CODEE XI and CHEDRO XI Hold 1st Regional Industry-Government-Academe Fora and OBE Training
The Council of Deans for Engineering Education Region XI (CODEE XI) and CHED Regional Office XI (CHEDRO XI) successfully conducted the 1st Regional Industry-Government-Academe Fora on Curriculum Review and Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) Training for Engineering Programs in Davao Region last September 15–19, 2025. The 5-day event was hosted by the College of Engineering Education of the University of Mindanao (UM CEE).
The primary goal was to capacitate educators—Deans, Program Heads, and Faculty—from higher education institutions (HEIs) offering the five major engineering disciplines: Computer, Electronics, Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering. The training focused on the implementation of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) and, crucially, aligning academic curricula with industry needs.
This strategic move aims to enhance engineering programs and ensure the region produces competitive and relevant engineering graduates.
The event was a strong collaborative effort that united academia, government, and professional organizations. It was spearheaded by CODEE XI, led by President Engr. Michael Calamba, in partnership with CHEDRO XI, represented by Dr. Maria Christina B. Condez, Education Supervisor II for Engineering and adviser to CODEE XI. The activity was graciously hosted by Dr. Charlito L. Canesares, Dean of UM CEE.
The event was conducted in partnership with the following Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC)-recognized professional organizations, ensuring strong industry relevance:
Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines (ICpEP XI) – Dr. John Bacus, President
Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP XI) – Engr. Beem Kasten Padlan, PECE, Governor
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – Davao Chapter – Engr. Flordeluna J. Juyo, President
Pambansang Samahan ng Inhenyero Mekanikal (PSIM XI) – Engr. Benedic Ricafort Mejorada, Head
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME XI) – Engr. Benjamin Estrellado, President
Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE – Davao Chapter) – Engr. Moises P. Male II, President
The intensive five-day event began with foundational training on Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), followed by discipline-specific curriculum review forums. On Day 1 (September 15, 2025), Dr. Charlito L. Canesares introduced the core concepts of OBE and the process of aligning outcomes, while Dr. Pedrito M. Castillo II tackled practical applications, including assessment, evaluation, continuous quality improvement (CQI), curriculum mapping, and the development of the OBTL (Outcomes-Based Teaching and Learning) syllabus. In the afternoon, theory was put into practice through the Computer Engineering Curriculum Review Forum, where faculty engaged with ICpEP XI, government agencies (DepEd XI-ICT, DA XI, DOST XI), and industry partners (Jairosoft Inc., DXC Technology, R3Hub, Infosoft Consulting) to ensure curriculum relevance.
The succeeding days were dedicated to the remaining engineering disciplines. Day 2 focused on Electronics Engineering with IECEP Davao and partners from the electronics and telecommunications sector, including Lexmark Cebu, Globe Telecom Inc., and the National Telecommunications Commission. Day 3 addressed Civil Engineering, led by PICE Davao with government agencies and structural firms. Day 4 highlighted Mechanical Engineering programs, with PSIM XI and PSME XI collaborating with representatives from the power and manufacturing industries such as Aboitiz Power, Steel Asia, and Holcim Cement Factory. Finally, Day 5 concluded with the Electrical Engineering forum, where IIEE Davao worked with DOE XI and Davao Light and Power Company Inc. These comprehensive forums ensured that all five major engineering programs in the region were actively reviewed and updated, strengthening Industry-Government-Academe collaboration and affirming the commitment to produce competitive, industry-ready engineering graduates.
