Accreditation to CHED is not enforced, it should be voluntary

Higher education in the Philippines

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Accreditation[edit]

Accreditation is a process for assessing and upgrading the educational quality of higher education institutions and programs through self-evaluation and peer judgment.^[11] It is a system of evaluation based on the standards of an accrediting agency, and a means of assuring and improving the quality of education.^[12] The process leads to a grant of accredited status by an accrediting agency and provides public recognition and information on educational quality.^[11]

Accreditation of Private institutions[edit]

Voluntary accreditation of all higher education institutions is subject to the policies of the Commission on Higher Education. Voluntary accrediting agencies in the private sector are the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities' Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA), and the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities Accrediting Association Inc. (ACSCU-AAI) which all operate under the umbrella of the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP), which itself is the certifying agency authorized by CHED.^[13][14] Accreditation can be either of programs or of institutions.

All of the institutions accredited by these three agencies certified by FAAP are private institutions. Under CHED's Revised Policies and Guidelines on Voluntary Accreditation in Aid of Quality and Excellence and Higher Education, there are four levels of program accreditation, with Level IV being the highest.^[11][15]

Two institutions, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University-Manila were granted Level IV accreditation pursuant to the provisions of CHED Order, CMO 31 of 1995, but their Level IV institutional accreditation lapsed. Ateneo was granted Level IV re-accreditation in 2011.^[16]

At present, nine universities have current institutional accreditation. Institutional accreditation is the highest certification that can be given to an educational institution after a consideration of the university's number of individual program accreditations and the result of an overall evaluation of the quality of its facilities, services and faculty. These schools are Adventist University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University,^[16] Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Naga University, Centro Escolar University, Central Philippine University, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Silliman University, Trinity University of Asia, and University of Santo Tomas.^[17]

At present the Ateneo de Manila University, is the only university in the Philippines that has been simultaneously granted both Level IV Status and institutional accreditation.Silliman University on the other hand is recorded to have the highest number of accredited programs in the country, fourteen of which are on Level IV accreditation status while simultaneously bearing Institutional Accreditation by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines.^[18][19]

Can CHED interfere over a religious institution schools?

The facts of the HEB Ministries/Tyndale case(from the text of the Texas State Supreme Court August 2007 decision)

Petitioner HEB Ministries, Inc., a church in Fort Worth operates a school, Tyndale Theological Seminary and Bible Institute, which was founded in the early 1990s to offer a biblical education in preparation for ministry in churches and missions. By 1999, its campus consisted of a library, four or five classrooms, administrative offices, a small bookstore, and a computer department, and its enrollment was 300-350 students, with over three-fourths in correspondence courses.

Tyndale’s 1997-1998 course catalog stated: At Tyndale our focus is upon you — the professional minister or motivated layman who wishes to make a difference for Christ in our world. You are the most important part of the TYNDALE equation. Our job is to meet your needs — to meet you half-way with quality Bible courses that help you in your ministry endeavor.

The catalog also contained a lengthy “Doctrinal Statement” setting out Tyndale’s positions on issues of faith. The catalog listed 172 courses, 162 of which were in religious subjects. Of the other ten, three were in general education — “Basic English Grammar & Composition”, “Read, Research & Study Basics”, and “Ancient World History” — and seven were in typing, word processing, and use of the Internet, offered by the “Department of Theological and Biblical Research”. The catalog offered 20 “diplomas”, all in religious subjects.

Tyndale’s catalog offered no “diploma” in any secular subject and no “degree” of any kind, but it characterized programs of study required for a diploma as equivalent to programs of study required for a degree at the same level. For example, the catalog referred to its “Diploma Of Theological Studies” program as a “bachelor equivalent program” and “bachelor equivalent course of studies”, and the “Master of Arts Level Diploma” in “Counseling” as a “Masters Level Program”.

The course catalog did not state that Tyndale’s diplomas were the equivalent of college degrees, but neither did it state that they were not; it was silent on the subject. The catalog stated that Tyndale and Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary were “going forward with parallel programs [in prophetic studies] and exchange of credits between the two institutions”, but did not otherwise say that Tyndale academic credits could be applied toward earning degrees.

