Authors:

1. Asuzano, Hedeliza B.
2. Tria, Luz V.

3. Consulta, Irene C.

4. Bocacao, Hazel R.
5. Gumba, Maria Christina G.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Brief Description of the Proposed Program 3

II. Institutional Mandate 3

III. Philosophy and Goals of the Proposed Program 4

IV. Management Viability 5

a. Figure 1: Organizational Structure of ParSU-Sagñay 5

V. Market Viability 6
a. Table 1: Survey Results (Student Profile) 8
b. Table 2: Survey Results (Respondents’
Perception towards ParSU) 8
c. Table 3: Survey Results (Respondents’
Preferred Courses) 9

VI. Financial Viability 10

VII. Conclusion 11

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I. Brief Description of the Proposed Program
The degree program being proposed in this feasibility study is Bachelor of Science in
Marine Biology or BS-MB. In the context of higher education in the Philippines, Marine Biology
finds its role in the creation of human resource that will steward the vast marine resources of the
Philippines. (Commission on Higher Education, 2017) This program is very relevant in the context
of the 4th District (Partido area) of Camarines Sur because 9 out of 10 municipalities in this district
are coastal areas, and the need for courses specializing on Fisheries and Marine Biology is
evident. Despite the abundance in coastal resources, 6 out of 10 municipalities in the Partido
area experience a high rate of poverty incidence. (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2014) In the
context of the Philippines on the other hand, fishermen continue to be part of the poorest sectors
in the country (34.0%). (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2015) The academe plays an important
role in imparting knowledge and skills; and conducting research and extension activities in the
community it is situated in. Therefore, the Partido State University-Sagñay Campus (ParSU-
Sagñay) is in the best position to implement the BS-MB program and contribute to the overall
development of the coastal communities in the Partido area.

II. Institutional Mandate

The Partido State University-Sagñay Campus specializes in Fishery courses with a
curriculum designed to teach the concepts of fisheries management, environmental
management and multi-sectoral approach to coastal management. It also educates students on
the proper methods to enhance the production of fisheries resources. In the Bicol Region, there
are only two state-owned universities offering this program and ParSU-Sagñay is the only state-
owned university offering the program in the 4th District of Camarines Sur covering 10
municipalities.

ParSU-Sagñay decided to offer Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BS-MB), a new post-
secondary course program with a curriculum designed to provide knowledge and skills to
students on the concepts and theories of modern biological sciences; and the physical and
biological basis of aquatic life. The program is geared towards studying the marine environment;
and the physical and chemical characteristics of seas and oceans. The program aims to prepare
graduates for the wide range of careers in the field of Marine Biology by instilling technical
competence.

As a higher education institution, ParSU-Sagñay is still in its development stage. As of the

moment, its specialization on fisheries is only reflected on one course program being offered,
which is the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries or BSFi. This is why ParSU-Sagñay is determined to
strengthen the fishery flagship program by adding BS-MB in its course offering as its allied
program. The addition of BS-MB in the course programs offered by ParSU-Sagñay can
complement the existing BSFi course program by striking the learning balance between
sustainable production & utilization of resources (BSFi) and responsible stewardship of marine
resources and biodiversity (BS-MB).

ParSU-Sagñay, in adherence to its quality policy to widen its reach through continuous
improvements of its programs and processes, is no doubt ideal for another highly specialized
non-board program Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BS-MB) which will serve as an allied
course to the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries program. The campus is ideal for this course
expansion because of its topographical location and its existing facilities, especially that the
campus area is surrounded by marine resources with the presence of several mangrove areas
and other marine biodiversity very apt for the proposed program. More than this, the existence
of this non-board program encourages more young people to develop themselves into becoming
stewards of the vast marine resources within and beyond the Partido area who will greatly
contribute in managing, sustaining and enhancing our marine resources.

III. Philosophy and Goals of the Proposed Program

The vision of Partido State University is to become an institution of higher learning considered
to be the leading university in Geology, Bio-Resource Science and Environmental Management
in the Bicol Region. Guided by this vision, the philosophy and goals of the proposed program are
the following:

• For students to earn an undergraduate Marine Science degree;

• To study a variety of environmental management courses including: fisheries,
aquaculture, tourism and recreation, marine ecology, and more.
• To gain specialized knowledge which will help them become aware of the intricate
physical and biological developments within the ocean;
• To develop skills that can be applied in environmental management, with emphasis on
coastal systems;
• To acquire the required knowledge as well as the skills relevant in participating and
contributing to different scientific and investigative fields;
• To develop a sense of the marine environment and be able to predict the consequences
of future disturbances in the environment;
• To develop awareness and possible solutions to address coastal management issues and
oceanography and marine pollution;
• To develop values and principles appropriate for stewards of the marine environment.

