The Faculty Association of DMMMSU, comprising Executive Officers and Members of the Board of Directors, convened at the International Convention Center, Hall B, on August 19, 2024, to elect their new officers who will serve for two years (2024 to 2026).
The election commenced with the filing of candidacies for various positions within the Faculty Association. Afterward, candidates delivered speeches outlining their platforms and emphasizing their commitment to improving the organization’s welfare.
Joining Dr. Mark Anthony C. Ochoa in the new administration is a diverse group of leaders, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to their roles. Dr. Stephan Kupsch serves as the First Vice President, Dr. Rufo A. Baro as the Second Vice President, Engr. Mary Jean C. Armiendo as the Secretary, Asso. Prof. Rodel B. Leonen as the Treasurer, Dr. Rina B. Ronquillo as the Auditor, Prof. Herve E. Orpilla as the Public Relations Officer, and Elena C. Amano as the Business Manager. Furthermore, all the Members of the Board of Directors from the Campuses were automatically designated as officers within the Faculty Association.
Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr. inducted the officers into office immediately after the elections.
Ochoa, re-elected FAD President, presented his accomplishments during his first term. Among those he mentioned is the possibility of allowing faculty members to advance to Associate Professor rank without the PhD requirement during the first JC3 implementation. FAD was also instrumental in securing early Board of Regents approval for JC3, which made the University a pioneer in implementing this policy in Region 1.
Ochoa helped initiate the revised merit system for faculty members subject to incorporation of provision that would grant preference to faculty members with an administrative designation in availing merit promotion in recognition of their significant contributions to the attainment of the University’s Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives. In addition, Dr. Ochoa was instrumental in converting the unfilled positions to 200 instructor positions to address the growing number of contractual faculty members. He also initiated the amendment of the Faculty Manual regarding residency requirement for permanency, and the approval of the Merit System for Faculty Members to address courses with a dearth of professionals and COPC requirements. Part of this is the implementation of meritorious promotion for faculty members other than reclassification mechanism and lateral entry for highly qualified applicants.
He also spearheaded securing the Certificate of Registration of Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA), which qualifies faculty members to receive CNA incentives for two consecutive years. He asserted the granting of five additional provisions in the ratification and renewal of CNA for the fiscal year 2023-2026 that include the representation of FAD in the different committees in the BOR, granting of physical office to FAD to facilitate all undertakings in the University, granting of Plantilla Item to a person who is enrolled in a university-approved doctorate in a COD or COE program, in lieu of top 1000 schools, the granting of 3-day faculty day, and the granting of lactation break for working mothers.
These accomplishments underscore FAD’s dedication to advocating for faculty welfare and its role as a catalyst for positive change within the university.
In an interview, Ochoa reiterated his determination to lead the association through hard work, commitment, tenacity, and teamwork. He expressed a desire to align the existing Constitutions and By-Laws (CBLs) of the Faculty Associations to streamline claims processing while protecting members’ rights and privileges. Ochoa also emphasized the need to submit proposals to the university administration to preserve the rights of academic members. Finally, he hopes to build togetherness and a sense of belonging among faculty members, resulting in a stronger Faculty Association. (By RMV)
