The Commision on Higher Education concluded the on-site re-evaluation of the four (4) programs of the BiPSU’s School of Engineering  for the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC),  held at the university gymnasium on January 22.

Four programs of the SOE were submitted for re- evaluation, namely the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, BS in Mechanical Engineering, BS in Electrical Engineering and BS in Computer Engineering. 

In his welcome address, University President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. emphasized that the validation process is more than a formal assessment as it is also proof of the university’s collective commitment to something greater and higher.

“It invites us to pause, take stock of the progress we’ve made, and discover ways we can continue to push boundaries,” Dr. Canezo said.

The university president also shed light on the recent issue of engineering students from various State University and Colleges (SUCs) across the nation, including BiPSU being denied the chance to take the board examination due to non-COPC compliance.

As of to date, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has  approved BiPSU and other SUCs' request for an exemption from the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) requirement for its engineering programs, allowing 90 ME, EE, CE, graduates of BiPSU to proceed with licensure examination applications, until the non- extendable deadline for COPC on September 9, 2025. 

Moreover, this validation process aims to ensure that the school meets the necessary criteria for program quality and student success. The validation team comprised members from the Technical Committee and the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), including Engr. Leovegildo E. Cardenas and Dr. Gabino C. Hilvano for civil engineering; Dr. Vinyl H. Oquino and Engr. Meddy Mangaring, electrical engineering evaluators; Engr. Jameson C. Buhayang and Engr. Ritchie P. Maribojoc for mechanical engineering; and computer engineering featured Engr. Ramon Lim and Engr. Vic Angelo Impas. Also present from the CHED Regional Office are OIC Senior Education Program Specialist Dr. Catherine Iglesias, Education Supervisor Engr. Nelly L. Labrada, Education Supervisor Jane A. Latorre, and Education Supervisor Cydric B. Suyom.

Meanwhile, technical experts’ Engr. Cesar Coronado, chair, Technical Committee Electrical Engineering, along with the members’ Engr. Maria Cecilia A. Venal, Engr. Efren Dela Cruz, and Engr. Flordeliza Villasenor, and evaluators from  the  Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) CHED Central Office Engr. Fernandita Calimlim, Engr. Dhonie Cabreos Jr., Engr. Sherwin Revezera, Mr. Jefferson Sornillo, and Ms. Clarisse Angelu Aquino participated in the validation process via Zoom. 

The evaluators reviewed the areas of compliance and non-compliance and presented their partial findings, including recommendations for the areas that still require improvement  during the exit conference.
Moreover, Engr. Coronado also requested to be permitted to access all the documents submitted until January 24. As of now, the issuance of the COPC is on hold until the university addresses the findings and demonstrates full compliance. The committee has promised to transmit their full report by January 29. 

“In light of this, our focus must now be on addressing the recommendations shared during the evaluation. This includes strategizing on how to meet the minimum requirements as soon as possible. One of our greatest challenges is improving faculty qualifications and enhancing laboratory equipment, both of which require significant time and resources—such as supporting faculty members currently pursuing master's degrees and procuring the necessary lab equipment,” said Vice-president and SOE Dean, Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco.

Dr. Canezo also assured that the university will comply with all the things subjected to compliance to acquire COPC for SOE.

“For me, the true essence of this COPC is for our students who aspire to become successful engineers,” he concluded.

Notable attendees also include VP for Academic Affair Dr. Susan S. Bentor, VP for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, VP for Administration and Finance and SOE Engr. Pelesco, school deans, directors, unit heads, and SOE faculty and staff.

[This article aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education]