January 20, 2026- the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) officially opened its doors for the annual College Entrance Test (DCET) held at the College Function hall, DEBESMSCAT Mandaon Campus. The event marks a major step for thousands of students hoping to start their college journey at DEBESMSCAT this coming academic year.
The first day of testing successfully accommodated a large group of examinees from various schools in Mandaon. The College Function hall will remain the primary testing hub this week as it prepares to welcome applicants from Balud and Milagros. For students in other municipalities, the administration has already released the full list of testing centers and schedules on the Office of Admissions’ official Facebook page.
Ms. Sarah J. Abawag, the Admission Director, led the activity together with her team from the Office of the Admission. Before the exams began, Ms. Abawag briefed the students on house rules and provided important reminders to ensure the testing process remained smooth, organized, and fair for everyone.
With roughly 3,000 to 4,000 students registered from Masbate and nearby provinces, the college is working hard to reach every applicant. This effort is driven by the DAMGO of College President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca to provide quality and inclusive education to all Masbateños. To fulfill this vision, DEBESMSCAT teams will be traveling to designated schools throughout the province to host the DCET locally, making it easier for students in distant areas to apply.
The high number of applicants highlights the community’s deep trust in the institution. DEBESMSCAT remains a top choice for Masbateño students as it holds a 100% Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for all its undergraduate programs. This certification is crucial for students’ future careers, as it is a required document for graduates when they apply for their professional board examinations.





Ladies and gentlemen,