The Partido State University College of Sustainable of Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems (Caramoan campus) unveiled its newly accoutred state-of-the-art Conservation and Restoration Ecology Laboratory (CaRE Lab) through a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony on June 3, 2024.

The event was attended by the Commission on Higher Education V Regional Director, Atty. Septon A. Dela Cruz, and the university officials including SUC President III, Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo; Vice President for Research, Extension, and Knowledge Management, Prof. Patricia M. Candelaria; Vice President for Administration and Finance, Prof. Charlie V. Balagtas; and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael A. Clores. Also present during the event were the college deans, students, and faculty members of the campus.

Dr. Clores, the project leader of the lab, extended the gratitude of the university to the Commission on Higher Education Institutional Development and Innovation Grants (CHED IDIG), the Leading the Advancement of Knowledge in Agriculture and Sciences program of CHED (CHED LAKAS), and the internal funding from the university for their support in the research undertakings of the college during his message. He also acknowledged the efforts the faculty and staff who played significant roles in the successful fund acquisition, procurement, and equipment installation.

CHED V Regional Director, Atty. Septon commended the proactive initiative of the college in providing quality education by equipping students with state-of-the-art tools and laboratory equipment. He also recognized the research-oriented goal of the university, not only by having many known researchers in the Bicol region but also by looking for ways and means to complement and enhance existing laboratories, which is imperative for more research activities. He also stressed the need for researchers to submit proposals for potential funding to expand research opportunities.

The newly procured equipment includes a spectrophotometer, compound and stereo microscopes, flow hoods, muffle furnace, centrifuge, incubator, gel electrophoresis, UV transilluminator, and water bath shaker, among others. The laboratory is also equipped with essential fieldwork gear, such as vests, high-cut and low-cut booties, snorkeling gear, and materials and supplies for the conduct of biodiversity assessments.

This event marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of the campus to have a science lab to enhance the quality of learning of the students pursuing a BS in Biology major in conservation and restoration ecology (BS BIOCRE). The initiative also aligns with the vision and mission of Partido State University to offer quality instruction and become a premier research institution in the Bicol region.

-Eljenmer L. Sindo

Partido State University (ParSU) Quality Management System (QMS) successfully hosted a seminar-workshop on Completed Staff Work (CSW): Delivering Results Effectively on June 13, 2024, Thursday. The event took place at the ParSU Board Room attended by the first batch of administrative staff from various departments, including Top Management, General Administration and Support Services (GASS), Research and Extension Office, Support to Operations (STO), and Colleges and Campuses (Academics).

The primary objective of the seminar-workshop was to equip participants with the essential knowledge, attitude, and skills needed to effectively prepare, develop, coordinate, and communicate completed work. Resource speakers, Ms. Monette A. Espia, Ms. Leih Anne R. Odoño, and Ms. Cherrylyn R. Castro, delivered insightful lectures on the subject matter.

Following the lectures, participants were divided into ten groups for the workshop. Each group focused on different areas such as reports or proposals for approval/confirmation on new academic programs, curriculum revisions, applications for COD/COE, academic partnerships, budget proposals, bidded project awards, research and extension programs, income-generating projects, strategic plan developments, employee appointments, policies and guidelines, performance monitoring, failure mode and effects analysis, quality objectives, strategic/action plans, and work instructions.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to enhance their analytical skills by considering all viable courses of action and presenting solutions in a finished form that could be approved or disapproved by the head/chief of office/unit. Ultimately, this would contribute to improving public service delivery.

ParSU QMS remains committed to supporting the continual improvement of the management system and fostering a culture of quality and excellence in instruction, research, and extension services. Through its programs and activities, ParSU QMS aims to nurture this culture within the public sector.

By empowering professionals with CSW strategies, ParSU QMS endeavors to drive productivity and ensure the highest standards of service delivery.

From May 21-22, 2024, the BS Geology Program of the College of Science at Partido State University collaborated with GEoInnovative Specialist Inc. (GSI) to organize a two-day seminar and practical equipment training in Geotechnical Engineering. The event took place at the RDE Training Hall and PSU Covered Court, catering to students from the BS Geology and BS Civil Engineering programs.