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 IV. Management Viability

The organizational structure of ParSU-Sagñay is as follows:

RAUL G. BRADECINA, Ph.D.

SUC President III

JOSEFINA A. BORROMEO, Ph.D. ARNEL P. ZARCEDO, EDEL PATRICIA M. CANDELARIA
Vice President for Academic Affairs Vice President for Administration Vice President for Research,
& Finance Extension and External Affairs

EMMANUEL E. ASUZANO
Campus Dean

GLENDA S. SALES
Program Director

HEDELIZA B. ASUZANO JOEL B. BALASTA

OSAS, Scholarships Coordinator Planning Coordinator

REDENTOR L. BUETRE IRENE C. CONSULTA LUVEN H. HAJA
Research Coordinator Extension Coordinator Business Affairs Coordinator

STUDENTS

COMMUNITY

Figure 1. Organizational Structure of ParSU-Sagñay

ParSU-Sagñay has a long history of specialization in fisheries courses. It started as a

technical vocational school in Sagñay last 1977 and even then, it was already specializing on
fisheries. On 1988, it offered Bachelor of Science in Fisheries. It became a university on 2001 and
had its first batch of graduates on 2002. For more than four decades, ParSU-Sagñay has dedicated
itself to develop students in the field of Fisheries which covers sustainable and responsible
production and utilization of marine resources through appropriate coastal management
systems. It has proven how competent it is in this field and it is more than enough proof that
ParSU-Sagñay is ready to offer the proposed program, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.

5
 Aside from its competency as an institution, the administration and faculty of ParSU-
Sagñay are also technically capable and skilled to oversee the proposed program should it be
offered. The University President, Dr. Raul G. Bradecina is a BS Fisheries graduate from Bicol
University; Master of Science in Fisheries from Bicol University Graduate School; Master of
Science in Ocean Science from University of the Philippines in the Visayas; and PhD in
Environmental Economics from Kochi University, Japan. The University Vice President for
Research & Extension Services, Prof. Patricia M. Candelaria is a fisheries technologist who is a BS
Fisheries graduate from University of the Philippines Diliman; Bachelor in Secondary Education
graduate from University of Northeastern Philippines; Master of Arts in Education (major in
Administration and Supervision) from University of Northeastern Philippines; and Master of
Science in Fisheries (major in Aquaculture) from University of the Philippines in the Visayas.

Seven of the faculty members are specialists in the field of fisheries, which is an allied
course of marine biology. Prof. Myrna C. Bigueja, a university professor and licensed fisheries
technologist, is a BS Fisheries graduate from Bicol University; Master of Arts in Fishery Technology
from Bicol University; and a Doctor of Education from Bicol University. Assoc. Prof. Hedeliza B.
Azusano, Asst. Prof. Jener B. De Quiroz, Mr. Joel B. Balasta (licensed fisheries technologist), Ms.
Irene P. Daet (licensed fisheries technologist) and Mr. Jasper R. Nieves are all graduates of BS
Fisheries. Mr. Redentor L. Buetre completed all of his academic requirements in Masters in
Fisheries major in Fisheries Biology.

Moreover, ParSU-Sagñay also has two faculty members who specialize in two allied
courses of BS Marine Biology, Chemistry and Biology. Ms. Glenda B. Sales, the program director
of ParSU-Sagñay, is a BS Chemistry graduate and Master of Science in Chemistry. Mr. Ronnel A.
Dieoneda, Jr. is a BS Biology graduate.

This highlights that the management viability of the program is feasible given the long
history of the university regarding the field of fisheries and the evident specialization in fisheries
and marine science among the university administrators and faculty members. It can be
ascertained that ParSU-Sagñay can offer and sustain the proposed program.

V. Market Viability
This section of the feasibility study aims to determine the (1) respondents’ profile, (2)
employment opportunities for the future graduates of the proposed program, and (3) enrollment
projection.

To gauge the proposed program’s market viability, PSU-Sagñay Campus deemed it

necessary to conduct feasibility study. This section of the feasibility study was designed to help
inform the opening of BS-MB, specifically providing answers to these questions:

1. What are the profiles and characteristics of the target students?

2. What might program graduates expect in terms of job and advancement
opportunities?
3. What other similar educational institutions/programs are in existence, what do they
offer, and what are their target markets?
4. What is the enrollment projection for the proposed program?

