DOrSU Eyes Microcredentials as Next Academic Innovation, Joins Masterclass as First Step
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) is setting its sights on micro-credentials as the next frontier in academic innovation, taking its first step toward implementation by joining the ‘CertiPHY: A Masterclass on Microcredentials – From Concept to Implementation’ organized by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region XI on August 7–8, 2025 at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Davao City.
The University was represented by Dr. Cheryll L. Bautista, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Lilibeth S. Galvez, Director for Global Affairs and International Relations; Dr. Gemma M. Valdez, Dean of the Faculty of Advanced and International Studies; and Dr. Phoebe Nemenzo-Calica.
This masterclass marks the initial phase of DOrSU’s plan to explore micro-credentialing as a new dimension of skills recognition—offering short, flexible certifications that target specific industry-relevant competencies. The move aligns with global education trends and responds to the increasing demand for agile, skill-ready graduates.
The initiative follows the April 2025 academic mission to China led by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley A. Agrupis, where ten Philippine Higher Education Institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing micro-credential systems and fostering international cooperation.
Dr. Michelle Aguilar-Ong, a leading authority in micro-credentialing, led the training, providing practical strategies for curriculum design, competency mapping, digital badging, learner assessment, and quality assurance. Participants, including DOrSU’s delegation, also worked on drafting a micro-credential course and an action plan for implementation.
In her message, PASUC XI Chair and Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) President Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa underscored the shift as a critical evolution in higher education: “Beyond academic knowledge, today’s industries demand agile, skill-ready graduates. Micro-credentials bridge this gap, empowering students with specialized, industry-aligned competencies. This shift is not just an innovation, it is now a CHED mandate under CMO No. 1, Series of 2025.”
With this training, DOrSU positions itself to be among the first state universities in the region to pilot micro-credential programs, reinforcing its vision of producing graduates equipped with both academic excellence and specialized expertise for the modern workforce.
