On September 11-14, 2006, the Institute for Training and Development (ITD)-Amherst, Massachusetts, USA in partnership with the University of Southern Mindanao conducted the four-day conference on Islamic Education in Contemporary Indonesia and the Philippines (IECIP). This was in cooperation with the Admission and Records Office headed by Dr. Samson L. Molao, director for Admission & Records & ITD-USM Project Manager in coordination with the Graduate School under the deanship of Dr. Joy Gloria P. Sabutan.


The conference was keynoted by American Muslim Educator Brother Dawud Tauhidi who spoke on “Making Education whole again”. Participants were composed of the different Madaris teachers and administrators particularly from Central Mindanao, and Indonesia. Other subjects regarding the reforms and possible innovations in Madrasah education were also discussed during the conference.

Brother Dawud Tauhidi	Dr. Manaros Boransing	Dr. Sally Habana-Hafner	Dr. Virgilio G. Oliva
	Dr. Samson L. Molao	Ms. Kristina Engstrom

Dr. Sally Habana-Hafner, a Fulbright scholar and visiting professor at USM discussed the implementation of action plans in the Philippine Madrasah Project (PMP).

Dr. Manaros Boransing, DepEd Undersecretary, addressed the issues of the Philippine Madrasah Education Reform in Mindanao. President Virgilio G. Oliva gave the welcome remarks. The whole conference was primarily headed by Kristina Engstrom, a representative from the ITD and Dr. Sam Molao from USM.

Ms. Merly M. Caiña, graduate school clerk attended a 3-day seminar workshop conducted by the National Association of Registrars of State Universities and Colleges (NARSUC) at Leyte State University, Visca, Baybay, Leyte on April 26-28, 2006.

The theme of the said convention focused on “SUC Registrars: Adapting to an Ever-Changing Educational Landscape” with Dr. Dominador Q. Cabanganan, PASUC Vice President-Visayas as the keynote speaker.


The workshop which was divided into seven sessions highlighted the following: Session I- Advancing Registrar’s knowledge to meet the demands of international education and CHED updates by Dr. Maria Rita C. Ortiz, CHED Regional Director; Session II- Enhancing efficiency and leadership abilities of registrars by Dr. Paciencia P. Milan, LSU President; Session III- Registrar’s problems, issues, and concerns (open forum) by Ms. Rosa Maria E. Cortel, NARSUC Asst. Treasurer; Session IV- Training of new registrar’s duties and responsibilities, records management and office operations by Dr. Elpidio R. Bautista, NARSUC VP-Mindanao: Session V- Making of manual of operation of the office of the registrar by Ma. June S. Carlos, NARSUC president; Session VI- SUC registrars: renewing commitment and dedication to service by Atty. Rodolfo B. Encajonado, CSC Regional Director, Region 8; and Session VII- The Registrar’s academic position and involvement in Institutional Development by Dr. Manuel K. Palomar, VP for Development and External Affairs (formerly VP for Academic Affairs).

On the other hand, Ms. Caiña also attended a 3-day Seminar workshop on Records and Archives Counter Disaster Planning at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City on July 11-13, 2006. The workshop aimed to increase the level of awareness of records managers, custodians, archivists and other personnel involved in record keeping about the occurrence of emergencies and disasters that will put their staff and collections in danger. It aimed to provide the participants with knowledge and skills on how to plan for and respond effectively to various types of emergencies and disasters affecting institutions to ensure the preservation of their collections.

The workshop was divided into four phases: disaster prevention, preparation, response, and recovery. A disaster preparedness plan was made by the participants.