Magallanes boosts admin, faculty, leads major initiatives

By Niño Manaog

University Extension Associate

Capiz State University

Among other things, President Editha L. Magallanes
sought to build on the strength of the community
in order to accomplish the vision and mission of the University.

In the past school year, the Capiz State University administration under the leadership of President Editha Magallanes led the tour of the ten (10) campuses to deliver a number of tasks. President Editha L. Magallanes made sure to brief the campus administrators, faculty and staff on the latest budget scheme as per the normative funding. In so doing, the administration sought to reinforce and encourage the teaching-learning effectiveness while identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the University to improve instruction.

And throughout the year, President Editha L. Magallanes deemed it wise to conduct monitoring and evaluation of accomplishments of the ten campus administrators to ensure that teaching and learning activities are made favorable to the students and the faculty.

Through the efforts of the administration, Capiz State University accomplished the NBC 461 4th Cycle evaluation of the faculty members. And to date, under Dr. Magallanes, the CapSU administration submitted for NBC 461 5th Cycle Evaluation to the Zonal Center for professional growth of the faculty. To keep them abreast with the needs of the times, the administration facilitated the attendance and participation of faculty members in seminars, trainings workshops and similar other activities designed to equip and enhance their competence and performance.

In July 2010, Dr. Magallanes also took the initiative to host a one-day seminar for all faculty and staff on health care. This was done to give everyone proper guidance and tips on how to maintain good health and become healthy individuals both in mind and body. Dr. Romeo F. Baron, both a doctor and a nutritionist, made waves in the CapSU community when he presented to debunk old myths on health and nutrition. The whole-day lecture and forum that rather shook some people from their comfort zones and old-school expertise wowed and drew favorable criticism and appreciation from the faculty and staff from all the ten campuses.

Recognizing the importance of information campaigns on vital issues affecting its constituents, Capiz State University hosted the Seminar on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Act Providing for the Modernization, Standardization and Regulation of the Procurement Activities of the Government and for other Purposes. Then, to provide support for all employees on their compensation, the University also hosted a conference on Retirement Plans and Benefits under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Inspired to learn skills on how to deliver prompt performance and thereby render efficient management, the University faculty and staff attended the Performance Management System Office Performance Evaluation System, the so-called PMS-OPES headed by Director Cynthia P. Gellegani of the Civil Service Commission, Provincial Office.

To update the faculty and staff on the legal implications of students and personnel matters particularly in public schools, President Magallanes sought the expertise of Atty. Ulpiano P Sarmiento III, representative of the A Teacher party list in the 14th Congress. The initiative was well lauded by the participants across the ten campuses.

With confidence in their competence and commitment, President Editha L. Magallanes
considers the best for the CapSU faculty—thus she fully supports personnel movement,
if only to reward their efforts and daily sacrifices.

And effective January 13, 2010, Capiz State University officially became Civil Service Accredited, while its implementation took effect on October 1, 2010.

The CapSU Board of Regents likewise facilitated the submission of Resolution for the Construction of the Two-storey Administration Building through the efforts of Cong. Eulogio R. Magsaysay, representative of the Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE) Party List whose scholarships also benefited the poor but deserving CapSU students.

In her best effort to provide conducive working environment to the Central Administration personnel and staff, President Editha L. Magallanes promptly moved for the renovation and construction of the offices of the Internal Audit Section, Budget Section, Accounting Section, Human Resource Division (HRD), Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and Supply and Property.

Through linkages with government agencies and institutions like the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s Army Reserve Command based in Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, the administration of President Editha L. Magallanes pursues partnerships for the sake of the CapSU constituents. This renders the University a dynamic and fruitful leadership in the Province of Capiz.

Moreover, the central administration personnel particularly the human resource department submitted the supplemental plantilla and other DBM requirements for the release of Allotment for the re-classification of positions. The administration also had the service records of faculty and staff encoded and emailed to the GSIS database and portal and also facilitated the reclassification of 18 non-teaching personnel.

The National Board Circular No. 461 allows for the promotion
of CapSU teaching personnel corresponding their
increased level of academic performance

In December 2010, the Department of Budget and Management’s NBC No. 461 5th Cycle Evaluation allowed for the cross-ranking and promotion of some 204 teaching personnel across the ten campuses.

