The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), along with its Technical Working Group (TWG) recommends the Graduate School (GS) as a delivering institute to accept DOST Scholars for Master of Arts in Teaching – Science and Mathematics (MAT-Science, MAT-Math), and Master of Information Technology (MIT) on April 24, 2023, at the Board Room, Administration Building, ACCESS Campus, EJC Montilla, Tacurong City. The activity started with a courtesy call to the SKSU President, Dr. Samson Molao. The former, Dr. Julie E. Albano (VP-Research Development and Extension), Dr. Siony Brunio (Director for Extension), and the GS-designated personnel, welcomed the team. Hence, the DOST-SEI team provided a brief orientation.
The DOST-SEI team was headed by Prof. Fortunato de la Peña (Consultant, Former DOST Secretary), Engr. Albert Mariño (Deputy Director, DOST-SEI), Dr. Portia Lapitan (For Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UP Los Baños), Dr. Ronnalee Orteza (Campus Director, PSHS Ilocos Region Campus), Dr. Leticia Catris (Former Deputy Director, Former Professor, Philippine Normal University), Dr. Edwin Villar (Former Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development, DOST-PCAARRD), Engr. Sammy Malawan (SKSU BOR Member, Regional Director of DOST XII), Sharamae Torres (Science Research Specialist II, STSD), Ma. Angiela Panganiban (Science Research Specialist IV, STSD), Giselle Eve Siladan (Senior Planning Officer, DOST XII), and Dr. Thelma Palaoag (IT Expert).
Meanwhile, the GS team comprised Dr. Mildred Accad (GS Dean), Dr. Adrian Protacio (GS Secretary), Prof. Michael Kennedy Camarao (MAT-Science Chairperson), Dr. Edmarlyn Porras (MIT Chairperson), and Dr. Allan Jay Cajandig (MAT-Math Chairperson). Along with Dean Accad, they spent sleepless nights preparing for the evaluation. The three GS Chairpersons were appreciated and acknowledged, particularly in the faculty area, and must work arduously in other areas for improvement.
The 6-hour evaluation focused on the program performance, retention policy and graduation, admission policy, faculty, curricular program, publications, projects, linkages and external collaborations, laboratory, learning resources, and general facilities. During the discussions, Dr. Jesusa Ortuoste (VP-Academic Affairs) supported the GS team and provided substantive input. After thorough deliberation, the TWG recommends the three programs for Strand 2. It is hoped that SKSU-Graduate School shall become an officially DOST-SEI-recognized delivering institution for graduate school scholars.
– Adrian Protacio
