By Karren Jay G. Asgar
University officials, college deans, department chairpersons, faculty presenters, and other academic leaders from various academic units gather for a photo opportunity during the university-wide curriculum review titled “Advancing Scholarly Standards Through Exemplary Syllabi: A Comprehensive University Review” on March 7, 2025, at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room.
Central Philippine University (CPU) reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence by conducting a university-wide curriculum review titled “Advancing Scholarly Standards Through Exemplary Syllabi: A Comprehensive University Review.” The review took place on March 7, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room, gathering esteemed University officials, college deans, department chairpersons, faculty presenters, and other academic heads across various academic units.
The review aimed to evaluate and refine the University syllabi, and to align them with national and global educational standards. Specifically, it sought to: (1) Assess the compliance of CPU syllabi with the provisions of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Orders (CMO) and Department of Education (DepEd) Orders (DO) in terms of format, content, and related requirements and standards across basic, tertiary, and graduate-level education programs; (2) finalize a standardized university-wide syllabus format, ensuring consistency in content selection, instructional design, and academic rigor. The revised format would be subject to official approval and subsequent implementation by faculty and other academic personnel.
The review commenced with an invocation led by Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean of the CPU-College of Theology, followed by the welcome address and greetings from CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. Then, Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director of the CPU Review, Continuing Education, and Consultancy Center, introduced organizers, presenters, and participants in the event.
Dr. Ananias C. Sabijon, Jr., Director of the CPU Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), provided an in-depth rationale for the activity, discussing literature on Outcome-Based Education (OBE) course syllabi. His presentation underscored the importance of aligning syllabi with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Orders (CMOs), and other relevant policies, standards, and guidelines.
The event featured exemplar or model syllabus presentations from distinguished faculty representatives across various CPU academic units, namely: Prof. Gleason B. Parcia (College of Arts and Sciences); Dr. Hermely A. Jalando-on (College of Business and Accountancy); Engr. Marjee Rose B. Parreño (College of Computer Studies); Dr. Maredil R. Ambos (College of Education); Engr. Christsam Joy J. Santander (College of Engineering);Prof. Maria Patricia S. Bayot (College of Hospitality Management); Prof. Michael M. Tatoy (College of Nursing); Prof. Ma. Jean A. Amistas (College of Pharmacy); Ms. Anna Maria Diana S. Salazar (College of Medical Laboratory Science); Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza (College of Theology); and Dr. Renia F. De la Peña (School of Graduate Studies).
After the presentations, a dynamic question-and-answer session was moderated by Dr. Sabijon. Participants actively engaged in discussions on syllabus design, format, and best practices for promoting academic excellence.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates of participation and recognition to the presenters and participants by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Dr. Ananias C. Sabijon, Jr., Director of CTLE; and Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director of RCECC. Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Chairperson of the CPU Department of Religion & Ethics, also the Emcee during the activity led the closing prayer, marking the end of the successful academic initiative.
The review activity was organized by the CTLE and the RCECC, and was approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Through this curriculum review, CPU continues to strengthen its educational programs, ensuring that its academic offerings remain at par with national and international standards. This initiative underscores the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in its operation as a CHED-recognized autonomous university.