DAVAO CITY — Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) is taking another step toward bringing its students closer to the standards and realities of professional practice as University President Atty. Cyrus E. Torreña, DPA, MNSA, visited SGV & Co. in Davao City to explore a partnership that will benefit the University’s Accountancy program.
The engagement reflects one of President Torreña’s commitments for SKSU: quality education should not end inside the classroom. Students must also be given opportunities to learn from reputable institutions, experience professional environments, and develop the competence and confidence expected in their chosen fields.
For the BS Accountancy program, the President sees industry exposure as an important part of preparing students for the profession. His administration is therefore pursuing opportunities that will allow SKSU students to undertake meaningful internships with established institutions such as SGV, one of the country’s leading professional services firms.
During the discussions, three areas of collaboration were approved in principle: internship or on-the-job training opportunities for Accountancy students; professional training for SKSU Accounting instructors, particularly in taxation; and possible assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through initiatives where the expertise of both institutions can be brought closer to local communities.
The proposed partnership is expected to be formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Known for pushing SKSU beyond familiar boundaries, President Torreña has emphasized that the University should not settle for meeting minimum requirements when better opportunities can be created for its students and faculty. His direction is to actively seek partnerships that expose learners to stronger professional standards and connect academic preparation with actual industry practice.
The initiative directly supports the University’s Strategic Pillar on Academic Excellence, Student Success, and Future-Ready Learning, which seeks to improve graduate employability and enrich the student learning experience. It also advances the Presidential Portfolio’s thrust on strategic partnerships and its call for stronger engagement with industries and other institutions.
More importantly, the visit puts into action President Torreña’s leadership philosophy that universities must create opportunities that transform lives. His Presidential Portfolio places student-centered excellence at the heart of institutional leadership and emphasizes preparing graduates who are competent, employable, and ready to contribute to society.
Once formalized, the SKSU–SGV partnership will open a new frontier of learning for Accountancy students and faculty—one where classroom knowledge meets professional practice and where SKSU learners gain experience from institutions recognized beyond the region.
For President Torreña, this is how the University moves forward: by opening doors that were once beyond reach and making those opportunities accessible to SKSU students.
Leading with Integrity, Advancing Excellence.
