02/08/2026
LEADERSHIP BEYOND POLITICS
LEADERSHIP BEYOND POLITICS
By Dr. Charlemagne G. Lavina, President, Laguna University
Prior to the 2025 elections, the then-incumbent Mayor of San Pablo designated a new President of Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo. After the elections, the newly elected Mayor designated another President. When the newly elected Mayor was later suspended, the Acting Mayor—then the incumbent Vice Mayor—replaced the President appointed by the suspended Mayor.
Now, it has been confirmed that the Vice Mayor has likewise been suspended.
If the First Councilor assumes the functions of Acting Mayor, will s/he/ also appoint another President of Dalubhasaan ng San Pablo?
This is the picture of LUCs in the Philippines!
I raise this not to criticize any particular person, but to raise a more fundamental question:
Should the leadership of a local university change every time political leadership changes?
A university is not a political office. Its leadership should not be treated as a political reward, nor should its President be replaced simply because the political winds have changed.
This is precisely why I believe that a Local University must be governed by law, institutional stability, academic independence, and merit—not by partisan politics.
As President of Laguna University, I have chosen to stand on this principle.
Laguna University has demonstrated that a Local University can become a model institution—not because it is controlled by politics, but because it is governed by systems, standards, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
I recognize that political circumstances may change. Administrations may change. Political alliances may change. Even those who appointed university officials may change.
But the law should not change with every political transition.
As President, my responsibility is not to please a particular political leader. My responsibility is to serve the University, protect its institutional integrity, uphold academic freedom, and faithfully perform the duties entrusted to me for the duration of my lawful term.
I may not be able to control partisan politics. I cannot control how others perceive me. I cannot control whether someone considers me an ally or an adversary because of who appointed me.
But I can control how I lead.
I can choose to remain professional.
I can choose to remain faithful to the law.
I can choose to remain faithful to God.
I can choose to respect the institution more than political interests.
And I can choose to stand firm and finish my term with integrity, regardless of political circumstances.
Because ultimately, a President should serve the University—not the politics of the moment.
Leadership is tested not when everyone agrees with you, but when you have every reason to compromise and still choose to stand on principle.
So help me, God, as You always do.
