Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas

Photos by Joseph Bautista

In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, strategic foresight has become an essential tool for institutions to navigate the future effectively. 

To underscore the importance of strategic foresight, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, University of the Philippines Manila and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG) Governance Futures Lab hosted the University Futures Masterclass from September 9 to 11, 2024, at the Admiral Hotel Manila. The event embraced the Filipino concept of “Hiraya Manawari”—the realization of hopes and dreams through proactive effort.

The University Futures Masterclass learning module was designed by the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures) in collaboration with the Center for Leadership, Communication, and Governance Inc. (CLCGi). The event aimed to equip academic institutions with tools and strategies to address the evolving landscape of education, work, and technology. Its goal was to produce strategic project proposals aligned with the priority futures agenda of each participating institution.

This particular masterclass was led by Dr. Ma. Oliva Z. Domingo and Dr. Reginald Ugaddan from the UP NCPAG Governance Futures Lab, featured an interactive workshop where participants used strategic foresight tools to develop futures research proposals. Dr. Domingo highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and creativity, encouraging participants to think beyond traditional boundaries and consider the interconnectedness of global issues. The sessions emphasized the importance of long-term planning, featuring foresight tools and scenario mapping to foster collaborative thinking.

Dr. Domingo, a senior fellow at PhilFutures, clarified that futures thinking is not about predicting the future but preparing for it. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” she said. Dr. Domingo emphasized the need to prepare for multiple possible futures, particularly in education and healthcare, where advancements like integrated health systems and augmented reality will transform service delivery.

Dr. Ugaddan, Director of the Governance Futures Lab, added a critical dimension by discussing the importance of identifying emerging issues, weak signals, and “wild cards”—unexpected low-probability, high-impact events that could drastically alter future scenarios. “Wild cards, such as viruses being transmitted from animals to humans, can complicate the future of health education and workforce development. It’s crucial to anticipate these wild cards to better prepare for their potential impacts,” he explained, emphasizing that robust foresight involves integrating these possibilities into future planning.

One of the central ideas discussed was the concept of “futures”—a recognition that there is no single, predetermined future, but rather multiple possible futures. Futures thinking emphasizes preparing for various potential scenarios, acknowledging that the future can unfold in different ways based on decisions made today. This approach allows institutions and leaders to anticipate a range of challenges and opportunities.

Views on Futures Thinking

In his message, Chancellor Michael L. Tee underscored the value of learning from the past while shaping the future. He encouraged participants to evaluate the progress made in addressing perennial public health issues such as stunted growth and rabies. This reflective approach emphasized the importance of tackling current challenges while leveraging future innovations to prevent similar problems.

“This is an opportunity for the young faculty to address these issues—not by yourselves, but through the university,” Chancellor Tee said. “You are the future of the university. Empower yourselves to create the future. Your role as faculty members is to use your minds to shape how others think, especially in a university that influences future generations.”

Senator Pia Cayetano, a staunch advocate for futures thinking and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in policymaking, explained how this approach shapes policies. “The future is something we can prepare for, adapt to, and thrive in. I hope everyone here makes it their mission to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for our children,” she said.

Cayetano emphasized the need for government leaders, policymakers, and citizens to understand the significance of futures thinking in crafting legislation. Through her efforts, agencies like the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Department of Science and Technology have established futures thinking offices. She also secured funding for futures research across various institutions, including state colleges, universities, and local and national offices through the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Her fellow Senator Sherwin Gatchalian echoed this sentiment in his message, adding, “Napakahalaga ng ating layunin—ang pagsulong ng futures thinking sa ating state universities and colleges. Sa pamamagitan ng paghubog sa kaisipan ng ating kabataan, tinitiyak natin na handa silang harapin ang anumang hamon at oportunidad na maaaring dumating.”

Dr. Michville Rivera, a board member of PhilFutures, highlighted the importance of collaboration across institutions. “The fastest way to democratize futures thinking in the country is through our higher education institutions, particularly state universities and colleges,” he noted.

Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio, Vice Chancellor for Research reflected on the ongoing journey of faculty development, acknowledging both the excitement and fear of preparing for an uncertain future. “As faculty, we never stop learning. What we did in the last three days was not just a learning experience—it was about creating the future of UP Manila. Let’s not forget the core of Universal Health Care. It speaks to equity, and that should be ingrained in everything we do at UP Manila—whether it’s for the curriculum or for research,” she reminded participants.

Through strategic foresight, UP Manila positions itself not only to respond to current challenges but also to anticipate and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. This initiative marks a vital step in preparing the next generation of leaders who will not just adapt to change but actively shape the future of education and healthcare in the Philippines.#