In 1998, Tyndale had never been accredited by an agency recognized by the Coordinating Board and had never obtained a certificate of authority from the Board. Tyndale never sought accreditation or a certificate of authority for what it describes as “doctrinal reasons”. In its 1997-1998 course catalog, Tyndale described its position on accreditation as follows:

Many seminaries are on shifting sands. They feel they must impress the world or the culture with their intellectualism. Thus, some schools are spending large sums of money on appearance and are no longer focusing on the substance — strong theology, solid Bible courses, practical language exegesis, etc.

What validates Tyndale? Tyndale believes it is affirmed by its Board of Advisors, Board of Governors, the students attending and, the world-class Guest Faculty who give our students the best of academics and the greatest training in the spiritual message of the Scriptures. But again, many schools seek RECOGNITION and AFFIRMATION from the state, from secular associations or professional groups that really have no business meddling in biblical matters.

The approach of many seminaries and Bible schools is obsolete and antiquated. They are still trying to be, as they call it, “traditional” schools. But mainly, they simply try to keep up with the Joneses. They attempt to look and act like secular universities. But in reality, a school like Tyndale, and other schools with our convictions, are the ones that are traditional, not the other way around.

For example, in the 1960s, most Christian schools were not accredited, nor did the best want to be. They were satisfied with serving the Lord by being complete and whole within their framework and calling. As well, a student could get the best education at these institutions and know he had not been compromised with the culture. But in the 1970s, a push was on for state approval and accreditation. “We want state and federal government approval. We want the world to like us?” [sic] Did any of this have anything to do with the quality or teaching message of those schools? It did not! When one of the big seminaries became accredited in the 1970s, almost all of the older faculty and all of the graduates testify that the school went down hill — not in a certain secular quality manner, but in its message and commitment to truth and the Gospel.

One of the largest Christian Universities in America has said, “We will not become accredited!” That school today is highly respected and other schools want their graduates. Accreditation or lack of it has not had anything to do with the school’s quality or mission.

At commencement exercises on June 26, 1998, Tyndale recognized graduates with 34 awards, listed in the program with titles as follows:

“Certificate of Biblical Studies (Cert. BS)” — two;
“Diploma of Basic Biblical Studies (Dip. BBS)” — three;
“Associate of Biblical Studies (ABS)” — one;
“Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies (Dip. ABS)” — one;
“Bachelor Level Diploma in Biblical Studies (BBS)” — two;
“Bachelor Level Diploma in Theological Studies (Dip. Th.S.)” — six;
“Diploma of Christian Studies (DCS)” — two;
“Master of Arts (MA)” — nine;
“Master of Theology (Th.M.) — two;
“Doctor of Ministries (D.Min)” — one;
“Doctor of Theology (Th.D)” — two;
“Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)” — three.

In conferring these awards, Tyndale did not use the word “degree.” Nevertheless, the Commissioner of Higher Education fined Tyndale $173,000.00 for for using the word "seminary" and issuing theological degrees without receiving government approval.

Attorneys of the Liberty Legal Institute then filed a suit in district court against the state for violating the U.S. and state constitutions. The suit, entitled HEB Ministries v. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and filed on behalf of Tyndale as well as two other other seminaries in Texas, argued that government attempts to control the religious training of seminaries are unconstitutional. The Austin Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state and the case was appealed to the Texas Supreme Court.

“The State has no authority or competence to control the training of pastors and ministers”

In August 2007, the Texas State Supreme Court ruled in favor of Tyndale, saying that “state education requirements affecting the institutions ‘impermissibly intrude’ upon religious freedom protected by the U.S. and Texas constitutions.”

The Court ruled that “since the government cannot determine what a church should be, it cannot determine the qualifications a cleric should have or whether a particular person has them. Likewise the government cannot set standards for religious education or training.”

Does the HEB Ministries/Tyndale ruling apply here in the Philippines?

The freedom of religion clause of our 1987 Constitution is of American origin. Thus, interpretations and decisions of the United States Supreme Court with regards freedom of religion are given great weight by our own Supreme Court. In the landmark case ofEstrada vs. Escritor (which I also discussed in this blog) for example, our High Court cited numerous passages from US Supreme Court decisions.

Should the issue of accreditation (or non-accreditation) of Bible schools in the Philippines ever reach our courts, then we can cite the Texas State Supreme Court ruling in Tyndale that “the State has no authority or competence to control the training of pastors and ministers.”

Read the complete Tyndale decision of the Texas State Supreme Court

A second look at our PhD

October 13,2014 12:54 AM

By: Lucell Larawan

A REPORT from a developing country should alarm college professors: only 29% of its PhD holders had (co)authored journal articles and/or books according to the study of Wamala and Ssembatya (2013).

