PANABO CITY — The Board of Trustees (BOT) of Davao del Norte State College convened for its First Quarter, 125th Regular Meeting on March 9, 2026, through a hybrid setup.
The meeting was chaired by CHED Commissioner, Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, who attended onsite at the DNSC campus. Also present physically were Trustee Priscilla R. Sonido, Regional Director of DEPDev XI, along with Private Sector Representatives Trustee Juris D. Perez and Trustee Janet T. Matuguinas.
Joining onsite were Alumni Trustee Dr. Glenne B. Lagura, Faculty Trustee Prof. Samuel A. Plando, and Student Trustee Mr. Rodney Jhon C. Gonzales. Meanwhile, Trustee Anthony C. Sales, Regional Director of DOST XI, and Cong. De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, 1st District of Davao del Norte Representative, participated via Zoom, together with Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, CHED XI Regional Director, who served as resource person.
A total of ten (10) board members attended the meeting. DNSC President, Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, Vice-Chairperson of the Board, presented the agenda items.
During the meeting, Commissioner Apag introduced and encouraged the use of the E-Agenda System under his OCDRA platform, a centralized digital system designed to enhance tracking, security, management, and accessibility of agenda items across state universities and colleges under his supervision.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the Board’s directive for the College to prioritize and fast-track preparations for its transition to universityhood. The Board emphasized the timely completion of all requirements in anticipation of submission and the conduct of CHED’s composite evaluation visit while pending the enactment of enabling legislation.
The Board approved four new proposed academic programs in the College, subject to the issuance of a Certificate of Program Compliance from CHED prior to implementation. These include Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd), Bachelor in Human Services (BHumServ), Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies (BSED-SocStud), and Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino (BSED-Filipino).
To strengthen research and community engagement initiatives, DNSC’s Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Manual and the Updated RDE Agenda for 2026–2030, which will guide the College’s research priorities and extension programs, have been approved.
The Board likewise approved the updated composition of the College Administrative Council (AcCo), in accordance with Republic Act No. 8292, its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations and the Board-approved Revised Organizational Structure, and the sabbatical assignment of Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, Vice President for Academic Affairs, for a period of one (1) year beginning July 1.
Furthermore, the Board confirmed the participation of two personnel in the Higher Education Leadership Mentorship Program of University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-HELM). Dr. Mariannie A. Rebortera and Dr. Marilou D. Junsay are set to represent the College in the program.
Members also confirmed several key partnerships and institutional agreements, including the Memorandum of Agreement between DNSC and the Department of Science and Technology Region XI for the project “Smart and Sustainable Communities Initiatives: Improvement of a Collaborative Innovation Hub with Integrated 3D Scanning Technology”, which aims to enhance innovation, research collaboration, and technological development.
The Governing Board also acted on various routine agenda items within the delegated authority of the College President, including the confirmation of candidates for graduation, the hiring and appointment of new personnel, and the designation of key College officials.
Finally, as part of the College’s best practice, the Office of the College President has issued a notice of meeting to all personnel for the Cascading of the Board’s Actions from the recent meeting on April 1.
