On May 6 and 8, 2025, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) proudly welcomed evaluators from the Commission on Higher Educationโs Office of Programs and Standards Development, along with members of the technical panel, for the assessment of its Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) applications. The visit focused on the evaluation of several graduate programs, namely: Master of Arts in English Language Studies, Master of Science in Agronomy, Master in Food Processing and Management, and Master of Science in Social Work, with specializations in Community Organization, Clinical Social Work Practice, and Social Work Administration.
WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena opened the program with a warm message of gratitude and pride. โWestern Mindanao State University has long envisioned itself as an institution fully aligned with national quality assurance mechanisms,โ she said. โItโs been a steady journey of growth and continuous improvement. Today, we are proud to share that 100% of our undergraduate programs are now COPC-compliant. This milestone reflects the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of our faculty, administrators, and support staff.โ
Joining her in welcoming the evaluators, Dr. Nursia M. Barjose, WMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the entire university community. She acknowledged the hard work poured into preparing for the evaluation and confidently affirmed the readiness of the programs being assessed.
โThis process is not just about earning a seal of approval,โ Dr. Barjose emphasized. โItโs about reaffirming WMSUโs deep commitment to academic excellence and to providing our students with the highest quality learning experience possible.โ
Instrumental to this rigorous preparation was Dr. Shamir R. Kassim, Executive Assistant for Special Academic Concerns at the Office of the President and concurrently serving as University Curriculum Chair. Dr. Kassim has been closely coordinating with CHED Regional Office IX and the CHED-OPSD for the timely submission of COPC applications and for facilitating the scheduling of the panel evaluation. His active engagement and coordination efforts played a vital role in ensuring that the universityโs programs were thoroughly prepared and aligned with CHED’s quality assurance standards.
As WMSU continues to rise as a leading institution in the region, this panel evaluation marks another important step in its mission to deliver future-ready, globally competitive graduate education. (A Salim., PAO)
