January 30, 2026 — The Board of Trustees of the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) approved a wide-ranging set of academic, administrative, and procurement measures during its 29th Special Board Meeting held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office in UP Diliman.
Presided over by Board Chair Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, the meeting focused on a broad agenda of matters for Board approval, reinforcing the College’s thrust toward academic relevance, institutional modernization, and research-driven growth.
Among the key agenda items were proposals to expand DEBESMSCAT’s academic offerings to address emerging labor market and industry needs. These included the proposed offering of a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting (BSMA) and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) major in Web and Mobile Application Development.
The Board also deliberated on the migration of the existing Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) program to the Bachelor of Industrial Technology (BIndTech) in compliance with Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 13, series of 2023, which sets updated policies, standards, and guidelines for the program.
Several administrative measures aimed at strengthening governance and internal systems were likewise presented. These included the proposed DEBESMSCAT Institutional Policy on the Personnel Housing Program, the renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for the provision of legal services for Fiscal Year 2026, and the project proposal for the development and implementation of DocuCAT, the College’s Document Control and Accountability Tracker.
The Board also tackled policy frameworks supporting academic quality and innovation, including the proposed Instructional Material Development Manual, Knowledge Management Policies and Guidelines, and Creative Works Policies and Guidelines.
In support of research and extension initiatives, the Board approved the conduct of the 3rd International Research, Opportunities, Development, and Extension Outcomes (IRODEO) Conference in 2026.
Under procurement matters, the Board approved the award of a ₱7.8-million contract for the supply, delivery, and installation of mock-ups, tools, and equipment for the College of Industrial Technology, aimed at enhancing laboratory instruction and strengthening industry-aligned, hands-on training for students
Overall, the outcomes of the 29th Special Board Meeting highlight DEBESMSCAT’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, responsive governance, and strategic investments that support instruction, research, and innovation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
