CHED: UP's journalism program best in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) identified the University of the Philippines' (UP) journalism program as country's best.

Naming the state university's journalism course anew as the only "Center of Excellence" in its league, CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan signed a memorandum order last Friday recognizing the program for having the highest standards in instruction, research, community extension and professional development.

The program is housed in the UP College of Mass Communication and had been known as a pioneer in courses such as journalism ethics, environmental reporting, business reporting and online journalism.

The college's broadcast communication program was also named a Center of Excellence on the same day.

CHED further designated the journalism programs of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas as "Centers for Development" in the field.

All three named programs are "potent catalysts for world class scholarships, best practices, innovative curriculum, research and professional development in Journalism," Licuanan said.

Journalism programs cut out to become Centers of Excellence have industry recognition, evidence of innovation, academic research and output, local and international partnerships, active alumni programs and a graduate program, according to the agency's implementing guidelines issued in 2012.

Centers of Development in journalism, meanwhile, must also have recognition in the field and strong extension programs and academic partnerships while having a "strong potential to develop its faculty in research."

While recognized institutions become the top priority in receiving funds, CHED expects them to take the lead in sharing their expertise in the community and with other educational organizations.