Following a successful launch focused on environmental scanning, the University Futures Masterclass at DEBESMSCAT moved into its second day on February 19, 2026, shifting focus from analyzing the present to actively architecting the future.
The day’s sessions were designed to transform the data and output gathered on Day 1 into tangible strategic pathways, ensuring that the college does not just react to change but drives it.
The morning began with a rigorous recap and the presentation of outputs from the previous day’s workshops. Under the guidance of Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, participants showcased their environmental scans, highlighting the social, technological, and economic drivers most likely to impact the institution. These presentations served as the foundation for the more complex forecasting work to follow, providing a shared understanding of the external pressures facing the academe.
The core of the morning session was dedicated to Module 3 and 4: Blueprints of the Future through Scenario Development, led by Mr. Lui Joshua N. Cuadra. Unlike traditional planning, which often relies on a single most likely forecast, Mr. Cuadra’s session challenged participants to develop multiple plausible scenarios. This scenario development approach helps institutional leaders prepare for various possibilities ranging from high-tech moonshot successes to more challenging, resource-constrained environments.
The workshop introduced the critical concept of Backcasting. While forecasting looks forward from today, backcasting begins with a defined preferred future and works backward to identify the specific steps, policies, and milestones required to reach it. This method ensures that the final destination remains the priority, preventing participants from getting bogged down by current limitations.
The afternoon transitioned into Module 5: Vision to Reality: Architecting the University Futures Project Proposal, facilitated by Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang, Senior Fellow of PhilFutures. Dr. Sangalang conducted a consultation hour where academic leaders began drafting their formal project proposals. This stage is the capstone of the masterclass, where the abstract concepts of foresight are translated into institutional policy and research agendas.
As Day 2 concludes, the atmosphere among the participants is one of focused determination. The masterclass has moved beyond theory, providing the attendees with a blueprint that will eventually guide the college’s long-term strategic visions.
Tomorrow, the program is expected to culminate in the finalization of these institutional proposals, marking a new chapter in DEBESMSCAT’s journey toward becoming a premier, future-ready institution.
Ladies and gentlemen,