This research performance among the highly qualified faculty members of colleges and universities reflects many similar milieus (Wamala and Ssembatya, 2013) which the author believes include his own.

I know of many doctors in different fields who ─ after earning the degree ─ only added a title to their sleeves but do not show concrete proof of becoming better researchers or mentors.

On one occasion, a doctor even asked me (a non-doctor at that time) to take him as co-author in a study where he expected that I will write the proposal so he can just have a free ride. That proposal for collaboration was too good for one party; of course I did not agree.

Like the case of many doctors, he did not author a single study after his dissertation. I wonder why the higher degree did not give him enough confidence in research.

That experience is not isolated; I also see many other PhD faculty members who do not make waves after the degree when they are expected to be more productive in terms of publications in peer-reviewed journals. This confirms Jeremy Garwood’s notion that the higher degree does not necessarily make a better academician.

University leaders, however, mostly give a high regard for such doctors; although the probability is that the kind of PhD mostly earned from a local university has become, in many cases, a pony equivalent to real competence. These PhD holders who are not research-productive after the degree become neat containers of books and journals unable to make an independent inquiry of their own.

As universities give them teaching assignments in graduate school, the PhD, then, has become a factory of academic artefacts multiplying the same scripts hallowed by tradition: their students after graduation become like them−they have nothing to write home about.

Have we ever wondered why even with hundreds of doctors in universities, publication in the international level is quite rare? Many of the higher degree holders seem less incisive and productive than we expect and, maybe, one should look at any PhD as a convenient escape from the truth. Dupe me, should one believe that the degree itself makes a scholar or is already a scholarship per se.

Even with reported chicanery in the process of earning the hotly-chased degree, I have observed that doctors still climbed the leadership pedestals so fast even in the setting where one can just hire a company in Leganes, Iloilo, or a “henchman” somewhere with a hugger-mugger, to make their dissertations.

University leaders disregard the short-cut made by those whom they elevate after earning the degree: they (controversial doctors) easily prepared a panel defense of their dissertations from works not made by the supposed doctoral students.

On the other hand, university administrators continue to turn a blind eye to such odyssey of mad aspirants. If this is mere hearsay, it would still disturb the community of academics who know that the alternative hypotheses to real performance are not yet eliminated ─ they are still at large, sneering.

With the culture of charting the odyssey for the tarnished toga, we do not anymore wonder why a company offering dissertation-for-a-fee services in Iloilo has continued to prosper for more than a decade. Believe it or not, ghost writers for dissertations seem to flourish everywhere, not just in the province.

Suppose the doctors who earned their degrees locally really wrote their dissertations, does this give them a ticket of esteem among colleagues? Maybe the less discerning ones may do the honors, but many brilliant professors know that dissertation outputs alone do not carry a ton.

Note that these (dissertations) are for neophyte training in research. Many, after hurdling them, do not conduct researches outside the academic requirements. Lings (2011) emphasized in the book Research Methods in Management:

…it is important to remember that they (dissertations) are of uncertain quality. For example, you do not know if the student who wrote the thesis did a good job or not; after all, you don’t get the examiner’s report on it. Also, most research degrees are seen as an apprenticeship piece, they will often contain mistakes…

If many doctors cannot show proofs of productivity after the higher degree, is it not time to reflect: What is the value of locally obtained doctoral degrees? Since there is no convincing answer to this yet, the main criteria of performance for faculty members ─ research publications in refereed journals, and not any doctoral degree ─ remain the international standard for tenure and promotion of the academics which could have been applied by less discerning administrators.

And I would like to underscore that they should be double-blind reviewed articles, not just published in journals run by the institutions where the PhD holders teach because schools, too, can be biased and politicized in terms of article selection.

Understand this truth: those who flaunt about having finished dissertations just learned the basics of kicking the ball; whereas, those who have published several times in reputable international refereed journals have competed in the Olympics.

As I have discussed the PhD dilemma, we can begin to chart the course for our globally fledgling higher education with the help of the Commission on Higher Education, or celebrate like Hillary Clinton when asked about her achievements (personal communication, March 11, 2014):

My proudest accomplishment in which I take the most pride, mostly because of the opposition it faced early on, you know… the remnants of prior situations and mindsets that were too narrowly focused in a manner whereby they may have overlooked the bigger picture… and I’m proud of that. Very proud. I would say that’s a major accomplishment.

