August 11, 2025 – In a landmark move to enhance the delivery of graduate education, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) will officially transition its Graduate School programs from a bi-term academic structure to a trimester academic calendar starting Academic Year 2025–2026.
This academic transition is a pioneering initiative for State Colleges and Universities not only in the Province of Masbate but also across the entire Bicol Region.
Approved through a Board of Trustees (BOT) resolution, this major academic reform is designed to optimize institutional resources and better respond to the needs of graduate students.
The shift to a trimester system promises numerous benefits, including improved faculty and facility utilization, increased student throughput, and a more balanced distribution of learning opportunities throughout the year.
Under the new academic calendar, the year will be divided into three trimesters, each spanning approximately 14 instructional weeks or 54 contact hours per course. The First Trimester will begin in mid to late August and end in November. The Second Trimester will run from January to April, while the Third Trimester will be held from May to early August. All trimesters will follow a uniform schedule in terms of duration and academic requirements.
Graduate classes will be held Monday to Friday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This scheduling framework supports full-time professionals, allowing them to pursue advanced studies after office hours and during weekends.
Each 3-unit course will entail 4 hours of instruction per week over 13.5 weeks. The new structure allows for three enrollment periods and comprehensive examination schedules annually, with clear timelines for application, admission, class sessions, and assessments.
Beyond academic flexibility, the trimester calendar promotes curricular coherence, synchronizes graduate and undergraduate operations, and enhances the efficiency of services across key offices such as the Registrar, Finance, and Academic Units.
Ultimately, this vital step reinforces DEBESMSCAT’s commitment to responsive, inclusive, and globally competitive graduate education, empowering adult learners and working professionals to thrive in an evolving academic and professional landscape.
The Graduate School currently offers advanced degree programs including the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdDEL), Doctor of Philosophy in English Language Education (PhD ELE), and Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education (PhD Sci Ed). Its master’s programs include the Master of Arts in Education major in Administration and Supervision (MAEd AS), Master of Arts in Education major in Mathematics (MAEd Mathematics), Master of Arts in Education major in Science (MAEd Science), Master of Arts in Education major in English (MAEd English), Master of Science in Agriculture (MSA), and Master of Public Administration (MPA).
Ladies and gentlemen,
