The Central Philippine University Senior High School (CPU-SHS), together with representatives from its Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), visited Filamer Christian University Senior High School (FCU-SHS) on November 13 for a benchmarking activity aimed at learning best practices in the implementation of the strengthened curriculum.

CPU’s HRDO Director, Dr. Darril Pamocol, emphasized that the visit sought to gather insights on FCU’s curriculum implementation as CPU prepares to launch new programs next year.

“We wanted to know what really is this [strengthened curriculum], we wanted to learn from your experiences, and from our HRDO counterpart here, what preparations we need to prioritize,” said Dr. Pamocol.

The CPU delegation was composed of Franklin Robite, Principal; Abigail Vilches, Assistant Principal; Dr. Darril Pamocol, HRDO Director; Ella Kathrina Arandela Gutierez, Career Development Officer; Trisha Andrea Bergante; Jonaline Arceo, Schedule Coordinator; Irene Brillo, ABM Coordinator; Nenita Mino, Filipino Coordinator; Ian Clark Tamonan, Sciences Coordinator; Jason David, Social Sciences Coordinator; Joy Dugayo, Media Coordinator; Daisy Joy Catalan, Math Teacher; Jerel Kim Esmama, PE/Bible Coordinator; and Mel Ambid, Secretary.

Meanwhile, FCU counterpart included Vice President for Administration Jorgen Gregorio; HRDC Director Exequiel Calimutan; High School principal Dr. Fatima Palmes; Assistant Principal Dr. Shirley Tipon; department heads Janrie Agam, Arleigh Alalay, and Lilibeth Broces.

FCU-SHS Principal Dr. Palmes warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and presented FCU’s program offerings, highlighting the university’s best practices in track organization, scheduling, teacher loading, assessment, and documentation processes such as Form 137 and School Form 1.

“We are happy that CPU is here. We could have this partnership as in this matter, it takes a village to educate a child,” Dr. Palmes said in her welcome message.

FCU currently offers Academic Tracks including Business and Entrepreneurship; Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (with specializations in Engineering, Architecture, and Medical Fields) and Technical-Vocational Tracks, such as Information and Communication Technology and Hospitality and Tourism (with specializations in Food and Beverage, and Hotel and Tourism Management).

Dr. Palmes also shared FCU’s process of preparation and compliance before being granted approval to implement the strengthened curriculum.

“Prior to our implementation, the DepEd conducted monitoring and evaluation, and upon seeing that our school is ready, we got sources and partnership with other stakeholders, they recommended us to apply for the implementation the news curriculum. We have to also consider human resources before offering tracks as advised by the Department of Education,” Dr. Palmes shared.

An open forum followed the presentations, allowing both institutions to exchange ideas and address questions related to curriculum delivery and resource management.

During the session, FCU Human Resource Director Prof. Exequiel Calimutan discussed the faculty loading adjustments and the challenges encountered during the program’s implementation.

After the discussions held at the FCU Board Room, the CPU delegation toured the FCU-SHS building and interacted with faculty members.

Currently, around 80% of Senior High Schools in Roxas City, both public and private, serve as pilot institutions implementing the strengthened curriculum as approved by the Department of Education last May.

The CPU delegation expressed their appreciation to their “sister school,” Filamer Christian University, for the valuable insights and hospitality extended during the benchmarking activity.