THE Romblon State University Board of Regents, in its meeting presided over by the Commission on Higher Education Commissioner and RSU BoR Chairman Marita Canapi at the CHEd Central Office in Quezon City on June 4, reappointed Merian Catajay-Mani for another term as president of RSU.

Mani's four-year second term is effective from July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2028. Her first term was effective from July 2020 to June 2024.

Mani is the former president of Marinduque State College and is originally from San Agustin, Romblon.

A multi-awarded public servant and a staunch advocate of several causes, specifically environmental concerns, she also served as the vice president for research and extension during the historic conversion of Romblon State College into a university, the RSU.

As president of RSU, she embraced the mantra of serving with honor and excellence. Her tenure has been marked by significant breakthroughs in instruction, research, extension, and production and resource generation, transforming RSU into a vibrant academic institution championing sustainable development of the province and the region.

Her forward-thinking initiatives allow RSU to be better prepared to chart a course toward a future where the university stands as a beacon of progress, creativity, and impactful contributions to the community.

In a related development, RSU held its 48th Commencement Exercises at its main campus in Odiongan, Romblon, on June 5, with House Speaker Martin Romualdez as a guest of honor and speaker with the theme, "Transcending Borders: Embracing Change."

After the exercises, Romualdez led the unveiling of the RSU Smart Campus Program in Romblon, dubbed the "University Information System," which aims to streamline university processes, automate tasks and enhance data security measures.

ANTONIO G. PAPA