Leyte, Philippines – As part of EVSU’s 20th Charter Anniversary celebrations, university president Dr. Dennis C. De Paz, alongside key university officials, embarked on the first day of a comprehensive campus tour on August 12, 2024. A vital component of this tour are the Harampang sessions with external campuses aimed at strengthening ties, addressing concerns, and charting the course for the university’s future development.
Living up to his reputation as “the listening president,” Dr. de Paz has made it a priority to regularly engage with the university’s faculty, staff, and students through his Harampang meetings. These gatherings, which have become a hallmark of his presidency, offer a platform for transparent dialogue, where attendees can voice their concerns, ask questions, and receive updates directly from university leadership.
Before opening the floor for the open forum, President De Paz provides a brief overview of EVSU’s status and plans.
Key Takeaways from President De Paz’ report
The “One EVSU” Initiative
A key focus of Pres de Paz’s report during the campus visits was his “One EVSU” initiative, aimed at unifying the branding of all EVSU campuses. “From the moment someone steps inside the gates of our campuses, I want them to say: ‘This is EVSU,’” he declared, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive identity across the university’s multiple campuses. This initiative, a cornerstone of his administration, promises to instill a sense of belonging and unity among university constituents, regardless of campus. “You are not just EVSU Burauen, you are not just EVSU Dulag; you are EVSU,” Dr. De Paz stressed, highlighting the collective identity that he envisions for the EVSUnista community.
COPC and Board Passing Rates
Dr. De Paz also underscores the importance of consistently surpassing the national passing rate in board examinations, which are a key performance indicator for EVSU. He charged the campus administrations with the responsibility of securing the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for all offered programs, with particular emphasis on board programs. Securing the COPC is critical in maintaining and elevating the academic standards of EVSU.
To support this initiative, both Dr. De Paz and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lydia M. Morante urged faculty members to continue pursuing advanced degrees vertically aligned with their fields of study.
Harmonization of Programs Across Campuses
Another significant update shared by Dr. De Paz was the successful harmonization of academic programs across all EVSU campuses, a process led by VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Morante. This harmonization allows students to transfer from one EVSU campus to another without disrupting their academic progress, provided that the program they are transferring to is available at the receiving campus. This change is a departure from the previous system, where such transfers often resulted in learners being classified as irregular students, which could negatively impact their academic trajectory.
The harmonization of programs is further proof of the impact of the “One EVSU” initiative and its focus on providing a seamless and supportive educational experience for all students.
HARAMPANG HIGHLIGHTS
For each campus visited during the tour, President De Paz engaged directly with faculty, staff, and students, addressing their questions and concerns.
EVSU Dulag Campus’ (EVSU DC) harampang highlights
Concerns over lack of facilities and equipment
During the visit to EVSU DC, a primary concern raised was their pressing need for infrastructure. In response, the administration confirmed that EVSU’s future projects would prioritize classroom construction and enhancement as well as the development of a student dormitory to better accommodate the growing student population.
In response to concerns about the campus’s lack of facilities and equipment, Dr. de Paz encouraged the EVSU DC administration to seek out more partnerships through Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with the Local Government Unit (LGU), government agencies, and other relevant organizations.
“No uniform policy” as a solution to students’ concerns about implementation of uniform rules
A longstanding issue among students—the university’s dress code and haircut regulations—was also brought to the table during the harampang. A representative from EVSU DC’s Supreme Student Government (SSG) voiced concerns on behalf of the university’s entire student body. Specifically, regarding the strict enforcement of uniform policies, which has been a source of discomfort for many – especially those belonging to the LGBTQ+.
The administration acknowledged the validity of these concerns and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Pres. de Paz further expressed that the administration is always open to revisiting the dress code, even suggesting the possibility of a no-uniform policy, citing many prestigious Academic Institutions as examples of successful implementation.
Dr. De Paz noted that it is the responsibility of the Federation of Student Governments (FSG) to spearhead these proposed changes. He emphasized that the first step towards such a change in the uniform policy must begin with the FSG.
Concluding the visit, President De Paz and the Vice Presidents presented a special order officially appointing Dr. Gerald Jayson Balanga as Campus Administrator. This transition from Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Campus Administrator solidifies Dr. Balanga’s leadership role, empowering him to take on more strategic responsibilities for the campus.
EVSU Burauen Campus’ (EVSU BC) harampang highlights
Groundbreaking and MOA signing ceremony
The visit to EVSU BC commenced with a milestone event—the groundbreaking ceremony for a new academic building. Led by EVSU BC Campus Director Dr. Renato Martija, the ceremony was attended by Burauen Mayor Juanito E. Renomeron and other key stakeholders, underscoring the strong collaborative relationship between the university and the local government.
Following the ceremony, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between EVSU and the LGU of Burauen, Leyte. This agreement appointed EVSU Professor Dr. Gerry B. De Cadiz as a consultant for significant LGU environmental initiatives such as the Community-Based Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP).
Faculty development and funding for study leaves
Faculty development was a major topic of discussion at EVSU BC. Faculty members expressed concerns about the challenges related to securing funding for study leaves resulting in difficulties with pursuing scholarships.
Dr. De Paz reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting faculty members in their pursuit of advanced studies. However, he acknowledged the financial constraints faced by external campuses like EVSU BC, which can limit the availability of funds for study leaves and scholarships. Despite these challenges, Dr. de Paz urged faculty members to persist in their academic endeavors, emphasizing that their continued education is crucial for both their professional growth and the advancement of the entire EVSU community.
Which College does the Department of Agriculture belongs to?
Finally, faculty members from EVSU BC’s Department of Agriculture raised concerns about the current organizational structure and the classification of their programs. Given that Agriculture is one of EVSU BC’s flagship programs, the faculty stressed the importance of establishing a College of Agriculture to better support the program’s growth and development.
In response, Dr. de Paz outlined the steps necessary for the creation of a College of Agriculture, explaining that the department would need to broaden its academic offerings to include at least three additional allied programs. As a potential avenue for growth, he suggested that EVSU BC could adapt the Environmental Science program from the main campus. He further encouraged faculty to propose another allied program to strengthen the department’s offerings. Additionally, Dr. De Paz proposed assigning faculty members from the main campus with relevant expertise to teach in EVSU BC’s Agriculture programs—a strategic move aimed at reinforcing the department and paving the way for its eventual elevation to college status.
To conclude the visit, President De Paz, along with the Vice Presidents, presented a special order formally officiating Dr. Renato Martija’s appointment as the Campus Director of EVSU Burauen Campus. Although Dr. Martija had already been serving in an acting capacity, this official designation solidifies his role, further empowering him to lead the campus with renewed authority and vision. This move underscores the administration’s confidence in Dr. Martija’s leadership and its commitment to ensuring stable and effective governance at EVSU BC.
Written By: JS Beleña | UMDC
Photos By: ED Acebedo | UMDC
