In a continuous effort to enhance academic and operational excellence, the Sultan Kudarat State University Instructional Materials Development Center recently conducted an intensive four-day benchmarking activity. This initiative was led by Dr. Amira Mae C. Gumanoy, the IMDC Director, from June 3 to June 6, 2024. The activity involved various top-performing publishing companies across the country, both private and government-owned. Its objective was to establish a standard of excellence in the development, publication, and marketing of the university’s instructional materials. Additionally, it aimed to attract clients from other academic institutions and to enhance competitiveness in achieving strategic goals within a rapidly evolving academic and business environment.
The SKSU IMDC benchmarking team included Dr. Ernie C. Cerado, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Marites B. Java, Director for Instruction; Dr. Amira Mae C. Gumanoy, Director for IMDC and SKSU Book Publication; Dr. Adonis S. Besa, Director for Resource Generation; and members of the IMDC Review Committee: Dr. Mary Grace O. Gallego, Prof. Allan A. Maglantay, Dr. Joylyn S. Gamiao, Prof. Ellen L. Consomo, and Dr. Roselyn Calixtro. The benchmarking visits were hosted by esteemed NBDB-registered publishing companies such as Ateneo De Davao University, University of the Philippines Press, Batangas State University, C&E Publishing, Inc., Lorimar Publishing Inc., National Library of the Philippines, and the National Book Development Board.
The benchmarking journey began at Ateneo de Davao University, renowned for its comprehensive publishing program and commitment to academic excellence. The second day focused on Batangas State University, known as “The National Engineering University,” where the team learned about innovative leadership, pedagogical management systems, operational standards, infrastructural excellence, and scholarly innovations.
On the third day, the delegation visited C&E Publishing Company, Inc., a distinguished private publishing firm recognized for its adaptive learning resources in both digital and printed formats. During a forum, Ms. Christine J. Samonte, Project Officer for HEIs at C&E Publishing, Inc., commended the university’s resources, composition of review committees, processes, guidelines, plans, targets, and team commitment, affirming their alignment with industry standards.
The same day, the team visited the National Library of the Philippines, the custodian of the country’s printed and recorded cultural heritage and intellectual resources. Here, they aligned SKSU IMDC processes, particularly in the application of ISBN, ISSN, ISMN, and Copyright, crucial in book publication activities. The final day of benchmarking activities concluded at the University of the Philippines Press, the country’s first university press established on March 16, 1965. The forum with UP Press officials emphasized SKSU IMDC’s commitment to academic publications and prioritized faculty welfare, student needs, and university advancement over commercial interests.
Additionally, the team’s interest in visiting a publishing house that develops books aligned with CHED-recommended curricula led them to Lorimar Publishing Inc. Finally, to complete their objectives, the team had a courtesy visit at the National Book Development Board. Mandated by the Publishing Industry Development Act, NBDB formulates and implements national book policies, promoting growth in the Philippine publishing industry. NBDB credited SKSU as an official Book Publisher (Digital and Printed) and Book Seller (Wholesale and Retail), concluding the visit with divisional tours, an inspiring message from NBDB Directors, and tokens of appreciation for SKSU’s exemplary initiatives and active collaboration in book development, publication, and marketing.
Following four intensive benchmarking days, the commitment to this venture and the roadmap to successful book publication have become clear. Each day uncovered new layers of collaboration, significant insights, strategies, mechanisms, and best practices, emphasizing the importance of publication legality, peer review systems, author engagement, technological integration, graphic design, and effective marketing strategies. This benchmarking activity provided an immersive and enlightening experience, deepening understanding of book publication policies and processes and reinforcing the need for strategic, collaborative, and innovative approaches at every stage to produce impactful publications.
Thus, the IMDC’s concrete vision is enlightened, policies and guidelines are set, and plans and targets are now clear. The success of this activity reflects the collaborative efforts of the IMDC Review Committee Team and the support of University OIC President, Dr. Jesusa D. Ortuoste.
– By: Glyzza Glenn C. Dado, IMDC Staff
