19/06/2026
Today, June 19, 2026, the Department of Economics received the recommendation for the issuance of a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for its Master of Science in Applied Economics program for Academic Year 2026–2027. The evaluation of the program documents and inspection of academic facilities were conducted by representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Panel for Economics.
Representing the Technical Panel for Economics were its Chair, Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., who also serves as Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and panel member Dr. Agham C. Cuevas, Vice Chancellor of UPLB. Representing CHED were Ms. Charity Barrera from the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD), CHED Central Office (CHEDCO), and Dr. Jane Arguelles-Latorre from the CHED Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO VIII).
Dr. Zyra May H. Centino, Head of the Department of Economics, led the presentation of the program and its supporting documents, together with the faculty and staff of the department.
Following the presentation, Dr. Camacho expressed confidence in the program, noting that the existing VSU Graduate Program Manual provides a strong framework for its implementation. He also commended the qualifications and expertise of the Department of Economics graduate faculty members who will lead the program. Meanwhile, Dr. Cuevas remarked that the university's facilities are adequate to support courses requiring statistical and quantitative analysis.
The evaluation panel also identified areas for further enhancement. Among the key recommendations were strengthening information dissemination strategies, particularly for prospective international students, and further aligning the curriculum with Visayas State University's vision as a green university.
The site visit, held at the VSU Graduate Education Conference Room, was attended by key university officials, including Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of Visayas State University; Dr. Rotacio S. Gravoso, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Moises Neil V. Seriño, Vice President for Administration and Finance and faculty member of the Department of Economics; Dr. Mark C. Ratilla, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Economics; Dr. Marilyn M. Belarmino, Director of Graduate Studies; and Dr. Joel Ray U. Acob, Director for Quality Assurance.