Power & knowledge

CapSU managers, directors discuss power, the lack of it and the best way to use it

By Niño Saavedra Manaog

University Extension Associate II

Capiz State University

In the seminar titled “Attitude, Skills and Knowledge Enhancement for Directors and Managers (ASKED) hosted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region 6 on July 20–22, 2011 at MVW Restaurant in Roxas City, some 14 managerial personnel of the Capiz State University (CapSU) actively joined the discussion on power and leadership led by Fr. Joel R. Eslabra, parish priest of the municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo.

During Eslabra’s workshop, CapSU campus administrators, deans and directors expressed various insights and ideas on the powerful, the powerless and the empowered.

For Bede Ozaraga, administrator of CapSU Dumarao Campus, a leader is characterized by good character, humility and professional will.

Mr. Johnny Dariagan, executive assistant at CapSU Roxas City had to say that powerful people can influence people to act; can even coerce them if they will. For Dariagan, the powerless are those who cannot go against the will or wishes of their leaders. Moreover, empowered people are those who are not dictated upon by leaders but are enabled to act for themselves and not just be acted upon.

Mr. Rogie Dadivas, student affairs director of CapSU Roxas City said “I came to realize that it’s my attitude that will determine my attitude not my aptitude. For Dadivas, "the more power given to me the more responsibility is laid on my shoulder."

Mr. Joseph Febhos Magsipoc, currently human resource director of the CapSU system, considers himself “empowered, but I admit that I am most lacking when I heard the lecture. There’s much that I still have to change in myself.”

Dr. Pedro Gavino, director of CapSU’s University Business Affairs Office (UBAO), said that power must come from within the person. For Gavino, if one is powerless, he can think of many things to help other people.

Meanwhile, Campus Administrator Annalie Campos of CapSU Sigma said that managers should be humble with their positions. We leaders are not powerful individuals but always consider other people’s feelings. Material things are not essential. “Life is worth living if we have done good deeds and good things,” Campos added. Mr. Fortunato Azarcon, department chairman at CapSU Sigma said that power should not be used for personal interest.

Mr. Audie Belargo, a fishery major who is the manager of Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center based in the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Capiz in Roxas City believes that managers can celebrate the good with people. Citing author Spencer Johnson, Belargo commits to the belief that it is best for manager “to catch people doing right not wrong.”

CapSU serves as partner member agency working with FITS OPA Capiz under the partnerships and linkages led by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC).

For her part, Dr. Cora Navarra, director of external affairs and linkages for CapSU asserts that “nobody must feel superior to others.” The former dean of CapSU graduate school believes that one may be a manager or president, but such position should even make him humble, understanding and patient. For Navarrra, we should be channels of God’s blessings so that others may see and appreciate every blessing, “every little miracle in their lives.”

According to Ms. Nelfa Ampatuan, senior personnel specialist of CSC Region 6 and facilitator-in-charge, ASKED aimed to teach participants on “techniques and principles necessary to govern managerial work.”

A follow-through of CSC’s Basic Effective Supervisory Training (BEST) in 2010, ASKED takes off from the premise that what is important is not our talents and abilities but our attitude toward people and things.”

The CapSU managers and directors joined a group of personnel coming from government personnel including the Department of Education, local governments across Capiz.

VPAF Leccio launches initiatives for CapSU

By Niño Manaog

Photo by Ralph Gerard Cadiz

Supported by President Editha L. Magallanes, the office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) headed by Dr. Aladino L. Leccio reviewed, updated and submitted the 2010 PSIPOP plantilla to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Dr. Leccio likewise led the administration’s move to evaluate, review and submit for the NBC 5th cycle to the zonal center.

Among others, Capiz State University led trainings for its administrative personnel, faculty and staff on gender and development orientation on programs, activities, projects and budget preparation.

Under the leadership of Dr. Aladino L. Leccio, vice-president for administration and finance who chairs the Mambusao Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the cooperative was cited the Most Outstanding Cooperative by the Province of Capiz for 2010.

