By Mohader Gandamato
MARAWI CITY — The Mindanao State University (MSU) Department of Psychology has officially modernized its laboratory facilities, acquiring a comprehensive set of psychological test manuals and assessment tools for the first time in over forty years. The procurement marks a critical move to resolve long-standing deficiencies in the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) required by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Dr. Mary Jane B. Flores, representing the department, confirmed that the previous inventory consisted of materials from the 1970s and 1980s. This technical gap had directly contributed to the department’s failure to meet CHED’s national standards. The new materials were transported via a coordinated logistics chain from Manila to Iligan, followed by a final delivery to the Marawi Main Campus to ensure the immediate availability of the specialized assessment boxes for student use.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank president Tago for approving our purchase request of psychological test materials kasi talagang very important, crucial masyado for our compliance required by the CHED, so that ang mga graduates natin can take the board examinations.” Dr. Flores said.
According to Prof. Monaimah G. Manabilang, the Dean of College of Social Sciences and Humanities, the request for these updates had been stalled across previous administrations but was finalized under the leadership of University System President Atty. Paisalin P. D. Tago.
“Ang masasabi ko kay Pres ay maraming salamat kasi handa naman siyang tumulong, kasi ang priority naman niya is mabago at mabili ang mga needs natin, sabi nga niya ay one at a time kasi tao lang din siya”
[What I can say to the President is thank you very much because he is always ready to help; his priority is to implement changes and procure our needs. As he mentioned, it’s ‘one at a time’ because he is only human as well.]
Upon being informed that the lack of updated materials was a primary obstacle to accreditation, President Tago authorized the Purchase Request without hesitation. Faculty members noted that this decisive action allows the university to meet current regulatory requirements and supports the administration’s 10-Point Agenda for academic excellence.
The updated laboratory allows the department to expand its services to include psychological assessments for civil service applicants and increases the capacity to accept more enrollees by removing the restrictions previously caused by equipment scarcity. The validated inventory includes standardized tools such as the WAIS-IV, NEO-PI-4, and Raven’s Progressive Matrices. These instruments are essential for preparing students for psychometric board examinations and practical clinical training.
The acquisition of these tools ensures that the MSU Psychology program adheres to outcomes-based education standards. This modernization effort is expected to be the first in a series of planned renovations and equipment upgrades across the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, aimed at replacing aging infrastructure and enhancing the professional readiness of its graduates.