Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) welcomed three newly appointed college deans and highlighted recent developments in academic programs, research, and international collaboration during its weekly University Update on August 10, 2026, at the University Convention Center.
The University held three major programs in succession, beginning with a Holy Mass, followed by the Flag Raising Ceremony sponsored by the College of Forestry and Environmental Science, where University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe delivered his weekly University Update. The activities concluded with the Quarterly University Convocation Program, which included the awarding of certificates of recognition to WURI writers and members of the working committees for the recently concluded 72nd Commencement Exercises.
Among the highlights of Dr. Eballe’s report were the appointments of three new college deans: Dr. Lotis Joy C. Pesasino of the College of Human Ecology, Dr. Eva N. Mendoza of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dr. Alnar L. Detalla of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He expressed hope that their leadership and expertise would further strengthen academic excellence in their respective colleges.
The University also received Certificates of Program Compliance (COPCs) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for three doctoral programs: the Doctor of Philosophy in Biology major in Genetics, the Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science by Research, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry major in Forest Resource Management. The COPCs were issued following the Technical Panel Evaluation conducted the previous year.
On research, the Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM) secured ₱12.6 million in funding from DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-NRCP for three projects on botanical fungicide development, faunal diversity assessment in Talangisog Forest, and the socio-ecology of Lake Balinsasayao.
Meanwhile, the DOST-NRCP approved a research proposal led by Dr. Angela Grace I. Toledo-Bruno on remote sensing and water quality dynamics in the Upper Pulangi Watershed. The project received ₱3,996,368 in funding and aims to strengthen science-based water security policy in the watershed.
CMU likewise continued to strengthen its international academic engagements through meetings with Maejo University in Thailand, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Visayas State University, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta in Indonesia. Discussions covered joint PhD development, collaborative online international learning, and student and faculty mobility.
These developments reflect CMU’s continuing efforts to strengthen academic quality, research, and global engagement. Its research initiatives contribute to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), while its international partnerships supportSDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). [Iyren Dalipe Neri]
