Saturday, August 09, 2008 Colleges told to amend academic curricula
THE Commission on Higher Education (Ched) on Friday asked higher education institutions to reassess the courses or programs they offer and make it more attuned to the demands of the time.
Ched officer-in-charge Nona Ricafort said a revision in the academic curricula will equip Filipino graduates with core competencies necessary to make them successful professionals and elevate the standing of Philippine universities in the global market.
"It is about time that we make some adjustments especially since our ranking in the international arena is not so good. But we do not believe that our quality of education is deteriorating. That is why we need to revisit the curriculum and see what we have missed,” she said.
"The technical panel of every university should have done their work before the year ends,” she added.
Asked what possible revisions in the curriculum that the commission expects from the technical panel, Ricafort said the universities should strengthen its English and information and communication technology (ICT) related courses.
"Our world is so competitive today. We have to enhance our programs in English as well as in ICT because these are what the world market demands from us,” she said.
She urged the technical committees and the different universities to closely coordinate with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in planning the revised curriculum.
Moreover, Ricafort said Ched shall strengthen the Ladderized Education Program (LEP) since it provides graduates the chance to gain better employment opportunities here and abroad.
LEP is a government's measure that provides scholarships to poor but deserving students to pursue a college degree. The program is being implemented by Ched in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
Earlier, a 2007 survey of Times Higher Education of top 500 universities in the world showed a drop in the ranking of Philippine universities. Only two universities – the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) - made it to list.
Some Ched officials thought it was not a serious matter. But an investigation was recommended to look into causes or factors that dragged down the country's universities in the international ranking. (AH/Sunnex)
