DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. In a significant stride towards academic upliftment, Provincial Governor - Ann K. Hofer took initiatives to have the administration of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) in the province – an academic endeavor considered as another one of the Great Things (that) Happen (GTH) for the very first time in Sibugay.
UPCAT is one of the toughest exams in the Philippines. There are thriving review centers and reviewers to help prepare those who intend and dream to be “Iskolar ng Bayan” and study in the country’s prime state university - the University of the Philippines.
In November 2023, Dr. Daniel Mabazza, UP Assistant Director of Admission visited the province as part of the initial talks with the Provincial Local Government Unit and DepEd to conduct coordination meetings and site inspection as regards UPCAT.
Moreover, as history in the making unfolds, one of the hardest and tedious examinations nationwide, UPCAT was administered - the very first in Zamboanga Sibugay. Two hundred seventy- eight (278) Grade 12 examinees from District 1 (Eastern municipalities: Alicia, Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Mabuhay, Malangas, Olutanga, Payao and Talusan) while three hundred fifty (350)students from District 2 (Western towns: Ipil, Kabasalan, Naga, Roseller T. Lim, Siay, Titay and Tungawan) took the exam at Imelda National High School and Provincial Gymnasium on August 10 and August 11 respectively which was administered by UP Team composed of UP Assistant Professor of Geodetic Engineering Department - Florence Galeon and UP Student Records Coordinator - Michael Laurence Vicente in coordination with PLGU and DepEd organizing teams.
Schools Division Superintendent Virgilio P. Batan, Jr., CESO V lauded Lady Governor Hofer and the Provincial Administrator - Atty. Christian Jay Millena for the remarkable initiatives and exceptional efforts to bring UPCAT right the very doorsteps of Sibugaynons.
The examinations have four subtests which include Language Proficiency, Science, Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. After taking the 3-hour 25-minute exams, when asked how they felt and how they assessed themselves, some examinees said that though they went through some essential tips in acing the examinations but they are definitely uncertain if they will pass the test but along with their parents, they are grateful for the opportunity of taking UPCAT in their own place without going through the hassles of traveling to the cities which would entail more budget and expenses.
Beneath the echoes of gratefulness from the parents and examinees, the Provincial Local Government Unit and DepEd Schools Division of Zamboanga Sibugay highlight educational programs fostering academic excellence. Now, lies the very truth that this resounding feat open doors and paves way for more academic opportunities for Sibugay learners.