Dr. Leccio likewise facilitated and awarded scholarships from the Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE), a party list at the House of Representatives chaired by Congressman Eulogio “Amang” Magsaysay. VPAF Leccio made substantial efforts to prepare and submit resolutions to AVE and the six sectors, moving for the construction of the central administration building at Capiz State University Dayao Campus worth Php10M. Leccio’s partnership with AVE facilitated the release of supplemental budgets across a number of campuses from 2011 onwards.

CapSU Burias Campus has been granted Php0.5M for the renovation of the old library; CapSU Sigma Campus will be given Php150,000 to complete the second phase of the construction of the AVE Teen Center. From AVE, CapSU Dayao Campus will also receive Php250,000 to finance the second phase of stage construction, among others.

On its fifth year as a university, Capiz State University has accomplished beyond what it has set to achieve, still remaining faithful to the vision of providing quality education which is affordable and accessible to all.

In the same year, Dr. Cora F. Navarra, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), took the lead in preparing BAC resolutions for the goods and services, posting of goods for bidding and publication on the PhilgEps national portal. And to promote and inspire good practices among the campuses, Dr. Navarra launched campus orientations and system-wide info campaigns for the administrators and supply officers of the campuses on the nitty-gritty of the work involving the procurement and purchase of supplies from across the ten campuses.

CapSU extension spearheads livelihoods, partnerships

By Niño Manaog

With reports from Rector John Latoza, 

Veronica Albaladejo and Eduardo Navarra

The leadership in extension services was also enhanced through linkages with the provincial government and other entities. These included Dr. Raul Ticar’s attendance and participation in Extension Managers Council Board Meetings of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region 6 and in the Quarterly Techno Gabay Meetings led by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC).

As part of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center mechanism of WESVARRDEC, Techno Gabay Team Leader Eduardo Navarra, who is the University’s Extension Specialist, led carbonized rice hull production demonstration, mushroom culture, indigenous microorganisms (IMO) preparation and vermicomposting, among others, in different communities in the localities.

From August to October, The Mobile School Technology facilitated the graduation of the Skills Training on Basic Arc Welding at Bula, Mambusao – Extension program of CapSU. Since October 2008, some 300 out-of-school youth (OSY) have been graduated by Mobile Technology School (MTS), an extension mechanism designed to provide Capizeños with skills for gainful employment.

A brainchild of CapSU and implemented in collaboration with the Capiz provincial government, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), MTS is what President Magallanes calls the “core program of CapSU Roxas City Community Extension Services Office.” The various MTS training courses included Basic Arc Welding, Beauty Care and Cosmetology and Beauty Tips which were designed by CapSU to make education accessible to a wider mass of people.

The Mobile Technology Schools takes a big leap as DOLE is set to turn over livelihood starter kits worth P300,000 to 42 MTS graduates of basic arc welding and beauty care. According to DOLE Capiz Provincial Head Ricardo P. Monegro, “beneficiaries underwent orientation and submitted their respective individual business plan and projected income.” A management team has also been established to monitor and keep track of the project’s status and implementation.

Across the campuses, faculty members and staff attended a number of activities outside Capiz State University including the AgriLink expo at the World Trade Center, WESVARRDEC-PCARRD assessments, seminar on procurement system and livelihood trainings on coconut toddy sugar production and patis making. CapSU extension personnel conducted trainings on vermicomposting and organic farming to Jamindan RCDC members and LGUs and initiated fish culture and bio-intensive gardening lectures to parolees of Mambusao as part of the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) Celebration.

Before the year ended, The Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) in partnership with the Capiz State University launched five more Farmers Information and Technology Service (FITS) centers in the towns of Dao (November 23); Ivisan and Panay (November 29) and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Capiz and President Roxas (November 30).

And pursuant to the deadline set by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), WESVARRDEC launched 17 new farmers’ centers in all across the region within two weeks. These included 7 in Iloilo; 5 in Capiz; 2 each for Negros Occidental and Guimaras; and 1 in Aklan.

Under Executive Order 801 otherwise known as “Encouraging Local Government Units to Adopt the Techno Gabay Program in their Agricultural Programs and the Concerned Government Agencies to Provide the Required Assistance for the Purpose,” PCARRD’s Techno Gabay modality was endorsed for adoption and implementation by different local government units (LGUs) nationwide. The Executive Order was signed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in May 2009.

