VSU welcomes new Alumni and Student Regents to the Governing Board

Visayas State University has named Dr. Roberto C. Guarte and Mr. Sanny M. Dumpa Jr. as the newest members of its governing Board of Regents. Dr. Guarte now serves as the Alumni Regent, while Mr. Dumpa assumes the role of Student Regent. 

Dr. Guarte took his oath virtually on July 21, 2025 during the second quarter Board Meeting. He filled the seat vacated by Dr. Oscar B. Posas. 

On the other hand, Mr. Dumpa was formally recognized as Student Regent, following his election as Chairperson of the University Supreme Student Council Federation (USSCF), succeeding  Mr. Ryan C. Ilaida. 

The Return of Dr. Roberto C. Guarte

Dr. Guarte is a long-serving member of the VSU academic community. He earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from the then Visayas State College of Agriculture (ViSCA) in 1980, completing his studies through a government scholarship. Since then, he has devoted decades to serving the university in various capacities.

He was once Vice President for Administration and Finance, but his longest and most defining role was as Dean of the former College of Engineering and Technology (CET), a post he held for 15 years. During his tenure, the college gained recognition as a Center of Excellence in Agricultural Engineering and expanded its academic offerings to include new programs such as meteorology and computer science.

Dr. Guarte also led the establishment of key research centers like the Plant Oil Technology Center and the Regional Renewable Energy Research Center, focusing on practical solutions to energy and agricultural challenges in rural areas. 

His engineering innovations were used in several rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas in 2013.

In 2015, his work was honored nationally when he received the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award from the Civil Service Commission. The award was personally handed to him by then-President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Now returning to VSU in a policymaking role, Dr. Guarte brings a deep understanding of university operations, research, and public service, a perspective shaped by his long relationship with the institution.

Sanny M. Dumpa Jr. Joins the Board

Alongside Dr. Guarte, 4th year BS Biology (major in Zoology) student Sanny M. Dumpa Jr. steps into the role of Student Regent. 

A consistent student leader since his freshman year, Mr. Dumpa has moved through different levels of student governance and gained ground in both local and university-wide councils.

He began in 2022 as a member of the Public Relations Committee of the then College of Arts and Sciences Supreme Student Council. By his second year, he served as a Board Director of the University Supreme Student Council-Baybay and chaired the Committee on Justice and Students Rights.

His third year marked a turning point when he became Vice President of the USSC Baybay, and later assumed the presidency after the previous student leader moved up to the Board. That same year, he was appointed as Public Information Officer of the USSC Federation and became VSU’s SDG 16 Ambassador under the G17 University Ambassador Consortium Philippines, advocating for peace, justice, and strong institutions.

As Chairperson of the USSC Federation, Mr. Dumpa now represents all students across the VSU system in the university’s top decision-making body. His involvement in both local and national student-led programs gives him a broad view of what student representation means in practice.

The VSU Governing Board also confirmed the reappointment of Hon. Charles Alain J. Veloso and Hon. Rupert O. Aparri III as Private Sector Representatives to the VSU Board of Regents. Their return adds continuity to the Board, as it brings in two seasoned professionals from outside the university.

With Dr. Guarte and Mr. Dumpa now joining the Board, VSU benefits from the insights of one who has seen the university grow over the decades, and another who is experiencing its pulse in real time as a student. 

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 4: Quality Education.

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