COLLEGE NEWS | 4 aspirants vie for top NAAP post in public forum
The National Aviation Academy of the Philippines (NAAP) held its public forum for presidential aspirants on April 7 at the NAAP – Villamor covered court, bringing together stakeholders as four candidates presented their platforms ahead of the academy’s inaugural presidential election.
Presidential hopefuls Froilan Balucio, DAeM; Asst. Prof. Rene Bersoto, PhD, DPA, PDPR, SMIIGRE, UP NCPAG LEAD4R Fellow; Prof. Marwin Dela Cruz, PhD; and Prof. Engelbert Pasag, PhD, outlined their respective visions, missions, and development agendas for the institution.
The program opened with a ceremonial procession of guests and candidates, followed by the entry of colors led by the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. The Himig Himpapawid Chorale rendered the doxology and the Philippine national anthem, and later performed an intermission number before the open forum.
Dr. Milabel Ho, chairperson of the Search Committee for President, formally opened the program and presented the forum guidelines, while Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Engr. Jeq Zyrius Sudweste served as the master of ceremonies.
During the forum proper, each candidate was allotted 12 minutes to discuss proposed programs and leadership priorities that they believed would steer the future direction of NAAP should they be elected.
Balucio emphasized the importance of elevating the academy and developing partnerships to equip NAAP graduates with skills suitable for the global standard.
“Let us build a conducive atmosphere and sustainable relationships within us a community of future-ready aviators committed to excellence and integrity, and be in the best position to inspire the next generation of aviators,” he stated.
Bersoto expounded on the role of innovation and sustainability in his commitment to contribute to the growth of the academy and aviation in the Philippines as a whole.
“We’ve been talking about SAF, sustainable aviation fuel, green technology, smart campuses, smart solutions, green curriculum, and we can do that effectively when we integrate that into doing research. And of course, utilizing advanced technology like AI and helping advance Sustainable Development Goals,” he explained.
Dela Cruz outlined his 10-point agenda for the development of the academy, citing its basis in Republic Act 12255.
“This agenda is not isolated. It is anchored in law, Republic Act 12255, aligned with SDG, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan, and fully aligned with the CHED ACHIEVE Pillars,” he emphasized.
Pasag introduced his evidence-based and experience-driven development plan for the future of the institution, highlighting inclusivity across all campuses.
“I do not speak from intention alone, I speak from evidence scaled in institutions, I can prove systems delivered results…I would be present across campuses, engagement [sic] faculty, responsive to students and accountable to this community,” he said.
An open forum followed, where the aspirants answered questions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the alumni, teaching personnel, local community, and student body.
The first round featured a uniform set of questions posed to all candidates, focusing on leadership plans and institutional concerns.
In the second round, moderated by BGen. Gerardo Zamudio PAF (Ret.), Director of the NAAP Flying School, candidates responded to randomly selected, pre-screened questions centered on policies and reforms.
The program concluded with closing remarks from NAAP Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Dr. Maria Sisa Dela Cruz, who emphasized the importance of clear leadership decisions and responsibility, while also acknowledging the plans and views of the four presidential candidates.
Credits to: Aeronautica