The establishment of new FITS centers was warmly welcomed by the beneficiaries and stakeholders. For Vice-Mayor Gualberto Bernas of Panay, Capiz, the FITS center will be “useful to the farmers” and thus there is a “need to sustain it.” Instead of anticipating what they can get from it, Bernas challenged the residents of Panay to assume the FITS center with full responsibility, even saying that Panay could not wait longer so they could share their best practices to other municipalities. Bernas urged stakeholders to take charge of the facilities to be entrusted to them and said that the residents of Panay will surely benefit from the fast and modern information that can enhance their farming and technology practices.

CapSU campuses beef up students services

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) across the CapSU System extended assistance guidance in terms of library services, medical and dental services, scholarships, food service, sports and cultural activities, students organizations.

In the past school year, CapSU offered guidance and counseling services to students who need help in their academic, personal and social problems. Various activities such as interviews and conferences with students and parents, handles counseling cases, promotes student development, assist in job placement, provides follow-up services, and holds orientation programs. The Guidance Office is responsible also of the issuance and validation of student ID.

The University’s scholarship programs were also designed for the welfare and development of students. While scholars maintain grade requirements, those enrolled in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Fisheries courses are only required to have no failing grades in any subject. This program is so designed to encourage more students to take the said courses.

 In July and August, when Dengue fever became rampant, students were initially treated at the University clinic and some were referred to hospitals for further treatment. The University’s health services also provided checkups and clinics in sports activities including the CAPTESA held in Roxas City and the 2010 SCUAA Meet. The University Clinic launched health campaigns during the year including a lecture on filariasis and the distribution of anti-filariasis medicines in collaboration with the City and Municipal Health units. They screened films on abortion and its complications and also launched information campaigns to promote the nutritive value of food intake during the Nutrition Month celebration.

The Medical and Dental Services of the University fully extended services to students and the community. The medical consultations accommodated on Wednesdays recorded 215 adults and 178 children patients, while medical missions on circumcision were launched with nongovernment organizations. Some 28 dental missions were also completed in cooperation with the Capiz LGU and the Balikbayan group of dentists. These activities attested that the University seeks to contribute to the good of the student, faculty and staff and the entire community.

During the year, all campuses of the University maintained food laboratory canteens that provided food which were prepared under good sanitation and similar other practices, all made available and affordable to the students and the community. The canteens’ daily operations assured the CapSU community of sufficient food services.

More CapSU programs accredited by AACCUP

By Niño Manaog

With reports from Susan Dangan

Photos by Ralph  Gerard Cadiz

To sustain the academic excellence of the University, the curricular offerings were reviewed, evaluated and some were revised for enrollment to cope with the recommendations of CHED monitoring and evaluation team, Region VI.

For 2010, campuses found in the first and second districts submitted their curricular programs for accreditation and successfully passed the AACCUP accreditation for the Level III, Level I and Survey visits. All these were made possible through the efforts of the administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other agencies involved in the linkages of the University.

CapSU Burias passed the AACCUP Accreditation 3rd Survey – Phase 2 Accreditation of the BEEd and BSEd programs with 4.125 ratings and likewise passed the 3rd Survey – Phase 2 Accreditation of the Agricultural Engineering with a rating of 4.06.

CapSU Pontevedra likewise underwent Accreditation Survey, phase 2 of its BSEd BEEd programs. Its BS Agricultural Engineering passed the Level III Accreditation and will be submitted for Phase 2 evaluation this year. Other programs including BS Computer Science, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Business Administration and Nursing have also been submitted for preliminary surveys.

CapSU Mambusao passed the 1st Survey Visit for BS in Commerce with 3.27; Computer Science with 3.19; Food Technology and Entrepreneurship with a rating of 3.14 and Arts and Social Science (Economics, English, Political Science) with a rating of 3.26. CapSU Tapaz passed the 1st Survey for BEEd with a rating of 3.11 and BS Agriculture with a rating of 3.08. CapSU Dayao was accredited Level II in Elementary Teacher Education and BS Criminology. CapSU Sigma was granted Level II for BS Hotel and Restaurant Management and BS Tourism. CapSU Pontevedra’s  Agricultural Engineering qualified for Level III; and Level II Accreditation was granted to its Doctor of Education and Master in Management.

