The Regional Quality Assurance Team (RQAT) of the Commission on Higher Education Region IV-A (CHEDRO IV-A) paid a visit to the Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City Campus (SPCC) for the assessment and review of the graduate programs in education for the certificate of program compliance (COPC), Nov 11.

The members of the evaluators were Dr. Corazon Flores, Dr. Danilo K. Villena, Dr. Ericson Reyes, Dr. Rowena Abrea (onsite), and Dr. Victoria Naval (online). 

The program offerings of the Graduate Studies and Applied Research (GSAR) under the College of Teacher Education (CTE) that underwent assessment were the Doctor of Education major in Educational Management (EdD-EM); Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) with majors; and Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with majors.

During the presentation of their evaluation, Dr. Villena provided some recommendations for the program offerings such as the identification in the program description of the type of graduate program (e.g., academic degree track program) and level according to the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF); decision to determine the nomenclature of the program as per curriculum design (e.g., PhD for academic track or EdD for professional track); and visibility of creative work in the research and development division, among others. 

Dr. Villena also shed light on the difference between the EdD and PhD programs.

“Although EdD and PhD are of equal footing,” Dr. Villena explained, “but then EdD is more on [developing] practitioners in the field. If your program is intended to produce education practitioners—leadership in education practitioners—then it should be EdD. But if you opt to have the PhD, then your intention is to produce researchers in the field of education, [such as] framework developers and curriculum planners. 

For the opening program, Dr. Eden C. Callo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented before the CHED technical panel and LSPU delegates the goals and the steps undertaken by the college in preparation for the COPC. She also expressed her respect for the constructive feedback the panel of experts would be sharing with the LSPU.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President, expressed the commitment of the university to deliver responsive quality education for the students.  

“We understand that education is a dynamic field constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of society and industry,” President Briones said. “Our faculty and staff will remain dedicated to staying at the forefront of research and pedagogical innovations, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education that will encourage them to excel in their respective fields.”

President Briones also recognized the effort and participation of all students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders in the implementation of the graduate programs. 

For the presentation of the programs for assessment, Dr. Edilberto Z. Andal, Dean of CTE, provided a brief profile of the college, status of program accreditations, program goals and objectives, admission policy, research and extension, and faculty profile, among others. 

A/Prof. Joel M. Bawica, Campus Director for LSPU-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC) delivered the statement of commitment of LSPU to comply with the recommendations of the technical panel. 

Also present in the event from LSPU were Dr. Michelle B. Sarmiento, Executive Assistant; Blaisdelle C. Regacho, University Board Secretary; Dr. Delon Ching, Director for Research and Development; Dr. Alberto D. Yazon, Director for Quality Assurance; Allen Pasia, Chairperson for Curriculum and Instruction Development; Dr. Nimfa Dimaculangan, Director for International and Local Affairs (ILA); other key officials, heads, and faculty members from CTE; and selected employees.

Dr. Reyes said that the university has thirty days to comply with the recommendations of the panel. Should more time be needed for completion, the university may forward a letter to the Office of Program Standards Development (OPSD) for extension.