CATARMAN, Northern Samar– The Commission on Higher Education (ChEd) conducted a two-day on-site monitoring visit at the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) here to assess its academic programs, facilities and laboratories and identify areas for further improvement.

The monitoring activity began on Aug. 18 at the UEP Gymnatorium, with the ChEd Regional Office 8 (CHEDRO8) team led by Regional Director Maximo Aljibe.

UEP president Cherry Ultra welcomed the monitoring team and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to working closely with ChEd to strengthen its programs and improve the quality of education and services provided to students.

Aljibe said the monitoring visit was intended to help ensure that UEP continues to meet quality standards in higher education while identifying areas that may need improvement.
Following the initial discussions, the ChEd and UEP teams conducted ocular inspections of the university’s colleges, facilities and laboratories on the main campus.

The monitoring continued on Aug. 19, with the teams visiting other UEP campuses as part of a comprehensive assessment of the university’s programs and facilities.

ChEd and UEP are expected to use the findings and recommendations from the monitoring activity to further improve academic programs, facilities and services.

(EUGENE M.ENANO)

ORMOC CITY — KEITECH Educational Foundation, Inc. has expanded its industry partnerships through seven new and renewed agreements aimed at giving trainees hands-on workplace experience and improving their chances of employment.

The agreements, signed recently with companies in Leyte, Cebu and Zambales, will allow KEITECH trainees to undergo on-the-job training (OJT) and apply their technical skills in actual work settings.

The seven partner companies are Alto Peak, Bai Hotel, Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Maayo Hotel, The Tropics at MacArthur Park, Primary Structures Corp., and Seatrium Subic Shipyard, Inc.

One of the seven agreements is a renewal, while the other six are new partnerships.
The signing ceremony was led by KEITECH Administrator Jennifer Wenceslao, together with representatives of the partner companies.

KEITECH said the OJT program will help trainees strengthen their technical and workplace skills while developing professional values, confidence and other competencies needed for employment.

Established in 2009 as a geothermal corporate social responsibility initiative founded by Paul A. Aquino, KEITECH has provided skills training and employment opportunities to people in its host communities for 17 years.

The institution continued its operations despite challenges, including the extensive damage to its facilities caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

KEITECH said its industry partnerships form part of its continuing commitment to providing education and skills training while creating pathways to employment for its trainees.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

Catarman N. Samar– Members of the local legislative body of Rosario, Northern Samar, now have a more conducive workplace following the completion of a P9.88 million multi-purpose building in Barangay 2 Poblacion that will serve as the municipality’s new legislative building.

The facility, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office, involves the construction of a two-storey multi-purpose building (Government Center) with a total floor area of 338.88 square meters.

The scope of the project also includes the removal of structures and obstructions, embankment works, electrical works, painting, storm drainage, downspouts, and catch basin installation.

In an interview, Vice Mayor Gerardo P. Miranda explained the significance of the newly constructed project.

“Dako nga benepisyo kay, primero, an amon dati nga legislative medyo diri gud maupay kay sayu (1) la nga kwarto. Iton, dako iton nga bagay nga nagka may-ada kami sin bag-o nga legislative building. Sayu iton nga amon magiging maupay nga building nga para san amon mga kaurupod, nga maka-plastar na ba sira pag-lingkod doon.kay sa DILG may-ada sin mga gin-aaro nga mga criteria para san building. Mao iton nga pag-inspection sa amon sadto waray kami pumasa, kay diri kompleto an amo mga opisina. Niyan, dako an amon kalipay nga nagkamay-ada kami sin bag-o nga legislative building dinhi sa Rosario.” Miranda explained.

Malaking benepisyo, kasi una, ang aming dating legislative medyo hindi maayos kasi isa lang na kwarto. Ito, malaking bagay na nagkaroon kami ng bagong legislative building.
Isa itong magiging magandang building para sa aming mga kasama na maging maayos na ang kanilang pag-upo doon, dahil sa DILG mayroon mga hinihinging criteria para sa building.

Dahilan kaya noong inspection ay hindi kami pumasa dahil hindi kompleto ang aming opisina.

Ngayon, napakasaya namin na nagkaroon kami ng bagong legislative building dito sa Rosario.

Meanwhile, District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said the new building is expected to enhance the delivery of public services and provide Sangguniang Bayan officials with a more conducive and dedicated venue for conducting legislative sessions and in performing their official functions.

ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR