Mapúa University successfully held its annual Alumni and Industry Curriculum Summit on June 20–21, 2025. Hosted by the Innovation and Development Office for Career Advancement and Lifelong Learning (idCALL), the two-day event gathered esteemed alumni, industry leaders, and academic experts to critically examine and redefine the educational curricula. The summit honored Mapúa University’s 100-year legacy while charting a bold path forward for education in the Philippines.
The summit opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Raul Victor B. Tan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mapúa University, followed by an inspiring address by Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, President and Chief Executive Officer, setting a forward-looking tone for a century of transformative education.
Throughout the summit, critical themes were explored through a series of insightful keynote presentations and fireside discussions.
Preparing for Tomorrow: Skills, Sustainability, and Technology
Day 1 of the summit focused on preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving global landscape by emphasizing future-ready skills, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Engr. Aldwin Jacinto A. Mitra, Industry Market Manager of Water Treatment Asia Pacific and Senior Commercial Manager of Brenntag Essentials Chemicals Philippines, presented key megatrends shaping the future of work. He highlighted sustainability, digitalization, evolving consumer needs, clean energy, and global geopolitical dynamics. Engr. Mitra emphasized the need for a “Survival Kit” of skills—including critical thinking and digital literacy—and advocated for closer collaboration between academia and industry to bridge the talent gap.
Dr. Daniel Collin Jornales, Chief of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program Management and Technology Promotion Division (EPMPD), discussed integrating sustainability as a core academic competency. Meanwhile, Dr. Dominic Ligot, Founder of CirroLytix and Data Ethics PH, explored the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in education and the workplace.
Dr. Richard Abendan, Independent Technical Consultant for Innovation and Education, stressed the urgency of upskilling and reskilling in response to the disruptive rise of generative AI.
Cultivating Impact: Values, Interdisciplinary Learning, and Innovation
On Day 2, the focus shifted to holistic education—instilling values for nation-building, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
Atty. Katherine A. Panguban of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) spoke about embedding patriotism, civic responsibility, and social justice into curricula through experiential learning, where students gain hands-on experience and real-world application in learning. Dr. Annabelle R. Borromeo, Chief Nurse Officer of Metro Pacific Health and a member of CHED’s Technical Panel for Nursing Education, championed interdisciplinary education as key to innovation and collaboration.
Dr. Felix C. Veroya, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of TUOS, encouraged universities to cultivate a “startup mindset” and develop entrepreneurial graduates prepared to drive positive change.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for the Next Century
The summit culminated in the presentation of “Mapúa’s Blueprint for the Next Century” by Dr. Maestrecampo—a 10-point strategic agenda aimed at leveraging academic excellence to support national development. The agenda emphasized innovation, global competitiveness, and sustainability, reinforcing the University’s pivotal role in shaping future leaders.
“As we celebrate a century of educational excellence, this summit reminds us that innovation must remain at the heart of everything we do. The conversations we’ve started here must lead to actionable strategies that will shape a more resilient, future-ready curriculum—one that not only meets industry needs but also cultivates civic-minded, innovative leaders,” said Dr. Lilibeth D. Sabino, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, during her closing remarks. She expressed deep gratitude to the faculty, alumni, and industry partners for their continued collaboration, and emphasized the University’s shared responsibility in preparing graduates for a rapidly changing world.
The “Curriculum Summit: A Century of Nation-Building through Education” stands as a powerful testament to Mapúa University’s unwavering dedication to academic reform and national progress. Over two days of meaningful dialogue, the summit laid a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and transformation in higher education.
With a focus on adaptability, civic engagement, and innovation, Mapúa University continues to shape future-ready graduates who will contribute to a more sustainable, just, and technologically advanced Philippines.