CMU’s 14 postgraduate programs went through DOST-SEI evaluation for STRAND project

Central Mindanao University, the academic paradise of the South, expands its horizons in providing quality education by having the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) assess additional priority science and technology degree programs under the Science and Technology Regional Alliance of Universities for National Development (STRAND) project at the CMU Office of the President Conference Room on December 4-6, 2023.

The goal of the assessment was to increase the number of higher education institutions that will provide graduate scholarships through DOST-SEI in the Region. Thus, CMU submitted 14 additional postgraduate programs subject to evaluation for DOST’s recommendation and qualified for the project STRAND.

Programs under evaluation were: MS in Plant Breeding, MS in Agribusiness, Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences major in Mathematics Education, Ph.D. in Mathematics, Ph.D. in Science Education major in Mathematics, Ph.D. Science Education major in Physics, MS in Physics Education, Ph.D. Science Education major in Biology, Ph.D. Science Education major in Chemistry, MS Chemistry Education, Master of Veterinary Science (MVsc) research track, and MS in Veterinary Medicine (MScVM) academic track.

The technical working group was led by Engr. Albert G. Mariño, Deputy Director of SEI, and Prof. Fortunato T. Dela Peña, SEI Consultant and the former DOST Secretary. Prof. Dela Peña shared his impression of CMU by saying that it was a pleasure working with the CMU team and that he liked to see CMU rise and become one of the best universities in the region, not only in the Philippines.

Moreover, Engr. Mariño elaborated on the categories of STRAND project and the means to be qualified for the projects. “…at sa ating recommendations meron tayong two decisions or recommendations, you can either be classified as STRAND 2, meaning you will be a delivering institution right away, and the other one will be STRAND 1 if there is a need for you to develop further yung inyong faculty compliment by applying for a scholarship sa aming mga existing programs,” Eng. Mariño affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Jose S. Valmorida emphasized how the technical working group’s insightful observations are instructive and help CMU refine certain areas for further improvement. “There are still some points that we have to work out for us to improve our curricular programs and ensure that these programs will remain relevant,” Dr. Valmorida said in an interview.

Dr. Melrose P. Condino, University Director of Instruction, shared her takeaways from the evaluation. “My main takeaway is that whenever we review curricular program proposals, we have to make sure that CHED, the CMO’s as well as other regulatory bodies, including scholarship providers, their guidelines and policies are taken into account. So that whenever certain agencies like DOST would review our programs, we can make sure that everything is in order,” Dr. Condino asserted.

Furthermore, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, the President of Central Mindanao University, expressed his gratitude to the esteemed group of professionals and experts who were able to provide their valuable input and significant experience for this important milestone. “This endeavor is not only an assessment of existing programs but also a collaborative effort to enhance the quality and relevance of science and technology education in this part of the country, particularly at Central Mindanao University,” Dr. Eballe added.

The evaluation ended with a closing program and an ocular visit of the technical working group to laboratory facilities, classrooms, and faculty offices, accompanied by the program owners and CMU-Tourism office personnel.

The STRAND project seeks to broaden access to DOST-SEI Graduate Scholarships in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. It aims to offer S&T professionals opportunities for advanced degree studies in universities with equivalent educational standards, fostering R&D activities in the regions and enhancing the human resource capacities of STEM-focused universities. _{[Mary Jane D. Bravo & Johnica Chantal G. Montero]}