Angelie Kyle Babon 
On August 6, Dr. Marita Canapi, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education and chairperson of the Samar State University Board of Regents, delivered a highlight message at the SSU Convention Center after being welcomed by SSU officials upon her arrival.
The event featured a meet-and-greet session and a formal welcome dinner attended by SSU key officials, faculty members, staff, and representatives from the student council.
In her message, Dr. Canapi expressed the importance of her first visit to the university and the province of Samar, mentioning that first experiences are often memorable.
“It is with great delight and joy that I am here now at Samar State University. This is the first time that I have visited the province of Samar. This is the first time that I have crossed the San Juanico Bridge. And they say that all first times are usually the best times,” she said.
The CHED Commissioner disclosed that SSU was one of the institutions she selected when asked by the chair of the commission to choose a school to chair.
“This university is one of the universities that I have chosen when the chair of the commission asked me, ‘Which of these schools would you like to chair?’ I have to get one from Region 8, and I have chosen Samar State University,” the commissioner said.
Initially, she did not have a specific reason for her decision, but she remarked that the events of the day clarified her reasons for choosing SSU.
“I don’t have any reasons for doing that. But today, I have learned why I have chosen Samar State University because of these first things that I have encountered here,” she said.
Dr. Canapi recounted her first experiences at SSU, including receiving a banquet, answering unexpected game questions during the meet-and-greet session and her attempt at dancing Kuratsa during a cultural presentation.
“It’s the first time that I have also been given a banquet… It’s really quite a formal banquet today on the first day that I have arrived at the school. And also, the first time that you have asked me questions that were not even to be prior to the program,” she said. “And also, the first time that I have danced something that I cannot even dance.”
She then commended the university for its recent accolades, such as being recognized among the top State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country and being mentioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his last SONA for its consistent ranking in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
“He (the president) was given so many achievements of the Commission and of the SUCs. But he mentioned one school… And so I would like to congratulate the faculty members because these things will not happen if you are not cooperative, if you do not share the same vision as that of the president and of the administration,” Dr. Canapi said.
Having chaired the institution for only three months, Commissioner Canapi expressed appreciation for the “unique experience” gained during her short tenure, also noting the upcoming second SSU board meeting scheduled for today, August 7, 2024
“And so maybe I’m a little overwhelmed today. This speech is not the same as the speeches that I see in other parts of the country because you have given me an experience that’s quite unique. And I didn’t expect that it would be coming from a school that I have chaired for only three months,” the commissioner said.
“Tomorrow will be the second meeting here at Samar State University. And he (SSU president) invited me to come here today. And I said, ‘Why not?’ I even cancelled the meeting of one of the SUCs,” she added.
During the same message, Commissioner Canapi emphasized the Commission’s commitment to supporting the university’s initiatives and goals.
“Rest assured that the Commission on Higher Education will always be in connection with you and that the Board of Regents will always be there to listen to what the President wants us to do,” Commissioner Canapi said.
She also underscored various avenues through which the university can engage with CHED. These include collaboration not only through the Board of Regents but also through the regional office and other departments such as the Office of Student Development Services, International Affairs Services office, and the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD).
Commissioner Canapi expressed confidence in the university’s faculty, staff, and students, affirming that CHED will continue to support SSU’s endeavors.
“As Chairman of the Board of Regents of Samar State University, I am here to innovate with you. I am here to build with you. And most importantly, I am here to serve you,” she concluded.