The Geology and Civil Engineering students were engaged in a two-day event that featured cutting-edge lectures on Geotechnical Engineering, emphasizing its importance in shaping the built environment and infrastructure development. The first day consisted of simultaneous lectures and job interviews. Engr. Aldwin F. Montealto delivered a lecture titled "Hidden Ground Beneath Our Feet: A Geotechnical Engineer's Journey," providing insights into the world of geotechnical engineering, including soil mechanics, foundation design, and slope instability, which are crucial for construction projects. He also shared his personal journey as a geotechnical engineer, and students had the opportunity to share their key takeaways from the lecture.

On the second day, Engr. Allen D.G. Dela Cruz introduced GSI and its various laboratories and testing services in his talk. This was followed by another job interview session and hands-on training with the equipment.

GeoInnovative Specialist Inc. (GSI) is a Filipino-owned company built in 2017 from an innovative group of specialists whose expertise is in the field of Geology and Engineering and its practical applications such as Geotechnics, Geophysics, and Design. The team aims to provide sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to different stages of development for various industries such as construction, hydrology, energy, and more. Initially, the said company served as a general contractor providing Geotechnical Investigation Works involving drilling, in situ testing, materials testing, and consultancy then later, the company diversified as its capabilities grew to cater to additional industrial private and public projects. The company is currently actively engaged in feasibility studies and civil engineering works.

The main highlight of the event was the hands-on equipment demonstration, during which student participants were divided into three groups. These groups rotated through different stations, namely Station 1: Dynamic Cone Penetration Test, Station 2: Ground Penetrating Radar, and Station 3: Rebound Hammer and Pocket Penetrometer. These hands-on demonstrations provided students with valuable opportunities to observe and interact with the actual tools and instruments used in geotechnical engineering. By doing so, they were able to gain a deeper understanding of the equipment's principles, functionality, and limitations. These practical experiences are crucial in preparing students for the challenges they may encounter in their future geotechnical engineering careers.

Comprising the GSI Team were Engr. Allen Dela Cruz-Civil Engineer, Engr. Aldwin Montealto-Civil Engineer; Mr. Martjeremiah Romerde-Geologist; Mr. Christian Delima-HR staff; and Mr. Arnold del Fierro-Staff

Also in attendance at the event included Dr. Michael A. Clores, the Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Leah Erica B. Ignao, the Dean of the College of Science; Engr. Emelina R. Padayao, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computational Science; and Mr. Joemar C. Sedeño, the Department Chair of the BS Geology Program.

Partido State University recently held a momentous oath-taking ceremony and issuance of appointment to honor the accomplishments of 56 faculty members who have been reclassified through DBM-CHED JC No. 03, s. 2022 from Instructor II to Associate Professor V. The ceremony took place on May 10, 2024, and was led by Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo, SUC President III. 

These faculty members have demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance in enhancing their qualifications as valuable members of the Partido State University community. Their hard work has been duly recognized and rewarded by the evaluation bodies of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The Institutional Evaluation Committee, headed by former chairperson Dr. Erlinda M. Basilla, who also served as the former VP for Academic Affairs and current VPAA Dr. Michael A. Clores, initiated the assessments and appraisals in August 2023.

The said ceremony was graced by Prof. Patricia M. Candelaria, the VP for Research, Extension, and Knowledge Management, Prof. Charlie V. Balagtas, the VP for Administration and Finance, Prof. Rico D. Saballegue, the President of the FFAPARSU (Faculty and Employees Association of Partido State University), and Prof. Margarita M. Lanciso, the HRMO (Human Resource Management Officer).

Partido State University takes great pride in the achievements of these 56 reclassed faculty members, whose unwavering commitment and hard work have contributed to the university's academic excellence. By celebrating their accomplishments, the university emphasizes its dedication to fostering a supportive and conducive environment for the continuous growth and development of its faculty members.