by Michelle Jeanne Caracut, OC/OPI
“Kung gusto, maraming paraan. Kung ayaw, maraming dahilan” is a favorite aphorism of Dr. Polaus Malangco Bari, and one that captures his attitude towards work.
In fact, his work ethic is such that it reveals a man obsessed with getting things done well – and done fast – that University constituents have given him the sobriquet: Mr. Action Man.
“I lead by example,” explained Dr. Bari who was the Dean of the College of Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) until he was designated as MSU-IIT’s new Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance (VCAF) on October 30, 2020 after Dr. Feliciano B. Alagao retired.
This is actually the second time Dr. Bari has been designated to serve as VCAF. His first stint as VCAF was in 2007 and served for seven years.
Now that he is back as VCAF, Dr. Bari aims to ensure a fast and efficient processing of the financial claims, sustainable repair and maintenance of facilities, personnel concerns like hiring and promotion, procurement of supplies and materials, and property management accountability.
According to Dr. Bari, his office – the OVCAF, is not just simply a monitoring or processing office. It is everything about administration and finance matters.
He said that the office plays a great role in achieving the University’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives.
“I know our constituents have high expectations from me as VCAF. I take it as a challenge on my part, but with the presence of the Responsibility Centers [Heads] who are very supportive and cooperative in addressing the needs of the constituents, we can do more for MSU-IIT by working as a team and strengthening the collaboration with other responsibility centers,” Dr. Bari said.
The 62-year-old Bari is a responsible and serious worker who uses the seven university core values (Accountability, Commitment, Excellence, Transparency, Integrity, Teamwork, and Participation) as his guiding principles.
He is passionate about administrative work, and it is not a surprise that he is seen by colleagues as an employee who puts his heart in his work.
“I love working with people, learning new things such as management styles. I care deeply about the people in the organization, and I feel excited to work everyday, motivated by colleagues and the support I receive from the top management,” Dr. Bari said.
Although Dr. Bari admits that being an administrator is his passion, he is quick to add that he also finds serving others as an educator equally rewarding.
“What I love about teaching is seeing my students’ individual strengths and abilities, and watching them grow and seeing how they use those skills they have learned from their teachers,” he said.
Dr. Bari was born on January 28, 1958 in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur where he grew up.
He has a degree in BS Civil Engineering from MSU-Marawi, a Master of Business Management degree from MSU-IIT, and Doctor of Management degree from Liceo de Cagayan University in Cagayan de Oro City.
In 1984, Dr. Bari worked as a Civil Engineer at the Physical Plant Division (PPD) in the University for five years. He left MSU-IIT and worked at the Department of Trade and Industry – Lanao del Norte for three years.
Dr. Bari returned to MSU-IIT in October 1991 and worked as Engineer and Chief at the Repair and Maintenance Section of PPD. He joined the faculty force of the university in 2014, and at the same year was designated as Acting Head of the Budget Management Office (BMO) where he served for two years.
For this second time that he finds himself at the head of the OVCAF, Dr. Bari is able to hit the ground running with no honeymoon period being necessary.
“My background and experience as VCAF in the past help me a lot in discharging my duties and responsibilities as VCAF today,” he said.