(In writing this article, the author declares that he does not have conflict of interest.

Lucell Larawan--a business management professor, cultural worker, and artist—is a main player of research in his erstwhile university. He received a Ph.D. in Social Science and Fine Arts (honoris-causa). He serves as editorial team member of the Journal of Finance and Bank Management, the Journal of Business Law and Ethics, and the International Journal of Social Sciences and Arts.)

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Doctorate degrees via honoris causa?

March 21, 2014 03:33 AM

By: Lucell Larawan

SOME raise their eyebrows when they hear about Ph.D. bestowed through honoris causa.

According to Bishop Ariel P. Coleto of Brethren Evangelical School of Theology, an honorary doctorate degree bears more weight compared to doctorate degrees earned through matriculation (or the traditional method) for the reason that those who are chosen to receive the honorary degree first did something to their milieu that is why they are considered for such honor, while those who earn the degree by traditional means they have yet to prove themselves which they do so through formal study and research having lacked actual stints.

The latter have not yet shown the glitters of their actual accomplishments to the world. Bishop Coleto could not have emphasized this better.

I am thankful for the Ph.D. in Social Sciences and Fine Arts given to me by the Brethren Evangelical School in partnership with Edenton Mission College (CHED accredited).

An honorary degree bestowed by a theology institution is more prestigious for it includes matters of integrity and character, not just the achievements of an individual. I am humbled for being a chosen awardee among many.

***

During the bestowal of the honorary doctorate degrees last March 17 at Hotel Del Rio, Bishop Ed Fernandez of Lift Jesus Worldwide Ministries (main office at Jereos Extension, Lapaz) spoke:

Universities usually award honorary degrees during graduation ceremonies to a distinguished person, who may have no previous connection to the awarding institution. In many cases, universities may nominate several people for the honor after which they screen nominees before approving the award. The practice of awarding honorary doctorate degrees dates back to the 15th century. The tradition became common in the later part of 16th century at Oxford and Cambridge universities in England. Noted recipients of honorary degrees include former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, historian John Hope Franklin, evangelist Billy Graham, and CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour. These recipients have set themselves apart and established credibility.

Credibility is not always equated with much-celebrated but proof-seeking titles like PhD. Most earn it through formal schooling. We do not disregard the traditional method of earning a doctorate degree; although we also note that in many cases the traditional method of earning the degree may not always ensure clear outcomes as many doctoral graduates nowadays – as observed in the schools – do not yet exhibit competencies like doing researches beyond a dissertation requirement and publishing in international refereed journals which they are expected to accomplish. For non-academic practitioners, can the products of formal schooling always make informed judgments on complex issues in specialist fields, or perhaps conceptualize, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline? With these issues, academes internationally go beyond just one pattern of granting the doctorate degree and become more conscious of outcomes.

In a scholarly article by Hoddell, Street and Wildblood, there is now a broad range of doctorate qualifications on offer: a) the traditional, research-based PhD; b) practice-based doctorates for the creative and performing arts and design; c) professional doctorates; d) the new route doctorates; and e) PhD by publication in peer-reviewed scholarly journals.

In lieu of the typical 72 units subjects credit, a comprehensive exam and a dissertation that are commonly required in our country’s universities, the conferring academe can also look first at qualification descriptors like some mentioned earlier; and by virtue of merits, grant the doctorate honoris causa to the deserving exemplars. In exceptional cases, academes bestow an honorary doctoral degree on a selective basis to distinguished individuals (“Candidates”) who merit special recognition for outstanding achievement or leadership in a field or activity consistent with the ideals and purposes of the B.E.S.T. and Edenton Mission College.

The candidates we have today have possessed proofs that the academes giving the honorary doctorate are looking for. They are noted in their respective fields. One of them is an editorial board member of two international refereed journals; another is a consultant of the World Bank; three are public service exemplars, among others.

Without this conferral of doctorate honoris causa today, society will seem remiss with reinforcing the culture of excellence coined by our Filipino terms like “pulidong-pulido”, and “ang husay-husay”. Though the culture of society, in general, is not yet fully attuned to reinforcing meritorious works, now is the time to commit to it and encourage a culture of excellence which our country needs badly.

By properly recognizing achievements, we can breed exemplars who do not only have the practice-based or scholarly-based stints needed for nation-building; we also produce men and women who can continue to excel in their fields while possess a God-fearing mindset and a high level of ethical, moral and social responsibility emphases in the practice of their respective professions.

