by Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY, March 13 (PIA) – In keeping with the mandates of higher education, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-IX has initiated the organization of researchers’ association to be composed of school administrators and faculty from the different private and public colleges/universities in the region.
In a press release, Dr. Jhamie Tetz I. Mateo of CHED-IX disclosed that a total 141 participants attended the organizational meeting held recently at the Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City.
Dubbed “Zamboanga Peninsula Higher Education Research Association (ZPHERA),” this organization will strive to provide its members with capability building programs and activities in research, mentoring program, research dissemination on various fields of disciplines through fora, symposia, workshops and conferences, assistance in the conduct of quality researches for publication and utilization, and support for patent application/intellectual property rights.
CHED-IX Regional Director Emmylou B. Yanga also expressed optimism that the birth of ZPHERA would “develop the culture of research in the region” and that through this association, “high quality researches for publication and utilization will come up.”
CHED-IX’s Technical Division Chief Teresita A. Pinili also stressed that “everyone’s involvement in the association must be sustained in order for the group to grow.”
The gathering wound up with the ratification of the association’s constitution and by-laws, and the election of the board of directors.
Elected as directors were Dr. Teresita G. Montaño of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), Dr. Chona Q. Sarmiento of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Prof. Bonifacio Andabon of Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZSPC), Dr. Evelyn Campiseño of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Dr. Edenizer Santander of Andres Bonifacio College (ABC), Dr. Al-Basser S. Sappayani of Basilan State College (BSC), Dr. Amina Sarip of the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Buug, Dr. Melrose A. Sali-ot of J.H. Cerilles State College and Dr. Nora Agustero of Saint Columban College (SCC). (FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)
