Today, May 20, 2024, saw a significant visit from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) MIMAROPA region to Palawan State University (PSU). Led by Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, Regional Director of CHED MIMAROPA, and Dir. Edna Imelda F. Legazpi of CHED-OSDS, along with other CHED officials and the Regional Quality Assessment Team, the visit aimed at evaluating PSU’s remaining Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) application. Additionally, a Medical Scholarship Return Service Program Consultative Meeting was scheduled to take place at the PSU Hostel.
The day commenced with the CHED delegates participating in the flag ceremony at the PSU Landmark. Dr. Catanes and Dir. Legazpi took the opportunity to address the gathering.
Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted PSU’s recent achievements, notably mentioning John Vincent T. Ombe, the topnotcher in the Registered Master Electricians Licensure Examination. He also lauded PSU’s outstanding performance in the May 2024 Nurse Licensure Examination and the April 2024 Midwifery Licensure Exam, both achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate for first-time takers. Dr. Catanes recognized the university’s growing international reputation. Further, he highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts with other SUCs to leverage each other’s strengths and address common challenges more effectively in competing globally. Additionally, he acknowledged CHED’s 30th founding anniversary and its 4th National Higher Education Day, underscoring the agency’s commitment to supporting institutions like PSU in achieving their goals. As part of this commitment, the CHEDRO and the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) would assist PSU in securing its remaining COPC application.
Dir. Edna Imelda F. Legazpi was also in attendance. She greeted the assembled individuals and outlined her responsibility in overseeing the Medical Scholarship Return Service Program Consultative Meeting. Scheduled to take place on the same day at the PSU Hostel, this meeting would facilitate discussions involving Dr. Catanes, faculty members and students from the School of Medicine. Moreover, Director Legazpi touched upon Congressional initiatives facilitated by her office. These initiatives involve the distribution of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00) to each student.
Moreover, the ceremony featured the recognition of Ms. Thyra Lagrosa, a third-year, and Mr. Mark Kevin Autor, a second-year Architecture student, both coached by Ar. Christopher Magrata. These exceptional students achieved distinction by securing positions in the Top 5 out of 16 architectural school participants in the UP Arkwiz 2024, a prestigious nationwide architecture quiz competition.
Additionally, Mr. John Vincent T. Ombe was granted with a cash gift award amounting to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00). He earned the ninth spot in the 2024 Registered Master Electricians Licensure Examination.
Among those attending the flag-raising ceremony were PSU President Dr. Ramon M. Docto, key officials, CHEDRO representatives: Ms. Lesele O. Condeza, Education Supervisor II and Ms. Abigail T. Limjuco, Administrative Officer III; faculty members, administrative staff, and students. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and academic institutions in ensuring the quality and relevance of higher education programs.
