CHED RO1 evaluates SMC's MA Education program
The sounds of learning filled the air at St. Mary’s College (SMC)—lecturers in full stride, students tuned in, and small groups deep in discussion under the covered walkways—welcoming CHED Region I Education Supervisors Dr. Al Gerald Barde and Engr. Leonora Quarte as they navigated the hallways toward the President’s Office for a courtesy call before their monitoring activity on March 8, 2025.
Dr. Conchita Filart, dean of the Graduate School, introduced the members of the SMC team; then, Dr. Barde explained the purpose of the visit, which is to assess the Master of Arts in Education program of the institution.
Shortly after, Dr. Leonida Sison, SMC President, arrived and welcomed the team, expressing her gratitude for their visit.
“Thank you for coming, and please help us improve our graduate program,” she said.
The supervisors proceeded with the evaluation – reviewing the curriculum, research and creative works policies, administration, faculty, and library.
Their observations were recorded in the evaluation tool based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, which outlines policies, standards, and guidelines for graduate education programs.
Named after the historic Santa Maria Church, a renowned minor basilica in Ilocos Sur, SMC is the only private higher education institution in town.
Dr. Sison credited the institution’s progress, particularly its increasing enrollment, to the divine guidance of Mama Mary but acknowledged the need for further improvements.
She emphasized that the comments and suggestions from the evaluation would serve as their basis for development.
Dr. Barde stressed compliance with national standards, noting that the government is “seriously” addressing educational gaps identified by EDCOM II.
“Graduate education schools must do their responsibility to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to effectively educate learners in both basic and higher education,” he said.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
