13/03/2026
๐ฆ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐ฒ๐
๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐
For the first time in its history, San Mateo Municipal College (SMMC) stands at a defining crossroads. The search for the institutionโs next president has officially begun, marking a historic moment not only for the college but also for the entire San Mateo community. With anticipation building among students, faculty, local leaders, and residents, the launch of the presidential search signals more than a leadership transitionโit represents a collective hope for the future direction, growth, and continued excellence of the municipalityโs homegrown college.
The search is being carried out through the formation of the Search Committee for the President (SCP), a body tasked with identifying the most qualified leader who will guide the institution in the years ahead. The committee was established through Board Resolution No. 33, Series of 2025 and reinforced by SB Ordinance No. 06, Series of 2023, which institutionalized a transparent and representative selection process involving key sectors in education, governance, and the community.
The committee is chaired by Atty. Cristian P. Saba, Chief Legal Counsel of the Municipality of San Mateo, who oversees the entire search process from the announcement of the vacancy to the final recommendation of candidates. He is joined by Mr. Fredelito C. Cabalang Jr., District Supervisor of the Department of Education (DepEd) in San Mateo, Rizal; Dr. Rogelio T. Galera Jr., Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region IV-A; Dr. Ronald A. Gonzales, President of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) Region IV-A and a national officer of the organization; Hon. Mary Grace C. Diaz, representing the Local Government Unit through the Sangguniang Bayan; Ms. Cristina F. Cabusay, Human Resource Management Officer of the San Mateo LGU; and Ms. Marietta C. Lorenzo from the business sector.
Supporting the committee is the Search Committee Secretariat headed by Ms. Oriena B. Degasa, with Ms. Teresa D. Falculan and Ms. Maria Linda C. Verdadero assisting in administrative coordination and documentation throughout the selection process. Together, they ensure that every stage of the searchโfrom the submission of applications to the evaluation of candidatesโis conducted with accuracy, organization, and transparency.
The committee convened for its first official meeting on December 17, 2025, where members were oriented on their responsibilities and the procedures guiding the historic search for the collegeโs next president. One of the first major steps was the publication of the official Notice of Search in a newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks beginning January 17, 2026, in compliance with national guidelines. The announcement formally opened the opportunity for qualified academic leaders to step forward and be considered for the role of guiding the institution into its next phase of development.
Following the publication, the application period officially opened from January 19 to February 8, 2026. During this period, aspiring candidates were required to submit extensive documentation demonstrating their qualifications and leadership potential. These included an application letter, curriculum vitae, transcript of records, research publications, and a notarized vision and mission statement outlining their plans for the future of San Mateo Municipal College. Applicants also submitted supporting documents such as a birth certificate, medical certificate, drug test results, neuro-psychiatric examination, and a completed Personal Data Sheet.
After the application period closed, the Search Committee Secretariat conducted an initial review of submissions from February 9 to 16 to verify the completeness of documentary requirements. Although twelve individuals initially expressed interest in the position, only ten applicants advanced to the evaluation stage following the preliminary screening. During the review, the committee noted that several applications contained incomplete documentation, particularly regarding proof of research publications and evidence of administrative experience in higher education institutions.
To ensure fairness, the committee decided not to immediately disqualify applicants with incomplete submissions. Instead, formal notifications will be sent identifying the missing requirements, and applicants will be given five days to submit the necessary documents or clarifications. Those who fail to comply within the allotted period may be deemed ineligible to proceed. The committee aims to have at least three qualified candidates advance to the next stage, as required under CHED guidelines; otherwise, the search process may have to be repeated.
The evaluation process follows a structured system based on national standards, assessing candidates in four key areas: professional competence (35%), academic background (15%), performance during the public forum (25%), and the panel interview (25%). The evaluation of professional competence, based on submitted documents, has already been completed, bringing the process one step closer to identifying the collegeโs next leader.
One of the most anticipated stages of the search is the upcoming public forum, where qualified candidates will present their vision and development plans for San Mateo Municipal College. More than just a formal requirement, the forum is expected to become a dynamic platform where ideas, leadership philosophies, and future plans for the institution will take center stage.
Members of the academic communityโincluding students, faculty, alumni, parents, and representatives from the local governmentโwill have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their goals for strengthening academic programs, expanding opportunities for students, and positioning SMMC as a responsive and forward-looking institution. The event promises to be an engaging exchange of ideas, offering the community a rare opportunity to witness firsthand how each candidate envisions the collegeโs future.
Scheduled to take place after Holy Week, the public forum is expected to generate strong interest across the campus and the wider community. For many stakeholders, it represents more than a presentation of credentialsโit is a moment to listen, reflect, and imagine the direction the college could take under new leadership.
As the search process continues, anticipation grows across the San Mateo community. For students who see the college as a gateway to their future, for faculty members committed to academic excellence, and for local leaders who view SMMC as a pillar of community development, the choice of the next president carries profound significance. In the coming weeks, as candidates step forward to present their visions and aspirations for the institution, the community will not only witness a selection processโit will take part in shaping the next chapter of San Mateo Municipal College. Whoever ultimately takes the helm will inherit not just a leadership role, but the shared hopes of a college and a community ready to move forward together toward a future of growth, opportunity, and excellence.
By Camille D. Manlapaz
