To further capacitate them in leading the institution, key officials of the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) underwent a workshop on futures thinking and strategic foresight at the Splash Mountain Resorts and Hotels, Los Baños, Laguna, August 14-15.

Vice Presidents, Campus Directors, Deans, Associate Deans, Chairpersons, Project Leaders, and administrative personnel participated in the two-day workshop, which was made possible through the support of Senator Pia S. Cayetano, Chair of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Emmanuel R. de Guia, Resident Futurist of the Senate Committee on SDG, Innovations and Futures Thinking, and Ms. Jalaine V. Malabanan, Chief of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Center of Futures Research, served as the resource speakers and trainers of the workshop.

During one of his talks, Mr. de Guia pointed out the principle of “intergenerational fairness” in relation to SDG, explaining that it concerns doing something about the things available right now and creating solutions to preserve or make them available in the future.

Meanwhile, Ms. Malabanan explained that the term “futures” is in the plural form to denote the presumed multiple facets of what is ahead. She further expounded on the concept by saying that futures thinking encompasses both science and art, wherein the former entails data and the latter engages speculation. Ms. Malabanan explained that futures thinking is important to have a better understanding of the “terrain,” to enlarge the “territory,” and to see with new eyes.

Participants underwent various group activities, bringing about their perception of the institution and how they see it moving forward. Gearing towards framing their disposition, the said workshops provided a re-framing and re-viewing of the potential the university has and the forward-thinking mindset needed to make these “futures” for the university happen.

During his speech, Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President, posed before the participants challenge for the university which is the futures thinking for Laguna lake, having 30-50 years of vision for the said water resource.

Wrapping up the event by citing the major points of the talks, Dr. Eden C. Callo, Vice President for Academic Affairs said, “We have to be responsible truth-tellers and active participants of change with compassionate intent.”

[Article by LSPU Information Office, lifted from the report of Marydel V. Bayocot; Photo from Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension]