University President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz delivered his 3rd State of the University Address, highlighting significant accomplishments in various areas, including financial resource utilization, governance, infrastructure, research, student development, and internationalization on August 27 at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium.
As part of the celebration of the university’s 20th Charter Anniversary, the address was attended by the university’s governing board, different campus directors, guests, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel, serving as witnesses as the president shared the previous academic years’ accomplishments under his administration.
At the beginning of his address, Dr. de Paz was pleased to report the university’s consistency and how EVSU can overcome challenges and achieve long-term success by cooperating and making wise judgments.
“With the rapid transformation of the educational and innovation landscape, the Eastern Visayas State University remains steadfast in its quest in responding to these local and global challenges. As members of this academic community, it is our collective duty to flex our synergic muscles in the resolution to these issues confronting our respective offices,” he stated.
The President further stated that the actions were only a part of the process—a short-term sacrifice for long-term sustainable gains.’ Meanwhile, the president commended the university’s capacity to distribute monetary resources effectively and its commitment to solid financial standards as it was awarded by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office 8’s 100% utilization rate award.
“The University was awarded by the DBM Regional Office 8 in recognition of its commendable utilization rate of Actual Disbursement over Total Disbursement Authorities Received in Fiscal Year 2023, garnering a 100% utilization rate,” he shared.
Additionally, the Address also emphasized the pivotal role that the university’s Board of Regents play, stating that the Board is dedicated to enhancing the academic program and physical facilities of the institution.
Furthermore, Dr. de Paz also featured EVSU’s dedication to research and innovation together with the university’s collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 8 on the development of the Main Campus’ Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) and the Burauen Campus’ ongoing Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub.
As he continues, Dr. de Paz emphasized the University’s commitment to internationalization, featuring the university’s future partnerships such as student exchange programs, and faculty collaborations.
Moving towards the student welfare and development aspect, Dr. de Paz applauds the university’s dedication to the holistic idea of student development necessary for academic and professional success.
“To nurture the holistic development of our students, we regularly provide them with opportunities for growth through a series of trainings, competitions, webinars, orientations, and fora. These initiatives are designed to equip them not only with the skills and knowledge needed to excel academically but also to develop their leadership potential and prepare them for successful careers as future professionals,” stressed the president.
Moreover, he honored the countless recognition the University has accumulated throughout the academic year, such as the university’s high ranking in the Webometrics and AD Scientific Index, as well as the achievements of its faculty and students in various fields, further demonstrating their dedication to excellence.
To put more emphasis, the University President praised their commitment to quality assurance and its efforts to improve program accreditation rates and the increasing number of programs with Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) and the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities (AACUP) Accreditation, signifying the institution’s dedication to providing high-quality education.
“As of July 2024, out of 101 programs across all campuses, 56 or 55.44% have been granted COPC, and currently 7 or 6.93% of our programs are already under evaluation, and 38 or 37.62% are awaiting compliance,” he exclaimed. In addition, the President reported that 81 programs across the university’s campuses have achieved accreditation, with 22 programs, or 27.2%, holding Level 3 status; 33 programs, or 40.7%, at Level 2; and 13 programs, or 16%, at Level 1.
Concluding the Address, he expressed his appreciation for the support received from government officials and external partners in advancing the university’s goals, together with giving his warm thanks to the current administration for an accomplishment-filled academic year, concluding his 7,938-word speech.
Article by Jake Sabido