I charge the candidates of the honorary doctorate degrees to make prodigies continually in your respective areas; and please remember that only few individuals can walk the talk. Let them be you and let your identities be known for impeccable integrity and humility, among others. Let your faces shine with the fruit of the Holy Spirit as we all acknowledge that without God, we know nothing and understand nothing.

For you candidates, I know this occasion can make a difference in your life. Joyce Carol Oates averred: “Honorary degrees and lifetime achievement awards are very encouraging. I know that it might sound strange that a writer who has published many books still needs encouragement, but this is true.”

Continue your distinguished journey and let us see more of your impact in your respective contexts.

***

Congratulations to my fellow doctors awarded via honoris causa: Vice Gov. Raul Tupas, Mayor Alex Centena of Calinog, Engr. Armando Aguja, Hon. Atty. Joshua Alim, Rolando Berdejo and Raymond Peter Tolentino.

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Brethren Evangelical School of Theology – Bacolod (B.E.S.T)

By Bishop Emmanuel E. Alano,

(AB Theology, Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership, Master of Divinity, Doctor in Christian Ministry, PhD, in Christian Education and Public Administration)

I.                    About BEST in short profile

Brethren Evangelical School of Theology or B.E.S.T, is a God’s Loving Care International Church, Gapan , Nueva Ecija based, religious institution-school (which is in consortium with Living Rock Global Academy, a CHED accredited college) and founded by the Bishop Ariel P. Coleto, a graduate of Northwestern Theological Seminary, located in Florida, USA, whose vision is to professionalize and elevate the status of ministers and church workers of the Lord Jesus Christ for the glory of God’s Holy Name in this modern but decadent world.  Bishop Coleto, the president-professor of said school, uses the method of teaching called C.A.P.E which means Customized Acceleration Program of Education. This means that those who have been laboring and working for a much longer time in the field of ministry and could not go on schooling, however, willing to get their bachelor’s degree or doctorate degrees via honoris causa could be the best recipient of this program.  Students who want to avail this program should attend an interview before BEST selected panel of coordinators, an orientation, and a four day rigid study to qualify and validate their field of experience in their ministerial duties and work for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. The study is said rigid for it will start from 8 am and will finish its class at around 10 in the evening.

II.                  How BEST came to Bacolod City?

It was through the effort of Dr. Bernie Espinosa, Dr. Rex Soriba Jr. and Dr. Elizabeth Pescadero by communicating to Bishop Ariel P. Coleto why BEST was formalized and pioneered  in Bacolod City in October 2015 where the first batch of graduates where composed of businesswomen, engineer, manager, designer of Robinsons Mall, ministers, government official, policeman, etc. 

The first graduates of Bacolod BEST graduated at Christ Central Church Chapel on October 21, 2015. Guest Speaker of that occasion was Congressman Evelio R. Leonardia.

Names of the First graduates are the following:

Doctorates

1.       Emmanuel E. Alano, former administrator, teacher, A.C.E Pastor Principal

2.       Mera P. Abdallah, Businesswoman

3.       Leonardo A. Bacquian, La Castellana  City, Negros Occidental Councilor

4.       Reynold P. Diosana

5.       Sunny P. Gicalde

6.       Danilo E. Mari

7.       Rex Soriba Jr.

8.       Elenito G. Varon

9.       Elmer L. Pescadero

10.   Elizabeth L. Pescadero

11.   Emy L. Pescadero

12.   Noel E. Polines (Colonel)

Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership

1.       Carlito G. Abunda

2.       Joyce C. Cabaya

3.       Earli Mar S. Caligdong

4.       Fortunato Ulyses S. De la Cruz (businessman)

5.       Rodel B. Espartero (Mall designer)

6.       Franco E. Garcia

7.       Carlito B. Navales

8.       Lily May E. Mamar

9.       Grace Ann Olarte

10.   Richard A. Pacilan

11.   Stephen L. Pescadero

12.   Felipe G. Taquiso, (Engineer)

13.   Analin C. Varon
14.  Semillano, Jimmy P.

Names of Second Batch Graduates in November 19, 2015

(Note: Guest Speaker of the Second Batch is no other than Acting Mayor Greg Gasataya of Bacolod City. The Graduation was held at Christ Central Church Chapel at Cybergate Robinsons, fronting of Old Airport.)