CapSU production sees brighter prospects in IGPs, mushroom project

By Niño Manaog

With reports from Adrian Paul de Jose and Emelita Solante

The Capiz State University’s Business Affairs Office (UBAO) headed by Dr. Pedro Gavino facilitated the production and income generation for the Capiz State University for the period in review. For 2009, the University drew income from rice and crops production including sugar cane, lumber, coconut, banana, and vegetables nursery. CapSU’s fishery resources including bangus, tilapia, prawns and crabs from the campuses of Pontevedra, Sapian and Dayao posted a high 914,572 worth of revenues. It also profited from rattan, orchards and charcoal and collected hefty receipts from rentals, canteens, dormitory fees and similar services. All these production areas generated income of approximately PhP3M for the year.

According to Gavino, UBAO coordinated with the NEDA Regional to conduct training on proposal making for funding purposes. Faculty members from across the campuses joined the writeshop that generated KR2 proposals for approval by NEDA. CapSU Dayao’s Dr. Edna Nava wrote a proposal on Bangus Processing Project; Dr. Bede Ozaraga of CapSU Dumarao proposed for Goat Demo Farm and Training Center; while Dr. Guillermo Legada of CapSU Burias finished a proposal on mushroom production. To date, the last of the proposals submitted got the nod of the granting agency.

Under the mushroom production project approved for KR2 funding by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Capiz State University Burias Campus in Mambusao, Capiz aims to facilitate the production of mushroom and mushroom spawns which will be sold to farmers at reasonable cost. The same project will also adopt the needed technologies to increase the production and utilization of this crop.

CapSU Burias will also work with the local government units in Mambusao, Capiz to fully implement the project. The project’s first two years will be funded by KR2 while the last two years will be allowed to cover up the investment. At the end of the four-year project, CapSU forecasts P900,000 profit.  At this writing, the CapSU mushroom production project is in its pre-implementation phase.

In particular, the project will produce straw and oyster mushroom and their spawns. In the course of the project, the implementers will train some 300 mushroom producers and product entrepreneurs. It will also employ additional personnel but most importantly generate research results and income for the University to sustain mushroom research and production.

The P1.8M project seeks to benefit mushroom producers and consumers and the CapSU community as well. The mushroom project will facilitate the construction of media preparation house and growing house, the procurement of equipment and materials needed for mushroom and spawn production. It will conduct training for mushroom producers and product entrepreneurs before, during and after the project implementation.

Dr. Guillermo Legada, current graduate school dean at CapSU Mambusao, heads the project; and Prof. Emelita Solante will undertake the production activities and implement the laboratory activities.

CapSU research soars high in 2010

By Niño Manaog

With reports from John Latoza and Veronica Albaladejo

2010 has been very productive for the University’s Research, Development and Extension Center (RDEC), one prolific group of managers and staff working their way to contribute much to the University. Week in, week out, their hands are always full, attending to research activities and conducting livelihood trainings to the barangays, women’s groups, out-of-school youths, and the rest of the community.

For the past three years, the CapSU administration has continually assisted the R&D and extension programs of the university. Through the efforts of the Vice-President for Research and Extension, Dr. Geronimo Gregorio, CapSU encouraged the faculty to get involved in research projects in their respective fields. The university’s Research, Development and Extension Center (RDEC) also facilitated the attendance and participation of the research faculty and staff to the different forums.

CapSU’s involvement in activities and projects of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) allowed the R&D consortium to closely work with the university. In particular, Dr. Geronimo L. Gregorio has served as the Regional Research and Development Group (RRDG) coordinator since 2009; while Dr. Cora F. Navarra, dean of the graduate school in CapSU Mambusao, served as the Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) coordinator from 2008 to the present. In such capacities, CapSU’s visibility in the consortium work cannot be overrated.

