Your President, Your Apostle”, aimed at strengthening communication with the university community, and a Coffee Table Book chronicling the transformative first year of Dr. Apostol’s leadership in compelling visuals and narratives.

 

The event was graced by key university officials, faculty and staff; and honored guests such as Ms. Maria Nenita Dalupan, Chief of Staff of the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, and members of Board of Regents including Dr. Jesse T. Zamora, Acting Faculty Regent, Mr. Prince Kaide F. Fuentes, Student Regent and Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero, Sr., of Gabutero Organic Farm.

 

Supporting Dr. Apostol during the event was her husband, Mr. Teody Apostol.

 

As the curtain closed on the celebration, one message rang clear: under the leadership of Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, Mindoro State University is not only rising- it is lifting higher. With LIFTMINSU as its compass and a united community behind it, the University moves forward with renewed purpose and pride. And at the heart of this journey are the students, faculty, and staff- the MinSUans na mahuhusay, matitino, at mabubuti- who carry with them the values of resilience, integrity, and commitment in all they do.