Officials from Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) visited Ifugao State University (IFSU) to learn about the university’s best practices and initiatives on Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight on March 8, 2023, at the Multipurpose Hall, Admin Building, Lamut, Ifugao.

The team was led by Dr. Mark Preston Lopez, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Epiphania B. Magwilang, Vice President for Research Development and Extension.

In her Welcome Remarks, University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, represented by Dr. Marissa P. Bulong, Vice President for Research Development, Extension and Training (RDET), stated that the benchmarking activity is a great performance measurement tool to help them start their plans and guide the direction of their interest for the benefit of their university.

“We hope that your team can develop new procedures or enhance existing ones to meet the standard on Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight,” added Dr. Bulong.

Directors from the RDET Division: Marah Joy A. Nanglegan of the Department of Extension and Training (DET); Jude C. Baggo of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Center; and Dr. Elpidio B. Basilio, Jr. of the Department of Research and Development enlightened the team through a discussion of the Futures Thinking highlights, programs, and activities being undertaken by IFSU.

The visit concluded with a tour at the Ifugao Rice Terraces - GIAHS Center and the University Rice Cultural Museum.

“We hope to weave cohesive future-proof programs, projects, and activities together through collaboration and networking,” added Dr. Bulong.

‘Futures Thinking’ is a scientific method of informed reflection on the major changes that will occur in the next 10, 20, or more years in all areas of social life, including education. This mindset, as applied to State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), will help university officials in analyzing post-COVID outcomes based on available technologies and intelligence worldwide.

The ‘Futures Thinking’ initiative of IFSU centers on creating a Knowledge Management System of IRT.