Led by Coordinator Cora F. Navarra, the articles of the Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) on WESVARRDEC programs, updates and activities have been published in the Panay News, a regional daily broadsheet with national circulation, on wesvarrdec.blogspot.com and the PCARRD national portal. All throughout the year, Dr. Cora F. Navarra, Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) coordinator of WESVARRDEC wrote with CapSU Techno Gabay Team Leader Eduardo Navarra the farm primer titled Ang Pag-obra kag mga Gamit sang Uling nga Ugabhang (Carbonized Rice Hull), published by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Forestry Resources Research and Development (PCARRD). Among other accomplishments, Navarra helped in publishing two other primers on coconut production and mango processing for WESVARRDEC. All these materials were published by PCARRD based in University of the Philippines Los Banos.

According to WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne, the consortium in this period displayed vibrant leadership and performance, evident in the number of researches produced for the consortium and in the information campaigns. Moreover, even PCARRD virtually and publicly lauded the consortium’s efforts in the latter, even as it rallied efforts on information campaigns and dissemination. By holding research forums and consultations, CapSU’s present administration has highly encouraged everyone to assist in the full implementation of the R&D projects.

During the year, researches by faculty and students were presented during in-house reviews and R&D activities of the campuses. Faculty and students also underwent technology development trainings on a number of technologies including fish processing and coastal resources.

In March 2010, Engr. Pedro Celo, the University’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) director, working with Research Director Federito Launio, presented the Intellectual Property Guidelines and Policies of the University during the Academic Council Meeting. According to Celo, CapSU’s IP policy and guidelines is essentially designed to help researchers and inventors apply for patent to protect their studies and inventions.

Managers and staff of the Research, Development and Extension Center (RDEC) joined the Forum on Call for Papers for Technology Commercialization and other Research Proposals in June 2010 held in Iloilo City.

The office of Vice-President for Research & Extension Geronimo L. Gregorio also submitted revised research proposals to CHED for funding. These included the research studies titled the “Seed Technology and Farming Systems Development for Sweet Sorghum in the Province of Capiz” and the “Economics, Varietal Characterization and Technology Development for Indigenous Upland Rice in the Province of Capiz.”

The Research, Development and Extension Center (RDEC) also submitted revised research proposal to CHED-Zonal Research Center; while the major research project titled “Socio-Economic, Biological, Hydrological and Physico-Chemical Assessment of the Panay River Systems: Its Implications to Development and Climate Change” was also submitted for funding by PCARRD.

Highlighting CapSU’s research involvement was its participation in WESVARRDEC’s Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City. Capiz State University’s “Bio-physico-chemical Attributes of Mature Nuts of Coconut Hybrids as Quality Indices for Economic Utilization” won third place in the Poster Category.

The Research, Development and Extension Center (RDEC) also conducted the Research and Extension Proposal Making writeshop in CapSU Dayao in Roxas City.

In varied schedules, Capiz State University’s Technical Working Group also joined conference and other research undertakings led by the Department of Science & Technology (DOST) based in Iloilo City and in September, CapSU sent participants to training titled Utilizing the Mass Media to Popularize Technical Information and Research sponsored by the Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC).

In September, CapSU sent participants to training titled Utilizing the Mass Media to Popularize Technical Information and Research sponsored by the Regional Applied Communications Group (RACG) of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC).

In the 2nd Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights led by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) VI, at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) on October 29, 2010, the “Bio-physico-Chemical Attributes of Mature Nuts of Coconut Hybrids as Quality Indices for Economic Utilization” presented by Dr. Federito Launio of the Capiz State University (CapSU) topped the 14 papers presented in the Natural and Biological Sciences category. For the technology and development category, the Design and Development of Jatropha Gas Stove” by Pedro Celo, Efren Linan and Reem Berondo, Capiz State University placed Third Runner-up, while the Agronomic Performance of NSIC-Released Rice Varieties Seeded in Varying Rates under Rainfed Lowlands by Benjamin Gutierrez and Geronimo Gregorio, Capiz State University won First Runner-up for the natural and biological sciences category.

In mid-October, Dr. Geronimo L. Gregorio, vice-president for research and extension, and DENR led by Dr. Alicia L. Lustica, regional technical director, proposed to Gov. Tanco, Sr. the establishment of the Western Visayas Bamboo Research Center (WVBRC) as the center of excellence in bamboo research, development and extension in Region VI. 

