The term of the current Silliman University President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III has been extended until 2018.
His achievements are many and varied, that the Next One will have some big shoes to fill.
President Malayang has institutionalized Silliman’s sense of gratitude by establishing the Order of Horace B. Silliman, the Heritage Builders Wall, and the naming landmarks and streets on campus in honor of those who helped build the excellent pioneering spirit, and to recognize the long-forgotten gifts of generosity and service.
He has defined well, based on historical foundations and archival evidences, the existing institutional identity and relationships within and beyond the campus realm.
Dr. Malayang has made sure the physical consideration and landscape will achieve artistic excellence for alumni and friends to experience when they come home to a more beautiful campus.
With his brilliant ideas shared generously to network leaders, he has made Silliman play key roles in national and international academic organizations.
Dr. Malayang has been leading the academic community to undertake the necessary preparation towards global challenges like the ASEAN Integration, and the impact of the K to 12 program of the Department of Education.
These and many more have made the Malayang leadership so distinct, and at some point, even misunderstood.
But the glories achieved so far — and there will be more beyond 2018 — are evidently proving that the Silliman presidency is a Gift from God to our beloved campus by the sea — as it has always been.
The call has been made for people to nominate the next Silliman President; it is high time for the selection process to be undertaken this year.
Thirty days more to go before the deadline, as specified in the official call for nominations.
People are talking about The Next One, while some are completely clueless. From what have been circulating, the possible nominees are:
Within the circle of talks on campus, the presidential nomination of the current Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan is expected, as she is considered as first-tier; a candidate with her voice of experience on current campus affairs and long-dedicated service. Not a few campus dwellers would love to see her win a nomination, but some groups who are expected to nominate her have already decided it isn’t in the cards.
We’ve seen second-tier candidates being mentioned, too: Power women like Dr. Juanita D. Amatong who, as a highly-appreciated Philippine Finance Secretary from a crucial year of economic challenges, could actually be a strong candidate with her international connections.
Another power woman who will surely win a nomination is Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, a national awardee in her field of specialization. She with an impressive experience in educational management, and highly-productive years of service in an international foundation for higher education.
A third-tier possible nominee, whose name has been circulating in alumni gatherings: Dr. Rogelio V. Paglomutan, current dean of the University of the East College of Business Administration, an economist with an international portfolio. But we were told it might be hard for Silliman to bring him home as he is an active fountain-of-ideas in the Lucio Tan-acquired university.
There are two highly-influential community leaders who are actively calling supporters and telling them that Dr. Efren N. Padilla is The Man for the race. Now you may be thinking of any one of these two scenarios: If you’re active in alumni affairs: “Is Efren Padilla an Outstanding Sillimanian?” And the answer is a resounding yes, Efren Padilla was awarded for his academic expertise in urban planning.
If you’re a follower of Dumaguete’s political arena: “Was it Efren Padilla instrumental for former Mayor Ipe Remollo’s receiving acclaim and honors for the City’s urban plan?” The answer is also a resounding yes, Efren Padilla is in fact a full professor at California State University-East Bay in the United States.
There is also the well-respected ambassador and international relations expert, Dr. McArthur Corsino, who promises to give Silliman a stronger global presence if elected President.
And then there is You, the proud and loyal Sillimanian who has held various leadership roles. That experience would be your major selling point, and it will be more effective than just the been-there, done-that kind of honor if you are humble enough to recognize the True Architect of Glory: The God Almighty who will call you for this huge challenge of a servant leader.
You won’t need to wait for a momentum of a popular nomination, as you will make it to the Final Cut. As in all of these, it is always God’s transforming purpose who will give you the courage to come forward and be counted.
With a small number of possible candidates in the mix, it would be tough to make the right choice without praying for God’s wisdom to guide us all.
To help out with that, this unofficial short list on the Presidential field is made before the season of harvest. Come and let’s talk about how things look right now over a cup of coffee… and more.
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Author’s email: karlmike@yahoo.com
