The University of Antique presidential aspirants presented their mission, vision, and goals, and responded to questions from various sectors of the academe during the Public Forum held at Paghi-UsA Hall today, April 10, 2026.

Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., immediate past president and currently serving as Vice President for Administration and Finance, called for the participation of everyone as the academe transitions to new leadership. He emphasized that while a president sets the direction of the academe, it is the community that breathes life into it.

“Whoever is chosen, may we not stand as critics on the sidelines, but as partners in the journey. May we rally not behind a person, but behind a shared purpose—to lift the University of Antique to greater heights, not for prestige alone, but for service—for the Antiqueños, Filipinos, and the generations to come,” Dr. Crespo further stated.

Dr. Dexter R. Buted, Chairperson of the Search Committee and Administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority, also delivered a message to the presidentiables. He emphasized that they are not merely vying for a title, but are answering a call to shape the future, elevate the quality of education, empower teachers, transform students’ lives, and serve as stewards of an institution that carries the hopes and aspirations of the next generation.

He concluded by expressing his hope: “May this process be marked by fairness, rigor, and discernment, and may it lead us to a president who will inspire, transform, and truly make a difference.”

The presidential aspirants will undergo a closed-door panel interview with the Search Committee this afternoon, April 10.

Present during the forum were representatives from various sectors of the academe, led by Dr. Jelyn O. Alentajan, Officer-in-Charge President, along with university officials, members of the Board of Regents, the Search Committee, private sector representatives, stakeholders, and government officials.