On September 12, 2025, SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, accompanied by the College and Board Secretary, Michelle Elemino, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Ricmar P. Aquino, PhD, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), at the CHED Central Office located in the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.
This visit served as Dr. Bontia’s first official engagement with Commissioner Aquino, who now assumes the role of Chairperson of the SPAMAST Board of Trustees. Their dialogue focused on institutional matters and future directions for the College, highlighting CHED’s vital role in steering the development of State Universities and Colleges.
The courtesy call also brought together leaders from other higher education institutions. Among those in attendance were Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay, President of Davao de Oro State College, and Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, President of Davao del Sur State College, with their respective College and Board Secretaries.
By opening lines of communication with Commissioner Aquino, Dr. Bontia and her fellow SUC leaders strengthened their commitment to academic growth, collaboration, and innovation in the region’s higher education landscape. 
