BukSU Officials Complete Wharton Strategic Marketing Course Through CHED Program

Two officials of Bukidnon State University (BukSU) completed a three-month international training program on Strategic Marketing for Competitive Advantage at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, through the Higher Education Upskilling and Study for Advancement of Staff and Faculty (HUSAY) program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

BukSU Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Ms. Katherine Lou P. Bandas and Information Unit head Mr. Rodrigo E. Bolivar II were among the participants from Philippine higher education institutions selected for the specialized online program designed to enhance marketing strategies and leadership competencies.

The Wharton program provided participants with an understanding of core marketing concepts to help align with customers, differentiate from competitors, and build effective marketing plans. Participants were expected to gain skills in evaluating customer behavior, positioning products and services, building and leveraging brand value, maximizing consumer engagement through experiential marketing, and applying quantitative analyses to support marketing decisions.

“Upon completing the program, my plan is to assume a more strategic leadership position within the finance division of BukSU,” said Bandas, who presented a capstone project focused on the development of a university Annual Financial Stewardship and Impact Report. “I envision implementing efficient finance operations to foster trust, ensure compliance, and strategically support the university’s mission.”

“The program deepened my expertise in marketing, branding, and campaign design—skills that directly support my role in enhancing BukSU’s visibility, reputation, and stakeholders’ engagement,” said Bolivar. “My goal is to position BukSU more competitively at the national and international level through focused, data-driven communication initiatives.”

Bandas and Bolivar joined other CHED HUSAY grantees from BukSU who had also pursued advanced leadership and management training. These included University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, who completed a program on Digital Leadership; Mr. Dante S. Victoria Jr., Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Ms. Rosanna S. Generato, Chief Administrative Officer for Administration Services, who both finished the Leadership and Management Certificate Program.

The participation of BukSU officials in this program aligns with the goals of the CHED HUSAY Program, which was launched to continuously upskill and reskill higher education faculty and staff in the Philippines. The program provides scholarships and specialized training to strengthen qualifications, enhance adaptability to new educational technologies, and raise the overall quality of higher education institutions nationwide. (Joanne Vivien B. Necosia/ Head, PMS)