MALITA, Davao Occidental – August 4, 2026 – The Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) convened its Universityhood Meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at the SPAMAST Library Audio-Visual Room (AVR), bringing together the members of the Universityhood Taskforce to assess the institution’s progress toward universityhood and reinforce strategies for achieving its long-term goal of becoming a state university.
The meeting was presided over by SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, who reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and organizational transformation. In her opening message, Dr. Bontia emphasized that attaining university status is a collective endeavor that demands collaboration, accountability, and a proactive approach from every member of the Universityhood Taskforce.
A key objective of the meeting was the identification of existing gaps across the various areas and criteria required for universityhood. Taskforce members conducted comprehensive discussions on the current status of their respective areas, carefully examining aspects that require further improvement. The meeting also served as a collaborative platform for proposing practical solutions, formulating strategic interventions, and developing action plans to effectively address the identified gaps and ensure compliance with the standards and requirements for university conversion.
Dr. Bontia encouraged every taskforce member to take ownership of their respective responsibilities and work collectively in implementing strategic initiatives that will accelerate SPAMAST’s universityhood journey. She highlighted the importance of sustaining excellence in instruction, research, extension, production, governance, quality assurance, and institutional management—key pillars that strengthen the College’s readiness for university status.
The discussions reflected SPAMAST’s commitment to continuous quality improvement, strategic governance, and evidence-based decision-making, reinforcing the institution’s pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by promoting inclusive and high-quality tertiary education. The University’s collaborative planning and institutional strengthening efforts likewise contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through innovation-driven development, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by fostering effective, accountable, and transparent institutional governance, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by encouraging collaboration among academic leaders, administrators, and stakeholders in advancing the University’s shared vision.
Under the leadership of Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, SPAMAST continues to make significant strides toward realizing its aspiration of becoming a premier state university. The Universityhood Meeting reaffirmed the administration’s steadfast commitment to building an institution that is globally competitive, academically excellent, and socially responsive, while contributing to national development and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
