Marking his first anniversary as the 10th President of Central Mindanao University (CMU), Dr. Rolito G. Eballe delivered a comprehensive State of the University Address at the Office of the President Conference Hall, and live-streamed via the official CMU Facebook page on June 19, 2024.
Reflecting on his first year, Dr. Eballe highlighted CMU’s remarkable achievements, noting the university’s global influence through quality graduates, exemplary research, and socially relevant community extensions.
Under his leadership, the university has continued to excel academically, producing top-performing graduates in various licensure examinations. The University placed 10th in the 2023 Licensure Examination for Agriculturists, ranked 2nd and 4th in the Chemist and Chemical Technician Licensure Examination; 3rd place in the 2023 Forester Licensure Examination, and 2nd place in the 2023 Veterinary Licensure Examination, and ranked 3rd in the 2023 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination and achieved a 100% passing rate in 2024.
Furthermore, the College of Human Ecology’s BS Nutrition and Dietetics program consistently ranks 1st in its licensure examinations with a 100% rating. The College of Education ranked 4th in the Secondary Level, 8th in the 2024 teacher licensure examination, and the BS Psychology Program achieved a 93.55% passing rate in the 2023 Psychometrician Licensure Examination.
CMU’s reputation continues to soar with multiple awards and certifications. In 2022, CMU was recognized as the top-performing state university in the Philippines with 28 Level III AACCUP Accredited Programs and as the first state university in Mindanao to be given Level II Institutional Accreditation by the AACCUP. Also in 2024, CMU was awarded the Prime HRM Bronze Award, Platinum Award in IPHOPHIL, Asia’s Most Outstanding Academic Institution by CMO Asia Award, and has maintained its ISO 9001:2015 certification. CMU also ranked 16th in the Webometrics World Ranking of Universities and has achieved the status of a certified 3 QS Star Institution and ranked 208th in the World University Ranking in Innovation for 2024.
On research and international linkages, Dr. Eballe stated that CMU’s commitment to high-caliber research is evident With 117 funded research studies amounting to over PHP 116 million. On the other hand, the university’s 30 active international linkages promote global competence and foster international collaboration.
On institutional reforms and governance, Dr. Eballe emphasized the importance of transparency and meritocracy in hiring and promotions within CMU underscoring the administration’s commitment to fairness.
On environmental and safety initiatives, Dr. Eballe reported that CMU has championed environmental advocacy by establishing the Office of Environmental Safety and Management. It has also fully implemented a 100% no-smoking policy and a drug-free workplace. It has received the Excellence Award in Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Humanitarian Assistance for its proactive measures.
Moreover, Dr. Eballe outlined several key initiatives including decentralization of power to empower unit heads and avoid micromanagement, strengthening procurement standards and housing policies in alignment with the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), and continuing advocacy for a clean and green campus.
Dr. Eballe emphasized the administration’s dedication to transparency and transformative leadership, leading to significant savings in infrastructure projects and enhancing resources for students and faculty. He also addressed ongoing efforts to resolve land issues, reaffirming CMU’s lawful ownership and commitment to the rule of law.
Dr. Eballe concluded his address by quoting the lines from CMU Hymn: “…we shall strive to work with mind and true heart for our country and above all God. With your guidance, we shall become the bulwark of our fatherland, as your name stands, as always, Central Mindanao University!”
With a vision rooted in transparency, accountability, and participation, CMU and Dr. Eballe’s administration remain to be a beacon of academic excellence and a model institution in the country and beyond.
The State of the University Address was attended by some members of the Board of Regents, members of the Academic Council, members of the CMU Employees’ Association, alumni, faculty and staff, guests, and stakeholders with thirty-three thousand views online [Iyren Dalipe- Neri]