August 6, 2025 — In pursuit of continuous academic growth and institutional development, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) successfully concluded its Academic Summit 2025, held from August 4 to 6, with the theme “Accelerating Academic Progress: Integrating Science, Innovation, and Action for Sustainable Development.”
The summit opened on August 4 with a powerful session led by Dr. Nedia Sevilla, who delved into the intricacies of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). Her talk shed light on how professionals could leverage their work experience and competencies to earn academic degrees, offering a transformative opportunity for non-traditional learners and working individuals. Dr. Sevilla’s insights framed ETEEAP not only as a program but as a pathway to equity in higher education.
In the afternoon, Mr. Allan O. Delos Reyes, Board Secretary V, shared important updates from the Board of Trustees (BOT). His presentation highlighted key institutional policies and strategic directions that would shape the college’s academic and operational priorities moving forward. His remarks set the tone for transparency and alignment across all academic units.
A major highlight of the day was the presentation of OBEdized syllabi by various colleges. These outputs reflected not only compliance but the colleges’ commitment to outcome-based education, ISO standards, and internal quality assurance mechanisms. Each presentation served as a testament to the institution’s goal of aligning academic offerings with global standards and industry relevance.
DEBESMSCAT President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca addressed the attendees virtually, emphasizing that the summit was not merely a formality, but a strategic milestone in the college’s academic roadmap. He acknowledged the hard work of faculty and administrators and encouraged them to go beyond compliance toward genuine academic transformation.
The day concluded with an open forum where concerns and suggestions were openly discussed. Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, offered constructive feedback on the academic forms presented, reinforcing the importance of continuous refinement and collective ownership in academic improvement.
On August 5, the second day of the summit focused on relevant and forward-looking topics. Dr. Bernard M. Barruga, Dean of the Graduate School, tackled the important issue of student workload, offering insights on how to balance academic rigor with student well-being.
This was followed by an orientation on hybrid learning and GE subject management facilitated by Dr. Delavin, who also discussed IMS submission
The day progressed with an engaging session on Artificial Intelligence tools for teaching and research, presented by Dr. Sherwin E. Balbuena and Dr. Alvin M. Mahawan, Research and Development Services Director. Their presentation showcased emerging technologies that could be integrated into instruction and scholarly work, pushing faculty members to adapt and innovate in the digital age.
On the final day, August 6, the summit focused on administrative and developmental matters. Engr. Nenette Laurio, Director for Planning and Development Services, presented the IPCR targets for faculty, emphasizing alignment with institutional goals and measurable outputs. Following this, Mr. Michael Ogaya discussed Instructional Material (IM) and book development, offering practical guidance on academic content creation and intellectual property.
Participants from each college shared their impressions and experiences from the summit, reflecting a shared sense of growth, inspiration, and readiness to implement what they had learned.
Culminating the event was a symbolic pledge of commitment led by Dr. Jessica M. Alcantara, President of the DEBESMSCAT Faculty Association. Faculty members stood in unity, vowing to uphold the principles of academic integrity, innovation, and service.
In her closing message, Dr. Delavin thanked faculties for their active participation and reminded the academic community that the summit was only the beginning of deeper collaboration and continued transformation.
Although the academic summit sessions concluded, the momentum continues as each college prepares to conduct their respective Brigada activities until August 8, gearing up the campuses for the opening of Academic Year 2025–2026 on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Ladies and gentlemen,
