Thirty-one graduates of Central Philippines State Universityโs (CPSU) Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) program participated in a qualifying examination for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) - University of the Philippines Los Baรฑosโ (UPLB) Enhanced Review and Intensive Coaching (ENRICH) Program.
Of the 69 BSF graduates who initially expressed intent to join, 29 were fresh graduates and two were from the academic year 2023โ2024. These 31 candidates took part in the simulated board examination administered by the CAF-Forestry Department, which replicated actual licensure testing protocol, requiring the completion of personal information forms, adherence to dress codes, prohibition of digital devices, and assignment of designated seating arrangements.
The ENRICH Program, a collaborative initiative between CHED and UPLBโs Training Center for Tropical Resources for Ecosystem Sustainability (TREES), provides free, quality virtual review support to aspiring foresters from selected higher education institutions nationwide. This program aims to enhance the preparedness and performance of future licensed foresters.
Based on a comprehensive assessmentโwhich considered their mock exam results, academic standing (particularly their general weighted average), readiness for the licensure exam, faculty panel recommendations, and demonstrated attitude and commitmentโthe top 25 examinees have earned the opportunity to participate in the UPLB ENRICH virtual review sessions.
Candidates who do not qualify for the ENRICH Program will still receive support through CPSUโs in-house review, ongoing monitoring, and advisory services offered by the CAF-Forestry Department. This reflects CPSUโs dedication to ensuring that every graduate receives the assistance they need to succeed.
To sustain and elevate the universityโs performance in the FLE, the CAF-Forestry Department has institutionalized the CPSU Foresters Review Program Committee. This committee provides quality reviewers and updated review materials, organizes regular mentoring and monitoring sessions, and offers students professional support through its assigned review area coordinators.
The ENRICH Program is led by Prof. Mary Ann S. Dagunan as the focal person, with Forester Dominic L. Billen serving as the chairperson of the review committee. Area coordinators include Foresters Honeymae Petiero and Michael Antinero for Forest Ecosystem and Biological Sciences; Foresters Johngie Devellleres and Giovani Serilla for Social Forestry and Governance; Mr. Gregorio D. Predo for Forest Engineering and Utilization; and Forester Wendell A. Pangaral for Forest Resource Management and Production. The committee works closely with other faculty members and CPSUโs Director for Licensure Examination, Dr. Marjon C. Malacapay.
โIt is the graduatesโ right to take the Professional Forester Licensure Examination, and we in the Forestry Department of the College of Agriculture and Forestry remain committed to helping them succeed. Over the years, we have invited distinguished lecturers and extended mentoring support to our alumni. We welcome this CHEDโUPLB initiative as a valuable opportunity to further support our graduatesโ review journey,โ said For. Billen.
CPSU is the sole HEI offering the BSF program within the province of Negros Occidental, with only 42 HEIs offering the program nationwide, with most forestry graduates lacking access to review center services and heavily relying on self-review.
โIn previous years, most of our board passers prepared through self-review. During this time, our department offered mentorship and guidance to those who sought it, resulting in many commendable successes. Now, with the ENRICH Program coupled with institutional support systems and rigid evaluation criteria, we have high hopes that our candidates will perform well, and we are optimistic for an improved FLE performance,โ Prof. Dagunan affirmed.
Under the leadership of CAF Dean Dr. Hanzel Pedrosa and OIC Program Head Mr. Gregorio Predo, the department continues to uphold its commitment to academic excellence by enforcing rigorous admission and retention policies, strengthening academic services, facilitating authentic learning experiences, and guiding its graduates toward success in their licensure endeavors.