According to the proposal, WVBRC commits “to improve the production, utilization and commercialization of bamboo through high-quality research and extension activities.” Among others, Gregorio lobbied to Tanco for the development of a database for bamboo in Region 6 and the establishment of a germplasm collection, nursery and plantation which would help generate responsive information and technologies for bamboo.

The CapSU-DENR tandem also sought to promote bamboo as an ecologically and economically viable crop and committed themselves for the attainment of a vibrant bamboo industry in the region. Gregorio sought the support of the governor facilitate the funding of the nursery operations plantation rehabilitation and maintenance and supplies and equipment. DENR’s Lustica emphasized that the bamboo hub project fits well with the eco-tourism project of the province even as it seeks to generate livelihood initiative for bamboo farmers across the province and even the region.

The proposal elicited favorable comment from Tanco who stressed on the tourism prospects for the province which could be helped by the bamboo project. Tanco then directed the project leaders to coordinate with the Capiz provincial office to prepare for a memorandum of agreement that will formalize the participation and partnership of CapSU, DENR and the province of Capiz.

At the start of the third quarter, it was officially announced that Capiz State University has very satisfactorily performed as a government agency in the first six months of 2010. This is according to the result issued by the Department of Budget and Management who conducted for CapSU its agency performance review in the said period.

According to the review result released October 12, 2010, CapSU obtained an overall weighted rating of 5.50 over 7.25 perfect score, with an adjectival rating of Very Satisfactory. CapSU’s accomplishments scored high at 5.50, or Very Satisfactory, which is an aggregate score of its physical accomplishment, financial accomplishment and income accomplishment.

Both physical and financial accomplishments rated Very Satisfactory, while the income performance ranked Fair at 0.30. Under Instruction, one of the components of CapSU’s physical performance, the weighted enrolled units recorded 5.75; faculty profile, 3.0; and merit scholarships, 3.50. Under the Qualitative area of physical accomplishments, CapSU’s accreditation status contributed 4.0 and its PRC performance posted 2.0.

According to the same report, both research and extension areas retained their last year’s figures and ratings. Under Research, four research outputs were cited by other researches, 24 were referred in other publications and some 28 researchers across the CapSU system were identified. All these components posted a weighted score of 7.0, the perfect score for the area. In Extension, the 16 recognized extension programs launched and conducted by CapSU’s Extension Institute posted the weighted perfect score of 3.50.

Vice-President for Research & Extension Geronimo L. Gregorio said the ratings gained by research and extension compliment the performance of the employees working hard to carry out CapSU’s mission vision on research and extension. Gregorio takes pride in the said achievement, saying, “We have accomplished what is expected of us—we produced the necessary output.” For Gregorio, the ratings in research and extension areas prove that “[we] have exceeded the expectations.

At the end of the year, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved the University’s Php 2.6 million worth of R & D projects. The grant allows 5 major researches with an average of 3 studies each. The first project dealt with the Socio-economic Profile, Behavioral Perspectives and Farming Practices among Upland Rice Farmers in the Province of Capiz; the second project was on Collection and Characterization of Indigenous Upland Rice in the Highlands of the Province of Capiz; the third project was on Technology Development and Evaluation to Optimize the Production Potentials of Indigenous Upland Rice in the Province of Capiz; the fourth project was on “Post-harvest Management for Indigenous Upland Rice in the Province of Capiz” and the fifth project was on Technology in Farming Systems Development for Sweet Sorghum in the Province of Capiz

The Research, Development and Extension Center (RDEC) also started implementing the R&D project funded by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 6. The projects have been granted Php850,000 worth of research projects to be undertaken.

To date, Capiz State University has submitted twelve research proposals to the Federation of Crop Science Societies in the Philippines (FCSSP), particularly to the Crop Science Cluster (CSC) based in UP Los Baños. Research proposals were also submitted for Senator Edgardo Angara’s PDA fund under the 2011 General Appropriations.

Besides the awards gained at the WESVARRDEC’s Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights and the R&D symposium led by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region 6, Capiz State University qualified in the regional search for best research project for higher educational institutions (HEIs) in region launched by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). CapSU’s efforts became one of the two entries of Western Visayas for the national competition.