University of Luzon Leader Delivers Key Overview at Regional Education Forum

The University of Luzon (UL) reaffirmed its commitment to regional educational excellence and governance on September 29, 2025, as a delegation of its staff and faculty participated in the highly important Region 1 Legal and Leadership Forum for Private Education. The event brought together educational leaders, policymakers, and legal experts from across the region to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities facing private educational institutions in the current landscape. UL’s presence at such a pivotal gathering underscores its role not merely as an academic center, but as a proactive contributor to the development of robust educational policies throughout Region 1.

A central figure at the day-long forum was UL’s very own Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal, the Dean of the Graduate School, who served a dual role as the Executive Secretary for the Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities (APSCU) Region 1 and the President of the APSCU Metro-Dagupan City (MDC) Member Development Council. Dr. Vidal addressed the esteemed assembly during the Opening Ceremonies segment, delivering the crucial “Overview of the Forum,” where he introduced the official agenda and framed the key topics to be addressed. His involvement at this high level of regional and localized educational administration showcases the University of Luzon’s deep integration into the structures driving quality and legal compliance in the private education sector, particularly within the Metro-Dagupan City area.

The forum tackled two major thematic areas critical for post-pandemic operational stability and academic transition. The first topic, explored during Forum Proper I, was the complex subject of “Legal Skibidi for Private Education in the Post-Pandemic Period,” led by esteemed education lawyer and PAPSCU Corporate Secretary, Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada. This session was vital for ensuring that institutions understand the evolving regulatory environment and their obligations in securing continuity and quality. Following this, Dr. Dinah C. Bonao, Chief Education Supervisor of the Department of Education, Regional Office I, provided extensive guidance during the second main session on “Leadership and Managerial Issues and Prospects for Private Education on the Pursuit of the Revised Basic Education Curriculum Implementation,” emphasizing the necessary administrative and pedagogical adjustments required to effectively adopt national curriculum mandates. Other significant contributions were made by regional officials, including UL’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Aurora M. Samson-Reyna, who serves as the APSCU Region 1 President, and Ms. Candy Gonzales-Blancaflor, APSCU Metro-Dagupan City (MDC) Vice-President, further highlighting the localized expertise present.

The participation of UL faculty and staff in this forum is a testament to the University’s dedication to continuous professional development and strong inter-institutional partnerships. By engaging directly with regional heads from the Department of Education, legal experts, and peer institutions, UL is ensuring that its practices remain at the forefront of national educational standards and legal compliance, ultimately benefiting its students. This continuous commitment to educational excellence is how the University safeguards the quality of teaching and administration for all Luzonians. The discussions on curriculum implementation and leadership align directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by focusing on relevant and effective learning outcomes. Furthermore, the commitment to institutional and regulatory adherence, as discussed in the legal sessions, supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, ensuring transparent and accountable governance in the education sector. Finally, the collaborative nature of the forum, organized through APSCU and involving key officials from DepEd, reinforces SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how institutional collaboration is essential for addressing complex, regional, and localized educational challenges.