Doctorates

1.       Emmanuel E. Alano

2.       Felipe E. Alano Jr., System Analyst and Section Chief at Bureau of Immigration

3.       Junar Arroyo

4.       Jocelyn G. Banas

5.       Susan F. Barba

6.       Roberto Bedoria

7.       Absalon Braza

8.       Danilo Mari

9.       Noli A. Dequina Jr.

10.   Flordeliza Dequino

11.   Jesus M. Icchari

12.   Quenny Lyn Esteban

13.   Franco Garcia

14.   Dante M. Garcia

15.   Helen E. Garcia

16.   Sunny P. Gicalde

17.   Marianie A. Grijaldo

18.   Cesar G. Gubac, President-Bishop of Association of Independent Ministers in Bacolod

19.   Alberto Jusayan

20.   Raul Macatunao

21.   Joel Melgar

22.   Danilo A. Mijares, ICM Director in Bacolod

23.   Charito I. Moya

24.   Joe-an Narciso

25.   Sarah L. Nietes

26.   Grace Ann Olarte

27.   Elizabeth L. Pescadero

28.   Gilberto Reynoso

29.   Melanie M. Reynoso

30.   Charlemagne Rojo

31.   Lorenzo L. Rosos

32.   Edwin A. Rosquillo, Businessman

33.   Marisyl G.Teodoro

34.   Ernesto P. Teodoro Jr.

35.   Sarina Traifalgar

36.   Estela M. Valdeviezo
37. Elenito G. Varon, Ph.D

Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership

1.       Julianita Arroyo

2.       Allen Murphy Baldevieso

3.       Mauricia Agilles

4.       Sandra Fermeza Mari

5.       Tyrone I. Molato

6.       Frankie s. Marapo

7.       Ninfa Pasco

8.       Sharon Serenio

9.       Rolly Sibuco

10.   Jeruslem A. Valdeviezo
11.   Mario C. Villanueva

Congratulations to February-March 2016 BEST Graduates

By Bishop Emmanuel E. Alano, DCM, PhD

Doctorates:

1.       Alexis E. Alano – Christian Education

2.       Ruby D. Alayon – Public Administration

3.       Jocelyn G. Bañas –Christian Education

4.       Jimmy D. Demafelis – Public Administration

5.       John G. Geronimo – Educational Leadership

6.       Danilo G. Mahusay –Public Administration

7.       Fernan Steve M. Mahusay - Ministry

8.       Marnie Pragados – Public Administration

9.       Analin C. Varon – Christian Education
10. Radarlyn A. Vallejera, Christian Education (with BA in Christian Ed)
11. John Rey T. Vallejera, Pastoral Leadership ( with BA in Pastoral Leadership)
12. Cyrel P. Paguntalan, Christian Education ( with BA in Christian Ed)
13. Joval C. Kisinamal, Pastoral Leadership ( with BA in Pastoral Leadership)

Bachelor of Arts

1.       Jelyn T. Cabaya -  Christian Education

2.       Alain Jay D. Dolar –Transformational Leadership

3.       Marivic D. Famoso – Pastoral Leadership

4.       Ano A. Lumbo – Pastoral Leadership

5.       Ron Dante L. Macaya – Pastoral Leadership

6.       Rachel Joy A.  Macatunao –Christian Education

7.       Miko C. Saab – Transformational Leadership

8.       Alculos A. Tupas – Transformational Leadership

Brethren Evangelical School of Theology- Bacolod congratulates the following graduates on July 15, 2016. Guest Speaker is Bro. Noneto Oplas PhD, DepED Teacher at Cadiz City

For PhD:

