Dr Esther Susan Perez-Mari: Bridging Medicine and Education to Transform Lives and Inspire Future Generations

Dr Esther Susan Perez-Mari

President

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands, is as varied in its landscapes and cultures as its people's goals. The nation's future is shaped by education, which unites its thriving cities, isolated villages, and coastal towns. Filipino education leaders not only improve the lives of individuals but also fortify communities, demonstrating that education is the foundation of development and a driving force for revolutionary change throughout the islands.

As the President of the University of Cagayan Valley (UCV), Dr Esther Susan Perez-Mari has made a name for herself as a powerful figure in Philippine education. She started her career as an oncology physician-scientist and drug developer in top pharmaceutical companies in the United States which lasted for 22 years. In 2019, Dr Esther Susan succeeded her father, the late Hon. Dr Victor V. Perez, as President. Dr Esther Susan N Perez- Mari President of the University of Cagayan Valley (UCV), continuing her family's legacy of education founded in 1948 to address the post-World War II shortage of teachers.

Balancing her medical career as an oncology physician-scientist in the United States, she further prepared herself by earning a Ph.D. in Education, majoring in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University, Arizona, USA. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology (Pre-Med) from the University of Philippines at Los Banos, where she was also a Student Leader. She obtained a Medical Degree (MD) from Our Lady of Fatima University where she has been awarded twice as Distinguished Alumna for her contributions in cancer research. Dr. Esther Susan also obtained a Masters Degree in Forensic Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

To develop future leaders who are capable of handling challenges in the real world, she has made sure the university stays at the forefront of education by incorporating cutting-edge facilities, updating curricula to satisfy international standards, and encouraging a culture of research and innovation. Dr Esther Susan has also placed a high priority on faculty development because she understands that producing competent graduates requires empowered teachers. Upgrading teaching standards at UCV has been made possible in large part by frequent training sessions, exposure to international conferences, and cooperative research opportunities.

Empowering Communities through Education

Dr Esther Susan views education as a powerful tool for societal transformation, focusing on programs that address pressing social issues and empower marginalized communities. As such, during typhoon Ulysses, when Tuguegarao City was flooded, the University of Cagayan Valley provided hot meals to more than thirty-three thousand people in Cagayan Province for a span of approximately three weeks.

Exemplifying their commitment to community service. She has made UCV a force for sustainable development by matching its programs to the socioeconomic demands of the area. Programs in Liberal Arts & Teacher Education, Social Work, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Maritime, Health, Engineering, Technology,

Criminal Justice, Jurisprudence, and Graduate Studies have been created to give students skills that have an immediate influence on their communities. Her initiatives have also made graduates more employable and relevant to the industry by bridging the gap between academia and the workplace.

“I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where quality education is accessible to all, guided by our philosophy ‘Every man, irrespective of creed and economic status, has the inherent right and access to quality education’. We ensure affordability with low tuition fees, open enrollment without entrance examination, and holistic student development through sports, extracurricular activities, and robust academic programs supported by Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), British Standards Institutions (BSI), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), and active research initiatives”, she adds.

“These initiatives have improved UCV's academic reputation while also helping to address regional and worldwide issues. I believe in the power of lifelong learning, so I have worked to make UCV a place where students of all ages can grow, offering certifications, continuing education, and community programs to ensure education is always within reach”, continues Dr. Esther Susan.

In addition to UCV, Dr Esther Susan is a well-known advocate of educational reform in the Philippines who regularly attends conferences and policy talks. Her observations have influenced discussions about enhancing educational standards, resolving disparities, and encouraging creativity in the field.

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I am grateful beyond words to have a family legacy that can serve as a driving force in advancing humanity
– Dr Esther Susan Perez-Mari , President

Building a Legacy

In her capacity as President, Dr Esther Susan has spearheaded programs that have improved the University of Cagayan Valley's (UCV) academic reputation and community impact. Under her leadership, UCV has achieved and sustained the distinction of having the highest number of PACUCOA-accredited programs in the region for eight consecutive years. Apart from this, notable accomplishments include high passing rate for board courses. To increase UCV's international competitiveness, she has developed significant alliances with organizations like Ovidius University in Romania and Tra Vinh University in Vietnam. UCV also has partnerships with local universities like the University of the Philippines at Los Banos, Our Lady of Fatima University, Wesleyan University and others.

Dr Esther Susan established the Parent-Student Concierge for transparent communication and an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to promote high-quality research. Her contributions extend to national advisory roles in health, education, and sports, and she has earned prestigious accolades such as the Gawad Cagayano Gintong Medalya Award in Medicine, Outstanding Research Leader in Asia, The Outstanding University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Alumna, Women in Science, Engineering and Research Award by the Department of Science and Technology among other awards.

Most recent awards received in December 2024, UCV as One of the Top Performing Schools in Tuguegarao City during the Stakeholder's Gala hosted by Tuguegarao City Hall and Dr. Esther Susan was awarded as One of the Outstanding Tuguegaraoeños (Outstanding Citizen of Tuguegarao City) during the 25th Cityhood Anniversary.

Currently, Dr. Esther Susan is the National President of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA). Founding President of The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), Cagayan Chapter. Her influence endures as she guides UCV toward internationalization and autonomous status under the Commission on Higher Education. Building on her family's educational heritage, Dr. Esther Susan encourages others by embracing innovation and diversity to improve communities and create better futures for generations to come.

“I have reached a fulfilled stature in my medical vocation and the time has come for me to inspire the younger generation to contribute to humanity and make this a better world. I am blessed to have this great opportunity to spread my inspiration and link that infectious inspiration of helping humanity to a legacy that shapes the minds of the younger generation”, concludes Dr Esther Susan.

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