What’s new in DLSU? Changes over the special term

Throughout the special term, there have been several notable changes in the University in terms of new appointments, constructions, and office relocations. DLSU Chancellor Dr. Gerardo Janairo explains that the changes are mostly due to the projects carried over from the previous administration, as well as the appointment of a new DLSU President.

New president, new team

Dr. Janairo recalls that in the previous administration, Br. Ricardo Laguda FSC served as both the President and Chancellor, operating under a single office — a challenging feat considering that he handled two important roles in the administration. With this, DLSU’s Board of Trustees (BOT) decided to separate the two positions.

“Since the President and Chancellor are now separated, there are offices that have been dissolved, such as the ones that were created to support the Vice Chancellor,” Dr. Janairo explains in Filipino. He adds that “it is the prerogative of the President to choose a new team.” This is why there have recently been new appointments in the administration.

Among these include the following: Dr. Robert Roleda, Vice Chancellor for Academics; Ms. Karen Hebron, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services; Dr. Marites M. Tiongco, Dean of the School of Economics; Dr. Jonathan Dungca, Dean of Gokongwei College of Engineering (GCOE); Mr. Efren G. Dela Cruz, Vice Dean of GCOE; Dr. Jose Santos Carandang VI, Dean of the College of Science (COS); and Dr. Derrick Ethelbhert Yu, Vice Dean of COS.

“During the time of Br. Rafael Donato FSC [as DLSU President from 1991 to 1994], all appointments in the administration were changed. So that’s really how it is. When working in the administration, it’s a matter of [understanding] if you could work with these people,” Dr. Janairo describes.

The separation of the President and Chancellor also brought about changes in the administration’s organizational structure. When Br. Raymond Suplido FSC was elected President, he ordered a study of the organizational structure and had it changed. Later on, it was eventually approved by the BOT.

Selection process

Br. Suplido was elected President by the BOT, with the participation of various sectors in the DLSU community. He assumed the presidency last May 16. On the other hand, Dr. Janairo was appointed Chancellor by Br. Suplido last June 9 through the Search Committee for Chancellor, led by Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Carmelita Quebengco AFSC. The new President and Chancellor were formally inducted on June 30.

“Now, I’m the one who appointed the new Vice Chancellor for Academics,” Dr. Janairo explains. The current Vice Chancellor for Academics (VCA) was appointed through a nomination process participated in by the College Deans and Department Chairs. Once the VCA assumed position, he then appointed new Deans for the different colleges with the help of the faculty members.

Prioritizing efficiency

Dr. Janairo says that many offices were relocated for “operational efficiency.” For instance, he shares that the Office of the VCA was formerly located at the third floor of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall (HSSH). Since they worked closely, the VCA’s office was relocated to the fourteenth floor of HSSH, near the Office of the Chancellor.

“All the Vice Chancellors are now at the fourteenth floor [of HSSH]. The only one not here is the Vice Chancellor for Research [and Innovation], due to lack of space,” Dr. Janairo says. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation remains on the third floor of HSSH.

Dr. Janairo also shares his plan of decongesting the Br. Andrew Gonzales Hall from students. According to him, offices in the Br. Andrew Gonzales Hall with no direct academic relations to the University will be relocated to another building. In the process, these offices will be converted into classrooms.

“I have many reasons for transferring offices, mainly due to efficiency and cost saving,” Dr. Janairo expresses in Filipino.

Student spaces upgrade

The University has also been investing in upgrading campus spaces, with its eyes on the St. La Salle Hall entrance, Br. Connon Hall, and the sixth floor of Enrique M. Razon Sports Center. These renovations are expected to be done by March 2016, May 2016, and December 2015, respectively.

Dr. Janairo acknowledges that the University also continues to improve its facilities, including those housed in the Science and Technology Complex (STC) and Bonifacio Global City extension campus.

He shares that the administration has also been prioritizing the University’s compliance with the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities’ requirements.

Present and future changes

Other notable changes in the University, according to Dr. Janairo, include the optimization of the procurement process. “We need to finish the creation of a strategic plan as soon as possible. Once the planning is done, there will be a blueprint for the next five years,” he states in Filipino.

By the end of the month, Dr. Janairo is slated to report to the BOT regarding future plans for the University.