Shared vision, shared responsibility: VSU convenes CO-LAB 2028

Visayas State University (VSU) brought together its university key officials, administrators, representatives, alumni leaders, and other key stakeholders to convene the CO-LAB 2028: VSU Unites Plans, People, and Resources to Build the Future on September 16, 2026 at the VSU Research Development and Extension (RDE) Hall. 

The four-hour session, anchored on the theme “Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility,” emphasized the strategic planning and development plans for FY 2028.

CO-LAB 2028 highlighted the interconnected processes of budget formulation, implementation, performance monitoring, and accountability. 

President Yepes challenged the University community to shift from asking “How much do we need?” to “What value will this investment create?” 

In her opening remarks, President Yepes encouraged the participants to align with ASCEND— Advancing Strategy, Strengthening Capital, Cultivating Enterprise, Expanding Networks, and Nurturing Development—and GO GREATER.

“Let us ASCEND and let us GO GREATER as we ELEVATE instruction services, NURTURE students’ university life experience, PROPEL solution-based research and innovation and iCARE for communities through strategic partnerships and impactful community and extension services,” she stressed.

This event underscored a central message: the FY 2028 budget is not simply a financial document; it is a reflection of the priorities, ambitions, and commitment of the University to its people and communities. These proposed initiatives were all addressed, ensuring the approach of university-wide development is in line with the government’s thrusts and priorities, including the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, Ambisyon Natin 2040, Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023-2028, the VSU Strategic Plan and Execution Continuum FY 2025-2028, VSU Land Development and Infrastructure Plan 2025-2034, and the CHED ACHIEVE Agenda.

It can be recalled that CO-LAB 2027, held earlier this year, was the first time budget planning was made participatory and institutionalized in the University. 

Throughout CO-LAB 2028, participants concurred on major project plans such as strengthening the university through infrastructure investment, aligning financial resources with institutional priorities, mapping the university’s investment priorities, and turning these priorities into a shared commitment. 

Established criteria for implementation guided the consensus of these participants as they navigated the different project proposals.

Presentations reiterated the importance of shared discussions on development that responds to the needs of the University and decisions grounded in strategic investment, responsible stewardship, collaboration, and measurable impact aiming to advance instruction. 

Before the end of the session, the signing of agreement between the University President and representatives from component campuses and different VSU units—witnessed by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Student Affairs and Services, Research, Extension and Innovation, and Planning and Development—gathered a collective commitment to translate identified priorities into coordinated planning, resource allocation, implementation, and accountability. 

CO-LAB 2028, Dr. Yepes pointed out, is more than preparing a budget. It is collaborating to build the future VSU wants to attain.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education and (SDG) 17: Partnerships for Goals.

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