THE Philippine Science High System Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Jonald P. Fenecios as new campus director of the Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC).
Fenecios, who started his six-year term last January 4, was a former associate professor of the Ateneo de Davao University and served as president of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines Region 11 Chapter from October 2011 to September 2014.
"Nurturing intellectually gifted students is the first crucial step to forming a critical mass of scientists in the future. This is the mandate that I will vigorously push as the campus director of the PSHS-SMC," Fenecios said.
He intends to intensify further the strengths of PSHS-SMC, particularly winning local, national, and international research competitions among students, pursuing publication of their works in reputable scientific journals, and establishing strong linkage with universities and industry partners.
"I will capacitate the faculty members by instituting thematic development programs that will improve their teaching pedagogies aligned with 21st century skills. I will also upgrade their research capabilities through faculty development, regular attendance at scientific conferences, research training, and procurement of advanced technical and scientific equipment," Fenecios added.
Fenecios, who obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2012, has published several journal articles and reviewed publications under the Mathematical Reviews of the Division of American Mathematical Society (AMS).
"I am genuinely happy that I have the rare opportunity to be of service to the country by molding young intelligent minds to realize their full potential and prepare them well to become our future mathematicians, physicists, scientists, innovators, and engineers," Fenecios said.
Fenecios succeeded Delia Legaspino, who served as campus director for 12 years. (Aries N. Oliveros)