President's Corner
Dr. Suzette Lilian Arbolario Agustin

AS AN ACADEMICIAN

            Dr. Agustin tirelessly works in transforming lives by giving quality education to the youth especially to those of limited means.

AS A GRADUATE OF GENERAL STAFF COURSE AND A RESERVE MILITARY OFFICER

            She advocates the principles of patriotism and love for one’s country.

AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

            She helps boost Negros economy and provides livelihood to coastal and farm workers.

AS A CIVIC LEADER

            She inspires and motivates people to believe in themselves, and be the best that they can be.

AS A FILIPINO

            She heralds the Filipino essence, rich cultural heritage, honor and pride, here and around the world. 

She is an active proponent in the promotion of Negros products.

            - an advocacy that brought her around the world particularly in Japan, Hongkong, China and Singapore in Asia and to European countries like France, Germany, Netherlands, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, denmark, Norway, Monaco, Sweden, Holland and Belgium.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 

Conferred Ph.D. Development Administration, Maejo University, Chiangmai, Thailand – February 2007 

Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) at the National Defense College of the Philippines - July 31, 2001 

Command General Staff Course (CGSC) in Fort Bonifacio – July 6, 2001 

Master of Arts in Education, Major in Educational Management- WNU, 1992-1994 

AB English with Minor in Journalism – WNU, 1969-1970

Studies in B.S. Nutrition – Philippine Women’s University – Manila, 1964-1968

Special Option Program – Katherine Gibbs School- Philadelphia, USA, 1986

AWARDEE

Distinguished Alumni Award for Social and Humanitarian Work, Negros Occidental High School Alumni, Association, Inc. – April 26, 1997

WNU Alumnus in the field of Entrepreneurship

Soroptimist International of Bacolod City’s Women Helping Women Award- March 8, 1997

Cited in Case Study by TRADESCOPE MAGAZINE “for teaching farm laborers new skills” and for providing livelihood to 1,500 low income participants. – Sept. 1992

Best Product Line “Basket in Fabric” , Center for International Trade Exposition and Mission’s Manila, Furnishing and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange (FAME)- April 1991

Bulawan Awardee (Gold) – The Association of negros Producers (ANP) for most outstanding design – Aug 1991

Katha Nominee – Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions Manila Furnishing and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange (FAME)

“Use of indigenous Coco Twig” as backdrop for crocheted.- Philippine Scenes- Oct. 1989

FEATURED IN…

           Casebook prepared by the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Enterprise Research and             Development (SERDEF) – 1999

            A Woman of Big Dreams and Distinction by Dr. Violeta Lopez-Gonzaga- Inquirer Visayas- July 11, 1997

            Social Defense Journal, Bacolod City – July 1997

            “Heirlooms Pacifica Starts a Mission” – Manila Chronicle, May 2, 1995

            “Guts and Vision to Save Her Hometown” – Manila Bulletin, Dec. 19, 1993

            “She Crochets Picture Frames Like Paintings of Farm Life” – Manila Bulletin, June 13, 2993

            “Trade Missions” – Phil. Times Journal, Oct. 5, 1993

            “Filipinos Turning Into World-Class Craftsmen” - Filipino Reporter, march 20, 1992

            “Bacolod: The Golden Year” – a souvenir book published by the 50th Charter Organizing Committee, on the             Golden Anniversary Celebration of Bacolod City’s Charter Day – 1989

            “Small Industry, Big Compassion” – Filipino Entrepreneur, Nov. 1989

            “Suzette Agustin, Innovations on Crochets” – Woman Today, Nov. 15, 1989

            In national, local and international press and trade publications for her endeavor to promote native products for global recognition and patronage since 1987.      

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MILESTONES FOR WEST NEGROS UNIVERSITY UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DR. SUZETTE LILIAN ARBOLARIO AGUSTIN.

Ø      Attaining universityhood – a dream since the college was constituted 60 years ago, Dr. Suzette A. Agustin has led the college in a pursuit of full and total compliance to the requirements set by The Commission on Higher Education.

Ø      Continuous upgrading of faculty members to avail of graduate and post graduate degrees.

Ø      International Linkages – West Negros University is in partnership and association with Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Maejo University, Khaotalu Pittayakom School and Eurphon Christian Montessori School in the La mae District, Chumporn, Thailand. The linkages with Hawaii-based Haggai Institute of Leadership, German Development Services, bayer Young Environmental Envoy Program (BYEE) and Pangasinan State University continue to open doors for learning opportunities in manifold programs. Dr. Agustin stresses that these linkages should come in many forms with the ultimate goal of achieving cultural exchange and academic synergy.

Ø      Sites and facilities – In pursuit of tangible physical expansion, West Negros University is in continuous investment. With the fully renovated gym that now houses the major events such as PBA games in Negros, the Nursing and Maritime Building, the base hospitals, the fully upgraded libraries, the computer centers and laboratories, the President leads the University for more expansion in the five years’ time.

HER PASSION

            “Character, honesty, truth, integrity, good judgment and servant hood will always be in demand under all conditions”      

            “When you do right, right things happen, when you do wrong, wrong things happen”

HER FAITH

            “Our lives are an expression of who God is, and the way we live, how we live, has a compelling impact on the people we know and are close to us. Our real legacy is our lives, influence, conduct, conviction and our testimony.’

HER ASPIRATION

            “Living a life that is consistent in belief and behavior, that words and actions are to be consistent and above reproach. Integrity and fear of God will be my guiding principle.”

HER LEADERSHIP

            “Leadership should build up, not tear down. Should nurture, not exploit. Should inspire and enhance, not dominate.”

            “Excellence commands a higher price, mediocrity is worth little.”

HER CONVICTION

            “Dedicating what you are, what you have and what you do to God and then giving your best, not thinking about the rewards because the rewards will take care of themselves.”