By Chessa Pae Faustino

Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), the Center for Leadership, Communication, and Governance, Inc. (CLCGi), and the University of the Philippines - National College of Public Administration and Governance joined forces to conduct the University Futures Masterclass, in collaboration with Mariano Marcos State University. With the theme “Advancing Research, Innovation, and Strategic Vision towards New Horizons” on November 9-10, 13-14, and 28-29, 2023 at the Center for Flexible Learning.

The masterclass, comprising five comprehensive modules, unfolded in a hybrid setup, through a combination of expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, dynamic case studies, and collaborative discussions. The sessions focused on the topics, (1) Foresight and Futures Thinking: A Briefer and Refining the Focal Agenda for Higher Education, (2) Moonshot Thinking and Transformative University Futures, (3) Scanning the Landscape and Navigating New Horizons, (4) Blueprints of the Future through Scenario Development, and (5) Vision to Reality: Architecting the University Futures Project Proposal.

Distinguished speakers from PhilFutures and CLCGi, including Dr. Michville A. Rivera, Dr. Ma. Oliva Z. Domingo, Mr. Kent Elmann Cadalin, Ms. Shiela R. Castillo, Dr. Reginald Ugaddan, Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang and other esteemed experts, led the lecture-workshop.

The masterclass aimed to empower leaders and stakeholders in higher education institutions with the requisite tools, insights, and strategies to formulate project proposals aligning with the priority futures agenda of their respective institutions. The training envisioned participants as catalysts for visionary thinking, enhancing strategic focus, anticipating future landscapes, crafting strategic scenarios, and translating vision into action.

Building on the success of the Regional Futures Consortium Workshop: High Level Anticipatory Leadership and Governance Executive Course, conducted by PhilFutures in several regions, including a session hosted by MMSU in November-December 2022, the University Futures Masterclass is a logical progression in equipping education leaders for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. (JVBT, StratCom)