ISUFST graduate programs undergo CHED evaluation

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) recently marked a pivotal advancement in its pursuit of academic excellence.

Six of its proposed graduate programs were rigorously evaluated by the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Joint Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) and the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) Technical Panel.

This comprehensive two-day evaluation began on Thursday, March 8, at the Audiovisual Room of the ISUFST Main Campus-Tiwi Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

The targeted programs for this quality check were the Master of Arts in Education, with majors in Mathematics, Science, and English, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education, with specializations in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Teaching.

These programs have been designed to further ISUFST’s mission of enhancing its educational portfolio and setting higher standards in academic quality.

The evaluation panel, comprising both online and on-site members, including CHED OPSD Technical Committee evaluators Dr. Ruby Serrano and Dr. Ericson Reyes (online) and RQAT evaluators Dr. Delsa Gange, Dr. Jan Dolly Grace Deita, and Dr. Noeda Madamesila (on-site), alongside CHED Regional Office Education Supervisors Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, Dr. Roxanne Edrosolano, and Dr. Ma. Mercedes Monsale, conducted a thorough review of the university’s documents, facilities, and faculty credentials.

Their feedback is aimed at refining the proposed programs in terms of faculty, curriculum, processes, and infrastructure.

“The visit signifies a critical step in ensuring our programs meet and surpass educational standards. It sharpens our focus on excellence and supports our students’ professional and personal development,” said Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Academic Affairs at ISUFST.

She extended her gratitude to the evaluators for their comprehensive review and interaction with the university’s community.

Should the programs receive CHED’s approval, ISUFST aims to launch them by October this year, with the Ph.D. in English Language Teaching notably positioned as a first-of-its-kind offering in Western Visayas by a state university.

Following the initial day of evaluation, University President Nordy Siason, Jr. commended the evaluators for their expertise and adherence to CHED’s standards and lauded the ISUFST team for their meticulous preparation. “Their legacy embodies true greatness,” he stated.

Highlighting the importance of excellence, Dr. Siason reaffirmed, “Mediocrity has no place at ISUFST,” encouraging all involved to continue striving for the highest standards.

Dr. Ma. Mercedes Monsale, CHED Regional Office Supervisor, also underscored the importance of perseverance in academic excellence, assuring that the evaluation results would be communicated the following morning.

Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts that led to a successful evaluation. “This collaborative achievement underscores the commitment of our faculty and staff to propel the university toward ongoing growth and excellence,” he remarked.

With a storied 66-year history, ISUFST—formerly the Iloilo State College of Fisheries—currently offers 27 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs across campuses in Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Dingle, and San Enrique, supporting a community of approximately 8,000 students and 250 full-time faculty members. (News by Herman Lagon; Photos by Karl Jan Demegillo, Patrick Lance Nacion, Michelle Bales, and Herman Lagon)