PACSA National President Dr. Wilter C. Friales Leads the Opening of the 2025 National Convention

The Philippine Association of Campus Advisers (PACSA) formally opened its 44th Annual National Convention for Campus Advisers, 28th Annual Convention for Student Leaders, and 5th International Conference with a warm and inspiring welcome from Dr. Wilter C. Friales, PACSA National President and Director for Student Affairs and Development of Notre Dame of Marbel University.

Held at the historic Teacher’s Camp, the three-in-one national gathering brought together around 800 delegates composed of campus advisers, student leaders, student affairs practitioners, deans, directors, and partners from academe and government across the country. PACSA is the national professional organization of Student Affairs Practitioners, Campus Advisers, and Student Affairs Deans and Directors in the Philippines, committed to leadership formation and youth development.

In his opening address, Dr. Friales highlighted PACSA’s rich history that began between 1979 and 1981, when a small group of dedicated teacher-advisers and student leaders laid the foundation of what would later grow into a nationwide organization. From its 54 founding members, PACSA has now expanded into a strong national network across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR, forming leaders who serve both school communities and the nation.

He also proudly shared PACSA’s recent milestones from 2024 to 2025, including:

• The 2024 National Midyear Convention “LAYAG” in Cavite, which emphasized resilience, adaptability, and compassionate leadership;

• The 2025 National Midyear Convention “LUPAD” in Tagum City, which focused on innovation, collaboration, and excellence; and

• The launch of COAP 2025 (Certified Organizations Advisers of the Philippines), a landmark step in the professionalization of campus advising nationwide.

  
  

This year also marks a historic moment for the organization with the recognition of the first batch of the Ten Outstanding Campus Advisers of the Philippines, honoring exemplary service and leadership.

Anchored on the theme “KULAY PACSA”, Dr. Friales explained that leadership is colorful, dynamic, and shaped by key values:

K – Key to Transformative Leadership,

U – Unleashing a Tech-driven Mindset

,L – Learning from Collaborative Actions,

A – Amplifying Progressive Voices, and

Y – Yearning for the Bayanihan Spirit.

Excerpt from the Welcome Address of Dr. Wilter C. Friales:

“Our theme this year, KULAY PACSA, reminds us that leadership is never monochrome. It is textured, layered, and brilliantly diverse—just like the delegates sitting here today. You are the lifeblood of PACSA. You embody its mission. You extend its legacy. You bring color to its future.”

In closing, Dr. Friales underscored the vital role of campus advisers and student leaders in today’s challenging times—calling them to be compassionate, critical thinkers, and values-driven leaders who can guide young people and communities toward hope and nation-building.

With renewed passion and commitment, he formally welcomed all delegates to the 2025 national gathering:

“Welcome to the 2025 PACSA National Convention! Mabuhay ang mga tagapayo! Mabuhay ang kabataang lider! Mabuhay ang PACSA!”

The convention is expected to further strengthen leadership formation, professional collaboration, and youth empowerment across Philippine schools and universities.