1.       Edgar S. Bantolio

2.       Bernadette B. Doronila

3.       Michael C. Garcia

4.       Felecito Panag Jr.

5.       Melvin D. Villanueva
6.    Melvan Calumag
7.    Elizabeth M. Lind ( with BA in Christian Ed)

For Bachelor of Arts

1.       Estrella A. Garcia

2.       May P. Lacsao

3.       Ritchie N. Mateo

4.       Lynnette O. Nuῆesco

5.       Metudio M. Palma

6.       Jessibell V. Suanque
7.    Jojie Ann M. Cordero

Brethren Evangelical of School of Theology Graduates of July 6, 2017

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

PhD Honoris Causa Graduates

1.       Alpas, Florentino B. – Christian Education

2.       Agcol Jr., Pio D. – Christian Education

3.       Ardeño, May. C – Public Administration

4.       De La Cruz, Alfonso A. – Humanities

5.       De La Cruz, Leonora A. – Christian Education

6.       Del Castillo, Edmundo J. – Public Administration

7.       Estrabon, Daniel B. – Christian Education

8.       Garcia, Estrella A.  – Christian Education

9.       Gustilo, Julius J. – Christian Education

10.   Gutierrez, Geomer G. – Public Administration

11.   Jereos, Raulen G. – Psychology Counseling

12.   Mamar, Lily May E. – Christian Ministry

13.   Morales, Royce Q. – Interior Design

14.   Nipaya, Raymond N. – Educational Leadership

15.   Palmares, Chabby S. – Public Administration

16.   Panaligan, Jonah Y. – Christian Education

17.   Panaligan, Richard M. – Public Administration

18.   Mangolarie, Leonardo E. – Public Administration

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education Major in Guidance and Counseling

1.       Gayondato, Grace L.

2.       Gutierrez, Shamir Joy J.

3.       Nemenzo, Jenelyn P.

4.       Tantua, Aladdin S.

PhD Honoris-Causa Graduates:  September 27, 2017 Graduates

PhD Category:

1.       Cuadra, Ike S. -  Practical Theology, Major in Pastoral Ministry

2.       Cuadra, Betty Sue P. – Educational Leadership, Major in Transformational Leadership

3.       Daa Jr., Godofredo A. – Public Administration Major in Educational Management

4.       Espeso, Noel A. – Educational Leadership Major in Educational Management

5.       Jarloyan, Elias G – Practical Theology, Major in Pastoral Ministry

6.       Laurenio, Elmor P. – Public Administration Major in Educational Management

7.       Luneta, Rey P - Public Administration Major in Educational Management

8.       Olis, John Hoffer G. – Psychology Counseling Major in Guidance and Counseling

9.       Ramos  Jr., Daniel C. – Public Administration, Major in Educational Management

10.   Salamanca, Joel R. – – Public Administration, Major in Educational Management

11.   Valenzuela, Marites P. – Christian Education, Major in Values Formation

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education Major in Guidance and Counseling

1.       Palmares, Alma S – Christian Education

2.       Gleyo, Gideon V. – Christian Education

3.       Jimenez, Genesis A. – Christian Education

 

III.                Common Questions about BEST by people who don’t know what is BEST:

1.       Is BEST a state or government run school?  No. BEST is a religious institution which is Security and Exchange Commission registered (SEC. REG. NO. A200100287) under the educational ministry of God’s Loving Care International, Inc. A religious institution which can’t be governed by the state because of the constitutional provision in Article 2 section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines that states, “the separation of church and state shall be inviolable.”

2.       Is it true that BEST is in consortium with state, CHED, approved school? Yes. The Name of the School is Living Rock Global Academy, situated in Mindanao.

3.       Who are the Professors of BEST? There are two mobile professors of BEST. Bishop Ariel P. Coleto, a PhD graduate of Northwestern Theological Seminary and Rev. Armando Iredonia, a PhD graduate and a pastor of Lift for Jesus Worldwide Ministries, Inc.

4.       Is it true that people who enroll in BEST can graduate in four days? NO. The four day educational classes from 8 am to 10 pm is designed only for those are qualified in accordance to the standard set by BEST and who have been in the ministries for a long period of time and had no chance to go on schooling because of the great demand and work in the ministries entrusted to them by God. This is a customized acceleration program on education which in line to the principle of Executive 330 of the government, which allows those who have been working in their field of expertise but was not able to get their formal corresponding degrees fit for their present nature of work.

5.       Do CHED have the right to intervene the religious affairs of BEST? NO. CHED cannot enforce its powers upon BEST because BEST is operating under the principle of Article 2 section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. It is also supported by Article 14 section 4 – (2) of our 1987 Philippine Constitution. According to Republic Act 7722 about higher school education, only those schools which are under the supervision of CHED can be interfered by the state.

6.       Is BEST helping the nation through religious way by professionalizing ministers and church workers for the kingdom of God? Yes. Article 14 and sections 4 and 5 of our 1987 Philippine Constitution states, “Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent, and out of school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs; provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out of school youth with training in civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.”

