The Commission on Higher Education has designated Silliman University in Dumaguete City as a Center of Development in Information Technology Education for March 2007 to December 2010.

CHED Chairman Carlito Puno, in his letter to Silliman President Ben Malayang III, noted contribution of the school to IT education in the country, making the University worthy of taking a leadership role in assisting other institutions to develop their own IT programs. "The Commission recognizes your commitment to the continuous improvement of the field and your capability to serve as a role model in information technology education," Puno said.

CHED defines a COD as an acknowledgement of a unit's performance of its academic work and the promise it holds to provide excellent education in the future. It is a designation of a unit's evident above average performance in teaching, research and extension functions.

A COD status is given to institutions that have a strong undergraduate program in the sciences and mathematics; faculty who show a strong potential to be developed to undertake research, and publish results and other outputs; and an inclination to establish links, and share resources and outputs with other units.

Meanwhile, more than 800 students graduated from Silliman University in Dumaguete City at its 94th Commencement Exercises yesterday, a press release from the university said.

Lance Gokongwei, president and chief operating officer of the JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Robinsons Retail Group, addressed the graduates.

Meanwhile, University Pastor and Chaplain Rev. Jonathan Pia was the baccalaureate speaker. Born to a family of successful entrepreneurs, 41-year-old Gokongwei's management style described as "more operational, more focused and more consensual," and has earned him various awards, the press release said.

Pia, on the hand, has published a collection of children's sermons, and continues to spend his life in the service of the church and the community, the press release added.*MG

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