UP Cebu soon to be research university

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC) will soon become Cebu’s research university, an institution providing graduate education that foster research.

With new strategies and curricular restructuring, UPVCC Dean Dr. Enrique M. Avila said UP seeks to improve the quality of their graduates.

“We want our graduate programs to be research-oriented to know what is really going on in Cebu because we believe that a university must generate new knowledge. We don’t intend to compete with other universities who already have their own expertise. UP will find its niche in the region which is where we are going,” Avila said.

Since the college has been recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as the Center of Excellence in Information Technology Education in 2007, “this development has paved the way for the adoption of the Master of Science in Computer Science program that enhances our stature as COE and helps us to undertake programs that will help upgrade other education institutions in the region,” Avila said.

Another development was the adoption of the Masters in Business Administration program which “has been a sensible response to catch up with Cebu’s economic growth and cater to the needs of its vigorous business sector.”

Avila also said part of their curricular restructuring is an ongoing effort to streamline and liberalize current undergraduate programs in which students will be free to chose courses while their fundamental knowledge on basic courses are being strengthened.

Avila believes a student’s education will be strengthened in the field of major disciplines such as math, science, arts and languages because if he knows all of these, he will be able to find a job immediately once he graduates.

This is the current trend of the industry today, Avila said, which is evident in students resorting to taking jobs offered by the business process outsourcing industry.

Efforts have also been made for UP Cebu to become the center for the promotion of Cebuano culture and language.

“The college is likewise fully aware that the fruits of these academic developments can only be felt and utilized by the public that it is meant to serve if the Continuing Education Program (CEP) that bridges the two sectors is strengthened and mobilized,” Avila said.

Training and extension programs under CEP will be expanded in the proposed UP extension or graduate school to be constructed in the South Road Properties (SRP).

A 51,372 square meter lot donated by the Cebu City government will be developed by UP Cebu once the application for the transfer of title is approved. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)