Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), through the College of Science and Mathematics under the leadership of Dean and DOST CBPSME Project Director, Dr. Mohammad Nur S. Paspasan, successfully hosted the Evaluation and Ocular Visit of the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Technical Working Group (TWG) on Friday, September 5, 2025, 1:00 PM at the CTE Social Hall. The visit centered on the possible inclusion of WMSU’s Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics (MST Math) program in the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME) Graduate Scholarship Program.

The WMSU community warmly welcomed the distinguished evaluators from DOST-SEI: Engr. Albert G. Mariño, Director III of the Science Education Institute; Prof. Fortunato T. Dela Peña, SEI Consultant and Former DOST Secretary; Ms. Rosemarie S. Salazar, OIC Regional Director of DOST Region IX; Dr. Ronnalee N. Orteza, Executive Director of the Philippine Science High School System; Dr. Flordelino C. Orteza, Jr., SST V and Curriculum Instruction and Services Division Director of PSHS-Ilocos Region Campus; Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines–Los Baños; Ms. Malen Agbuis, Science Research Specialist II of STSD-SEI; and Ms. Princess Joy E. Valenzuela, Science Research Specialist III of STSD-SEI.

WMSU officials also graced the event, including Dr. Ma. Socorro Yvonne H. Ramos, Dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Ricardo A. Somblingo, Dean of the College of Teacher Education; Dr. Sarah S. Taupan, QAO Director; Dr. Shamir R. Kassim, University Curriculum Chair; Dr. Reynante E. Autida, RDEC Director; Dr. Vicenta T. Escobar, Dean of Admission; Dr. Mario R. Obra, Jr., QMSO Director; Asst. Professor Sophia L. Bensali, CSM Asso Dean; Asst. Professor Alfredo C. Santos, CSM College Secretary; Dr. Jerson S. Mohamad, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics; and Mathematics faculty members Dr. Anabel E. Gamorez and Dr. Rochelleo E. Mariano.

The program opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Nursia M. Barjose, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who also delivered an inspirational message on behalf of University President, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena. She emphasized the importance of the visit in line with WMSU’s relentless pursuit of academic excellence and innovation in science and mathematics education. Dr. Paspasan presented the related documents of the MST Mathematics program, which were thoroughly reviewed by the evaluators.

The evaluators actively engaged in discussions, offering their expertise and recommendations to further strengthen the MST Mathematics curriculum. Critical points and suggestions were raised to ensure the program’s alignment with the standards of the CBPSME Graduate Scholarship Program. After a comprehensive deliberation, Engr. Mariño proudly announced that WMSU’s MST Mathematics program was recommended for approval with minor revisions and requirements, paving the way for its inclusion in the CBPSME Graduate Scholarship Program effective Academic Year 2026–2027.

The event also highlighted the presence of the current 11 DOST-SEI CBPSME Scholars enrolled in the MST Biology program, whose commitment and academic journey reflect the transformative opportunities brought about by the scholarship. Their participation underscored how the program continues to nurture future science educators, and the forthcoming inclusion of MST Mathematics is set to broaden this impact even further.

For the closing remarks, Dr. Jerson S. Mohamad, on behalf of the University President and WMSU officials, extended heartfelt gratitude to the DOST-SEI evaluators and visitors. He reaffirmed WMSU’s dedication to advancing graduate programs that respond to the growing demands of science and mathematics education in the country.

With this milestone, WMSU not only strengthens its partnership with DOST-SEI but also solidifies its role as a leading institution in Western Mindanao committed to shaping the next generation of science and mathematics educators.