Quirino State University took a big step toward its future during a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop held on July 29–30, 2025 at University Hotel, UP Diliman, Quezon City, led by former CHED Commissioner Prof. Lilian De Las Llagas and Ms. Luisa Valencia, former Director of CHED-OIQAG.

On Day 1, QSU Leaders and Staff focused on Performance Evaluation using the SUC Levelling Instrument— a national tool used to measure how State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are performing. They reviewed QSU’s strengths and areas for improvement, especially in the five Key Result Areas (KRAs): Instruction, Research, Extension, Institutional Qualifications, and Governance. This gave the team a clear picture of where QSU stands and what it needs to work on.

Some of the challenges identified include the need for better systems in managing data and tracking student outcomes, the lack of international accreditation and research centers, and the need to improve board exam performance in some programs. There is also a need to increase research publications, partnerships, and programs that create a real impact in the community. While these areas still need work, they are also clear opportunities for growth.

Prof. Lily encouraged university officials to push harder and move faster, especially in areas like innovation, internationalization, and data-driven planning. She emphasized that with a more focused and aggressive approach, QSU can level up and meet the standards for SUC Level III.

During the second day, Prof. Lily introduced the Logical Framework Approach, which helps break down complex problems into root causes. This tool will help QSU create smarter, more focused plans. Participants were grouped into Teaching, Research, and Extension teams to identify barriers that prevent QSU from becoming an innovation-focused university. The exercise helped surface critical insights and actionable strategies aligned with QSU’s vision for growth.

This two-day workshop was an important step for QSU as it learns to make innovation a natural part of how the university thinks, works, and grows together.