CHED RO XI, OPSD Evaluate DOrSU’s PhD Biology Program for COPC
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) moves closer to getting full recognition for its PhD in Biology (major in Biodiversity) program as the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHED RO XI) and the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) conducted a joint evaluation visit on May 2, 2025.
The evaluation is part of the process for the issuance of the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC), which ensures that the program meets the requirements set by CHED. For DOrSU, this marks a significant step toward strengthening its graduate programs and positioning itself as a hub for research in biodiversity and environmental studies.
The evaluation team was composed of Dr. Windell L. Rivera, Chair of the Technical Panel for Biology; Dr. John Donnie A. Ramos and Dr. Thomas Edison E. Dela Cruz, both members of the Technical Panel for Biology; John Paul Dela Cruz from the Office of Programs and Standards Development; and Dr. Louie C. Juera, Education Supervisor II of CHED RO XI.
University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce emphasized the importance of the COPC evaluation in advancing DOrSU’s academic goals. Under his leadership, the university continues to pursue quality assurance and institutional growth, with the PhD Biology program playing a vital role in its long-term vision.
The PhD Biology program is offered under the Faculty of Advanced and International Studies, led by Dean Dr. Gemma M. Valdez, who expressed confidence in the strength and direction of the program. She highlighted the university’s significant investment in faculty development, laboratory resources, and international academic linkages to support the program’s success.
Program Head Dr. Milton Norman D. Medina also expressed optimism regarding the outcome of the evaluation. He affirmed that the program, built upon a strong foundation of research excellence and guided by a committed faculty, is well-positioned to meet CHED’s requirements.
Securing the COPC will open more opportunities for students and researchers. It will enable the university to expand its research collaborations, attract more enrollees, and secure additional funding and support for advanced scientific initiatives. The university community remains hopeful and optimistic that the positive outcomes of the evaluation will lead to the issuance of the COPC.
