Three state universities visited Tarlac State University for an on-site pilot testing of data collection instruments for the development of policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).
Researchers from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Samar State University (SSU), and University of Southern Mindanao (USM) conducted the activity titled “Enhancing Access and Success in State Universities and Colleges across Regions I, VIII, and XII, Philippines” on May 29, 2024 at the Smith Hall, Main Campus.
Project leaders Dr. Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, SSU Executive Director for Research, and Prof. Keneth G. Bayani, DMMMSU Director for Research gathered insights and feedback from various TSUian stakeholders composed of students, parents, alumni, and sponsors through simultaneous focus group discussions.
According to Dr. Labid, the purpose of the project is to “empower equity target students and create a more inclusive and accessible higher education system.”
“Our collective responsibility is to bridge the gaps and ensure that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background or circumstances, has an equal opportunity to thrive academically,” Dr. Labid said.
In a message, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco committed to giving all the necessary help to achieve to project’s success.
“The game now [between SUCs] is no longer a competition but a collaboration. We cannot stand alone. Mayroon pong mga bagay na hindi natin kaya, but if we will work together, kayang-kaya po natin ma-achieve ang mga ito,” Pres. Velasco said.
Furthermore, he shared a quote from Mother Teresa, "I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things."
"Yung ordinary na meron tayo ay nagiging extraordinary if we will give our effort in exerting extra for it to become extraordinary,” he said.
Moreover, SSU president Dr. Redentor S. Palencia reechoed Pres. Velasco’s message of collaboration and highlighted the project’s importance.
“I would like to connect the word collaboration from Pres. Velasco to convergence – we are SUCs converging together for a greater purpose,” he said.
As explained by Dr. Palencia, the project seeks to know the reason behind the prevalent cases of dropouts and out-of-school youth despite having the free higher education law.
“Through the project, SUCs and CHED can provide appropriate support to these individuals for us to achieve our goal to provide transformative education to uplift the lives of people in poverty,” Dr. Palencia added.
The data collection instruments focused on the admission, retention, and completion policies, processes, and practices in SUCs.
Also present during the event are Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Brigido B. Corpuz, Presidential Assistant, Dr. Theda Flare G. Quilala, Office of Admission and Registration Director, Dr. Gladie Natherine N. Cabanizas, Student Affairs and Services OIC Director, Dr. Niña G. Valentin, Scholarship and Financial Assistance Unit Head, and Mr. Allan S. Santos, International Differently-Abled, Indigenous, Marginalized Student Services (IDIMSS) Unit Head.
Photos by: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
