By Carl Michael B. Dela Cruz
Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service, distinguished faculty administrators from the Tertiary and Graduate Education divisions have been privileged to serve as members of various Technical Working Groups (TWGs) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) over the years. Through their respective engagements, these Bedan educators have elevated SBCA’s role in shaping national policies that safeguard student welfare and advance the standards of higher education in the country.
Atty. John Jacome has played an instrumental role in paving the way for Bedan educators to participate in CHED TWGs. In addition to his leadership as Manager of SBCA’s Environment, Health, and Safety Office (EHSO), Atty. Jacome serves as the Managing Director of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA). He is also a key resource person in various CHED TWGs and focus group discussions, advocating for responsive administrative policies and programs in higher education institutions (HEIs).
Civic consciousness and nation-building are values closely aligned with Benedictine ideals, which Prof. Carlo Enrico Tinio, Coordinator of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), actively champions as a TWG member. Prof. Tinio has shared his expertise and leadership in the comprehensive review and revision of key NSTP policies, ensuring that community outreach, monitoring tools, and NSTP module content meet the evolving needs of the youth and local communities.
The Dean of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Prof. Carl Michael Dela Cruz, RGC, has brought his invaluable expertise and professional insights to the TWG tasked with developing policies and guidelines against all forms of hazing. Recently, he participated in the zonal public consultation on the newly approved inclusive and comprehensive policies and guidelines on student affairs and services, contributing to the effective dissemination of policy information and monitoring tools among HEIs in the northern regions.
As an advocate for student welfare and well-being, Prof. Maria Adrianna Quioyo, Coordinator of the Student Internship Program, was selected as one of the pioneer members of the TWG on the proposed revisions of the enhanced policies and guidelines on student affairs and services. Her professional expertise, drawn from her extensive experience in the OSA, was likewise pivotal during her participation in the review of existing guidelines on local off-campus activities.
Finally, recognizing the unique demands placed on student-athletes, Dr. John Paul Domingo joined the CHED TWG tasked with developing a comprehensive policy for student-athlete protection. Drawing from his extensive leadership as Program Chairperson of the Teacher Education Department and concurrent Coordinator of the Physical Education Department, Dr. Domingo’s work is instrumental in safeguarding the rights, welfare, and protection of student-athletes in higher education institutions in accordance with Republic Act No. 10676.
