On degree program mess JVR: What took CHED so long?

CEBU, Philippines – Why did it take four years for the Commission on Higher Education to find out that Talisay City College is operating courses without authorization?

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, who is the chairman of the school's Board of Trustees, passed the buck to CHED after it was discovered that the school has been operating unsanctioned degree programs.

"Midagan na og upat ka tuig ang maong mga kurso ug karon mo-graduate na ang mga estudyante. Nganong karon pa man nila ni gi-question, unsa man gyud ang ilang tumong ug tuyo sa ilang pagpagawas niini?" De los Reyes asked during a media conference yesterday.

The CHED said TCC has been admitting students for Bachelor of Science in Hospital Management, Master in Public Administration, Master of Arts in Education and Doctor in Education even if it has not complied with the agency's requirements.

It added that the school was only supposed to offer authorized programs such as Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and Diploma in Professional Education.

De los Reyes blamed CHED for the lack of monitoring on the school.

In fact, he recalled that CHED regional director Freddie Bernal even once took over the school management last year.

Based on the list, some 834 students are set to graduate from TCC on March 27.

Of the total number, 67 are set to graduate from the courses which CHED never authorized.

Dr. Edgar Martinez, dean and caretaker of TCC, also shared the mayor's sentiments.

Martinez criticized the CHED for not reminding them to follow up on the accreditation for their courses.

"We are not remiss in our duty. Kahibalo ko nga wala'y CHED mitawag namo kaniadto ug wala'y CHED nga mi-question namo," Martinez said.

He, however, admitted they do not have government accreditations on the four courses but clarified that the "authority" for them to operate the courses was through a consortium agreement with the Cebu Technological University.

Martinez said they expected CTU to follow up on the agreement with CHED following the signing of the agreement on June 18, 2010.

"CHED has the responsibility to guide, monitor, evaluate or issue notices to the city college for any violation. Absence of such action from their part…would only mean that we have not violated anything," Martinez added.

Despite the issues, Martinez gave an assurance that the students who took the controversial courses will still graduate this March 27.

"Ayaw mo kaguol. You are in good hands and your graduation will be smooth," Martinez said.

CHED-7 supervising education program specialist Josefina Ronquillo said TCC has 90 days to comply with the requirements.

Failure to do so would mean heavy penalties against or even closure of the school.

Before granting permits, the agency will look into the quality of instruction, credentials of the faculty, adequacy of physical properties, laboratories and library, and community extension services.