Tacloban City, Philippines – On August 27, EVSU’s Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium echoed with the sounds of academic vision, unity, and innovation as university president, Dr. Dennis C. de Paz delivered his highly anticipated State of the University Address (SUA) for 2024.
Often celebrated as the “listening president,” de Paz exemplified his unique approach—open and empathetic, yet firm and resolute—in addressing both the triumphs and challenges faced by the university.
The annual SUA is a hallmark of the university’s progress, attended by esteemed members of the EVSU Governing Board, local leaders, government officials, and key industry representatives. University faculty, staff, and students were also present during the event, highlighting the inclusive nature of the occasion. The address was live streamed to the broader community, ensuring that all stakeholders could witness President de Paz’s vision and accomplishments.
Financial Resource Utilization
With a budget allocation of Php 874,535,000 granted through RA 11975 or the General Appropriations Act (GAA), EVSU has already utilized 55.10% of its appropriated funds as of July 31, 2024.
De Paz mentions that EVSU’s resource efficiency has also earned the university recognition from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office 8 for its exemplary 100% utilization rate of actual disbursements in the previous fiscal year.
Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
Pres de Paz stated that the university has made significant strides in the area of infrastructure development. The approval of the Proposed Land Use Development Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) by the Board of Regents (BOR) is a pivotal success for EVSU, allowing the university to strategically develop and optimize its resources in alignment with national policies on sustainable development.
Among the notable infrastructure projects approved by the BOR are the construction of a Health and Wellness Center, the renovation of key university facilities, and the enhancement of the university’s perimeter security through the improvement of EVSU Gates and the perimeter fence. Projects under this initiative are not merely cosmetic upgrades; they represent a concentrated effort to improve on an environment conducive to learning, research, and community engagement.
Pres de Paz also gave updates on the ongoing Smart Campus Enhancement Program, a flagship initiative with the primary focus of transforming EVSU into the first smart university in the region. This 1st phase of this project, with a budget of 1.5 billion pesos, includes the construction of an Innovation Hub Building, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for enhanced security and energy efficiency, and the renovation of classrooms into smart classrooms equipped for hybrid learning.
Enhancing Workforce and Advancing Organizational Excellence
Beyond infrastructure, Pres de Paz proudly showcases EVSU’s dedication to faculty development and the enhancement of student-faculty ratios through the Board’s approved strategic reorganization, scrapping 7 senior faculty positions allowing room for 13 Instructor I and 4 Assistant Professor I positions.
Further, in alignment with Budget Circular No. 589, which mandated the implementation of the Revised Organization and Staffing Standard (ROSS), EVSU has effectively filled 125 out of 166 newly created positions. The Governing Board also sanctioned the reclassification of 119 faculty members, including the promotion of four to full-fledged professors and the appointment of Dr. Jeffry Ocay as the university’s first University Professor.
Research Development
The SUA also focused on key research initiatives such as establishment of the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) and the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub, two projects started through the partnership between EVSU and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Pres De Paz also mentioned other projects such as the Capacity Development Camp for Research, Innovation, and Extension (CARE Camp), a program providing opportunities for faculty and staff across campuses to develop research and extension projects; the TABU mobile application, an e-commerce tool designed to revolutionize agriculture in Eastern Visayas; and the iSTART: Flooding Project, which aims to mitigate flooding in Leyte through the installation of early warning systems.
More importantly, EVSU has seen a significant increase in the number of citations for faculty publications, rising from 235 last year to 271 as of mid-2024. This growth reflects the university’s expanding influence in academic research.
Internationalization Initiatives, Linkages, Partnerships, and Collaborations
Pres de Paz mentions that the university has forged significant collaborations with various government agencies, local government units, and private entities to support its academic, research and extension initiatives. These partnerships not only provide additional resources but also open new avenues for student and faculty engagement in real-world applications of their academic pursuits.
Dr. de Paz draws attention to the university’s ongoing collaboration with the renowned Philippine American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE), a co-sponsor of EVSU’s annual iSTEAM+ Research Congress, which has been instrumental in providing access to cutting-edge research and professional development opportunities for EVSU’s faculty members.
On the topic of internationalization, EVSU achieved a significant milestone with the Bureau of Immigration’s approval to admit international students into select programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, and Bachelor of Arts in English Language. With this, the university is one step closer to its goal of attaining international renown.
The university’s growing network of international and local partnerships includes institutions such as Palembang University (Indonesia), ASEZ WAO, the Department of Tourism Region 8, University of San Agustin, and various local government units.
Student Development and Welfare
The university has made good progress in enhancing educational accessibility, with 46,759 students benefiting from free tuition in 2023, and this number rising to 47,884 in 2024. Financial assistance is further represented by 1,969 students receiving the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and 1,986 benefiting from the CHED-Tulong Dunong Program. The commitment to student support extends beyond tuition, with scholarships from various organizations and local government units providing additional aid.
Awards and Recognitions
Another highlight of this year’s SUA were the numerous awards and recognitions received by members of the EVSU community.
The university secured the 100th position out of 364 universities in the Philippines and 4th in Eastern Visayas in the July 2024 Webometrics Ranking. This recognition is complemented by EVSU’s notable standing in the AD Scientific Index 2024, securing 64th place among all type of institutions in the Philippines and 55th among the Top 100 universities in the Philippines.