7.       Can BEST help for those who want to get S.O? Yes. But they should be first enrolled to BEST Program to avail that privilege. For we have a CHED accredited partner/s which can help one avails this privilege, though through a limited degree like AB Theology, BSE, and BEED.

8.       I heard that only CHED accredited schools can confer doctorate degrees? I tell you that is not true. Though, yes, CHED accredited schools can confer doctorates degrees, CHED cannot and has no jurisdiction to interfere with the religious educational program of the church to confer doctorate degrees of its own because the church has its autonomous right to do so. Because the church has equal powers with the state in terms of their unique governance, one is ecclesiastical in nature while the other is more of state, worldly affairs.

9.       We received texts that BEST is operating as illegal or scam, it is true? NO. I and BEST coordinators personally confronted the one who spreaded out lies against BEST last November to December 2015. His Name is Ferdinand “Bong” Bacolot. He  (did not ) ask(ed) sorry for what he did to BEST and Bishop Ariel P. Coleto in our confrontation at BACOLOD PASTORS AND PRAYER FELLOWSHIP, though he agreed to stop texting messages. This confrontation was joined and witnessed by our BEST graduates, Charlemagne Rojo, Elizabeth Pescadero, Danilo Mari, Gilbert Reynoso, and others like Dr. Dave King, who did the audio recording and spiritual leader of BPPF, Joshua Jimena, Jun Cordova, Jireh Porras, Rene Cordero, Jonathan Colendres, Joe Chavez and his group, and Mrs. Jimena  who was assigned to record the minutes of that confrontation, etc. Though he did damage to demoralize BEST and to besmear the reputation and integrity of Bishop Ariel P. Coleto, by Christian way and spirit, we did forgive Bacolot to glorify God by forgiving someone who erred for receiving wrong information and doing evil thing against BEST. In that confrontation, he admitted before the BPPF board members and BEST representatives that he was the one texting others about BEST and had no held evidence/s that BEST is a scam or illegally operating as a school. He promised that he will not spread out wrong texts about BEST to other Christian denominations after that confrontation. (The confrontation was put into writing and recorded through audio device, like cellphone. That confrontation was opened by a heartwarming prayer of Pastor Joshua Jimena and ended by heartfelt prayer by Dr. Jun Cordova.)

10.   Why BEST did not pursue its supposed libel case, though in your confrontation with him, Bacolot admitted that he is liable for a libel case after knowing that BEST is a legitimate religious institution and is Sec. Registered? After consulting Scriptural truths from the Word, and listening to the advice of Christian ministers, lawyers and concerned believers, and continual prayers, we decided not to pursue the case because BEST believes that its vindicator is GOD Himself.

11.   Besides Bacolod graduates, can you cite some personalities who availed and graduated from BEST? Yes. Lucell Larawan, a UP graduate, Vice Gov. Raul Tupas, Mayor Alex Centena of Calinog, Engr. Armando Aguja, Hon. Atty. Joshua Alim, Rolando Berdejo and Raymond Peter Tolentino, General, etc.

12.    What religious degrees can I avail from BEST? We can offer the following for Bachelor of Arts: Pastoral Leadership, Christian Education, Transformational Leadership; PhD via honoris causa, Practical Theology, Humanities, Ministry, Public Administration, and Christian Education. For Religious Master’s Degree, we have chaplaincy which will have monthly meeting for its module discussion and should be finished within 7 to 8 months with thesis writing and oral defense.

13.   Can we easily be enrolled to BEST? It depends. Yes, if you meet the requirements of BEST in accordance to your personal willingness and interest, that means you are not being felt coerced or forced against your will to enroll for BEST. No. If you cannot meet BEST requirements.

14.    How about our payment for BEST? Your loved gift payment for BEST covers the following: Registration Fee, Educational fee, for your degree conferred, travel expense, lodging expense, food expense of our BEST Professors who are residing in Luzon and Mindanao respectively. Your venue is free and its amenities provided by Christ Central Church Bacolod.

IV.                Who are the present Coordinators of BEST BACOLOD?

·         Main Coordinator in Visasyas: Bishop Emmanuel E. Alano, DCM, PhD

·         Associate Coordinators: Rev. Rex Soriba Jr., PhD, Rev. Elizabeth Pescadero, PhD, Rev. Sunny P. Gicalde, PhD, Rev. Junar Arroyo, PhD, Rev. Danilo Mari, PhD, Rev. Elenito Varon, PhD, Rev. Charlemagne Rojo, PhD.