The Western Mindanao State University headed by President Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, College of Home Economics (CHE) Dean Dr. Lucia Santos and other officials led the inauguration of the University Hostel last June 6, 2016.
Present during the blessing of the facility were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, Vice-President for Administration and Finance Dr. Joselito Madroñal, the administrative officials of the university and faculty members of CHE.
Also present to grace the event were officials from the University’s partner agencies including Regional Director Annabelle Echavez, Assistant Director Nilda Cemine and McDonald Alo from Department of Budget and Management (DBM); and Education Program Supervisors from Department of Education (DepEd), Dr. Victoria D. Mangaser and Dr. Valeria G. Corteza. The ceremony was presided over by Fr. Max Rodriguez of the Claret Parish.
Dean Santos, who is the main proponent of the project, said that they are happy that the hostel will soon be opened to serve as a laboratory for students to have a hands-on experience in their practicums and at the same time offer its services to the public. This will help the college and the students in meeting competencies and standards based on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Orders of the different programs offered by CHE.
The restaurant will start its operation on July 18 and the college will deploy their students with food service practicums. Meanwhile, the accommodation will open by second semester this school year. The operation of the hostel will be manned by Dean Santos as the concurrent manager and faculty members of CHE as supervisors of the different areas such as Instructional Program, Production Unit and the Business Center. This facility will also be a venue for job opportunities for Bachelor in Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BS HRM) graduates with National Certificates from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The hostel has five Standard Rooms that is good for three persons and has a television, a cabinet and hot and cold shower in each room. It also has a one bedroom suite which is good for two persons and is bigger than the standard rooms. The grant of 20% discount to Senior Citizens will also be observed and is applicable to both the restaurant and accommodation while WMSU employees can enjoy a 10% discount on accommodation. The guest rooms and the lobby are fully air-conditioned.
As one security measure, the university hostel proposes to adopt a referral system to accept guests that are referred to by officials and employees of the university. The Non-Smoking Policy of the University shall also be applied to the hostel guests.
The second phase of the project will include hostel services like the wellness center, spa, boutique, and other services that are necessary in a training facility for the BS HRM program. (Liezel M. Parreño, WMSU-PAO)