Further, Pres de Paz lauded the faculty’s achievements, with the late Professor Ferdinand T. Abocejo ranking 14th among the World’s Top 100 Economics & Econometrics Scientists, and Professor Sheldon Ives G. Agaton achieving 70th place in History, Philosophy, and Theology.
EVSU also has 18 professors who placed in this year’s rankings for Philippine Scientists, namely, Dr. Jeffry V. Ocay, Prof. Jasten Keneth D. Treceñe, Dr. Ryzel Maureen T. Figer-Canes, Prof. Eduardo Edu C. Cornilles, Jr., Dr. Jessie Paragas, Prof. Jessie Richie N. de los Santos, Dr. Gerry B. de Cadiz, Prof. Bernard Niño Membrebe, Prof. Jereco Jims Agapito, Dr. Sheldon Ives G. Agaton, Dr. Deborah Brosas, Dr. Fideliza U. Cojuangco, Ma. Erenita Bahian, Dr. Charlene C. Pita, Dr. Pearl Aphrodite B. Carnice, Dr. Gaudencio Fernandez, Dr. Robert G. Navarro, and Prof, Delicia Inghug.P
Pres de Paz also highlighted the university’s achievements such as the Platinum Award from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Clustering 2023 for the second consecutive year, EVCIEERD’s Level 2 recognition from the PCIEERD, and EVSU’s recognition by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT 8) as an Outstanding Regional Partner for its contributions to ICT and education.
Quality Assurance: ISO certification, COPC, AACCUP accreditation
EVSU has successfully maintained its ISO 9001:2015 certification and is now transitioning to ISO 21001:2018 (EOMS). As de Paz stated, this migration aligns the university with international standards and frameworks, enhancing its quality management system.
EVSU’s efforts to secure Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) have made notable strides. As of July 2024, 56 out of 101 programs, or 55.44%, have been granted COPC. Currently, 7 programs (6.93%) are under evaluation, while 38 programs (37.62%) are awaiting compliance. A detailed breakdown of compliance across campuses shows:
Main Campus:
- College of Architecture and Allied Discipline: 100% compliance
- College of Arts and Sciences: 100% compliance
- College of Business and Entrepreneurship: 100% compliance
- College of Education: 100% compliance
- College of Engineering: 1 program compliant; others awaiting compliance
- College of Technology: 2 programs compliant; others awaiting compliance
- Graduate Programs: 7 programs under evaluation; 9 awaiting compliance
External Campuses:
- Carigara: 100% compliance
- Burauen: 8 out of 10 programs compliant; 2 awaiting compliance
- Tanauan: 11 out of 17 programs compliant; 6 awaiting compliance
- Ormoc: 7 out of 12 programs compliant; others awaiting compliance
In addition to its COPC application and evaluation, EVSU’s team, comprised of faculty and non-teaching staff alike have been rigorously working on ensuring that all programs attain AACCUP accreditation. As of today, out of 81 accredited programs, 22 (27.2%) hold Level 3 status, 33 (40.7%) are at Level 2, and 13 (16%) have Level 1 status. Ten programs (12.3%) are undergoing preliminary visits, and three programs (3.7%) have candidate status.
EVSU’s performance in licensure examinations
President de Paz also made sure to highlight the remarkable achievements of EVSU’s top performers during their respective licensure examinations.
Namely, Engr. Kant Dumas, who secured 7th place in the November 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Exam; Ms. Cherry Jane Costelo and Ms. Maria Jheny Lumbre, who ranked 4th and 5th, respectively, in the December 2023 Chemical Technicians Exam; Ar. Jethro Albior Oftana, achieving 9th place in the January 2024 Architecture Licensure Exam; Ms. Clarine E. Tismo, who placed 5th in the March 2024 Licensure Exam for Teachers; Engr. Marie Antoinette M. Holanda, securing 10th place in the April 2024 Industrial Engineers Licensure Exam; Engr. Gwyneth B. Hermoso, who achieved 3rd place in the April 2024 Civil Engineers Licensure Exam; Engr. Jhilsean Brix Nimrod G. Olmedo and Engr. Shaun Patrick P. Albao, who excelled in both the December 2023 Chemical Technicians Licensure Exam and the May 2024 Chemical Engineering Licensure Exam; Ms. Normae Ecija, placing 8th in the August 2024 Guidance Counselors Licensure Exam.
In terms of overall performance in licensure examinations, EVSU’s results from March to May 2024 are more than exemplary, boasting five (5) board programs that surpassed the national passing average.
Specifically, the Electrical Engineering program with a 75% passing rate, surpassing the national average of 51.56%. Civil Engineering garnering a 46.09% passing rate, exceeding the national average of 39.32%. The Electronics Engineering’s 54.55% passing rate, outperforming the national average of 42.49%. EVSU’s Accountancy program, achieving a 36.17% passing rate in the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure examination, higher than the national average of 30.28%. The BEEd Program, having over a 60.34% passing rate in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), significantly above the national average of 46.67%.
Looking forward
As EVSU prepares for the new fiscal year, President de Paz emphasized the university’s ongoing dedication to academic excellence, infrastructure development, and global collaboration. Notable projects include the proposed renovation of the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium, alongside other significant infrastructure developments. The university remains focused on investing in faculty, fostering research, and expanding student opportunities.
Written by: JS Beleña | UMDC
Photos by: Reyvien Gerez
