On frogs, mosquitoes

July 23-24 was my fourth time to be on the regional panel of evaluators for the accreditation of faculty candidates aspiring for Full Professor level.

Perhaps because this was the biggest batch of aspirants, 72 all in all. The panel of evaluators this time numbered seven, instead of the usual five.

Among state colleges and universities, the interested candidate must subject himself to the accreditation process. This is a pre-requisite to promotion and appointment to full professorship.

The guidelines from PASUC (Philippine Accreditation of State Universities and Colleges) defined the evaluation criteria.

First, research output and publications in refereed or CHED-accredited journals or PASUC-recognized agencies. Maximum for this criterion was 30%.

Second, depth and breadth of area of expertise comprised another 30%. The remaining 40% was attributed to four other criteria at 10% maximum each.

So, 10% was for communication skills, articulation of conceptual ideas, and ability to express. Another 10% for general knowledge, current issues, and general issues.

Ten percent went to leadership potential, and the last 10% to intellectual maturity and objectivity in judgment.

Subjecting themselves to all six criteria were candidates from Bohol Island State University (6); Siquijor State College (6), Cebu Normal University (14), Negros Oriental State University (16).

Many were familiar faces, having braved earlier cycles three years ago or further back. But bringing no proof of acceptable research or publication, they were found wanting.

The research/publication criterion was all or nothing; 30% or 0%. For main/principal authorship, the candidate earned 30%. Once again, this criterion reinforced the national mandate for teachers to “Publish or Perish.”

On depth and breadth of area of expertise, the candidates could pick up some points from the maximum 30%. It was best, therefore, if a candidate showed vertical alignment throughout his studies. Such was the case for a candidate who finished Bachelor of Arts in Math, an MS in Math, and a PhD in Math.

Without vertical alignment, the candidate scored low. Such was true for one with a BS in Statistics, a Master in Management, and a PhD in Technology Management.

There’s a lesson in there for all advisers to be more proactive in enrolling students. Where recognition for professorial growth is concerned, it pays little to be a Jack of all trades but master of none.

Biologist Angel Alcala may be remembered as former DENR secretary, chairman of Ched, and president of Silliman University. But he is most remembered for his voluminous studies on frogs, amphibians and reptiles, thus earning recognition as National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014. Fondly, he is referred to as Frogman.

A candidate was both college dean and researcher. Her passion was in studying mosquitoes, about which she has already five researches. If she keeps at this, she might yet do an Alcala, and eventually be known as the Mosquito Lady.