On February 12, experts from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 8 Technical Committee and the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) conducted a comprehensive assessment of Northwest Samar State University’s (NWSSU) engineering programs at the BDC building. The joint evaluation aimed to determine whether the programs meet the requirements for the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC), which is a recognition of the program’s quality and standards.
NWSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo set the tone for the event, reflecting on the long history of the university’s engineering programs. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to meeting CHED’s policies, standards, and guidelines, acknowledging that the process, though challenging, is essential in ensuring quality education.
Dr. Catherine O. Iglesias from CHED RO8 Technical Committee introduced the evaluation team and expressed appreciation for the university’s proactive efforts in making the joint visit possible. NWSSU presented a comprehensive presentation highlighting the strengths of the university’s engineering programs, including its distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry linkages.
Following the presentation, NWSSU CEA officials participated in focused breakout sessions with CHED TC members, including Dr. Catherine O. Iglesias, Dr. Nelly L. Labrada, Dr. Jan Paolo K. Vega, and Engr. Cydric B. Suyom. Engineers Engr. Lyndon Bague, Engr. Flordeliza Villasenor, Engr. Noel Linsangan, and Engr. Nelson Pasamonte joined via Zoom. RQAT members from various engineering disciplines also joined the sessions, including Engr. Julius O. Paler and Engr. Allan L. Bargamento (Electronics Engineering), Engr. Leovegildo E. Cardenas and Engr. Gabino C. Hilvano (Civil Engineering), Engr. Jameson C. Buhayang and Engr. Charito D. Sabate (Computer Engineering), Engr. Ronald B. Lacaba and Dr. Vinyl H. Oquino (Electrical Engineering), Engr. Vic Angelo L. Impas and Engr. Ramon L. Pitao, Jr. (Mechanical Engineering), and Engr. Daniel Leslie S. Tan and Engr. Tessie A. Guial (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering). Together, they meticulously reviewed the programs in collaboration with NWSSU key officials and CEA faculty. The evaluation identified areas for improvement, and presented a clear roadmap for NWSSU’s continued pursuit of development.
Engr. Lyndon Bague, the CHED TC team leader, presented the evaluation’s findings. As a result, the university now has key insights and a strategic plan for improvement. University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that NWSSU will work diligently to meet CHED’s requirements for the upcoming reevaluation.
The program concluded with Dr. Ramil S. Catamora expressing gratitude to the CHED evaluation team, RQAT members, NWSSU officials, and CEA faculty members for their cooperation and dedication throughout the process. In recognition of their efforts, certificates of appreciation were awarded by NWSSU’s key officials to the CHED TC and RQAT representatives.
With NWSSU’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation, the university is optimistic about its prospects for obtaining the COPC. NWSSU will continue to work towards meeting the requirements, ensuring that its engineering programs comply with the standards and its graduates meet industry demands.