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These questions were answered through the following tasks:

Student Surveys

Student surveys were conducted to obtain information from high school students
regarding their intentions of enrolling in Partido State University and their preferred course
programs. This is relevant in identifying if there is a viable market for the proposed program
should it be offered by ParSU-Sagñay.

The respondents were one hundred three (103) high school students from Grades 10-12
randomly selected from seven (7) high schools in Sagñay and Tigaon, Camarines Sur. The schools
in Sagñay, Camarines Sur were the following: Nato National High School, Southeastern High
School, St. Andrew Academy and Sibaguan Agro Industrial High School. On the other hand, the
schools in Tigaon, Camarines Sur were the following: Shepherdville College, San Rafael National
High School and Siena College Tigaon. The survey of current students was administered during
the summer of 2018. Direct method of interview was employed through home visit using a
structured set of questionnaire. The results of the surveys are in a database delivered
electronically as part of this project.

Documentary Analysis

University documents were analyzed to assess whether ParSU-Sagñay is viable to offer

the proposed program of BS-MB. Aside from this, employment trends were also reviewed to
assess whether graduates of the BS-MB program can have employment and advancement
opportunities after they graduate from the proposed program.

Assuming that Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology capitalizes upon opportunities to

design curriculum that meet industry needs, its students has great potential to obtain
employment or to advance in existing jobs. The key to the school’s success is to work closely
with the targeted industries, institutions of higher learning, Department of Labor and
Employment, and high schools to develop trainings and educational opportunities that meet
industry and student needs.

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Results

I. Student Surveys
The following statistical tools were used in the analysis of the student survey results:
frequency count and percentage. Frequency count was used to tabulate how many times a
certain variable occurs within a calculation, while percentage was used to establish how much of
the respondents chose a particular scale of choice or comprise a particular set of identified
characteristics.

Respondents’ Profile

Attributes Frequency Percentage (%)

Gender
Female 72 69.90
Male 31 30.10
School
Nato National High School 48 46.60
Southeastern High School 17 16.50
St. Andrew Academy 16 15.53
Shepherdville College 10 9.71
Sibaguan Agro Industrial High School 7 6.80
San Rafael National High School 4 3.88
Siena College Tigaon 1 0.97
School Address
Sagñay, CS 88 85.44
Tigaon, CS 15 14.56
Table 1. Survey Results (Student Profile)

The overall results with regard to the student profile show that 69.90% were female students;
46.60% were studying in Nato National High School, which is relatively close to ParSU-Sagñay in
terms of proximity; and 85.44% of the respondents were studying in Sagñay, Camarines Sur.

Respondents’ Perception towards ParSU

Attributes Frequency Percentage (%)

Interested to enroll in ParSU
Yes 95 92.23
No 8 7.77
Interested to enroll in ParSU-Sagñay (from those who were willing to enroll in ParSU)
Yes 78 82.11
No 17 17.89
Table 2. Survey Results (Respondents’ Perception towards ParSU)

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 The respondents were asked if they were interested to enroll in any ParSU campus.
92.23% of them are willing to do so, while 7.77% of them were not. Of those who signified that
they were willing to enroll in ParSU, 82.11% were interested to enroll in ParSU-Sagñay Campus,
while 17.89% wanted to enroll in another ParSU campus, mostly because the course they wanted
to take was not offered in ParSU-Sagñay.

Respondents’ Preferred Courses

Attributes Frequency Percentage (%)

Preferred Courses to be Taken or Offered in ParSU-Sagñay
BS Marine Biology 23 29.49
BS Fisheries 13 16.67
BS Hotel & Restaurant Management 11 14.10
BS Criminology 6 7.69
BS Secondary Education 5 6.41
BS Tourism Management 4 5.13
BS Elementary Education 4 5.13
Housekeeping 2 2.56
BS Information Technology 2 2.56
(Undecided) 1 1.28
AB Political Science 1 1.28
Bachelor Technology major in Food Trades 1 1.28
BS Accountancy 1 1.28
Mass Communication 1 1.28
BS Computer Science 1 1.28
BS Agribusiness 1 1.28
BS Eco Tourism 1 1.28
Table 3. Survey Results (Respondents’ Preferred Courses)

Out of the seventy-eight (78) total respondents who were interested to enroll in ParSU-
Sagñay, 29.49% were interested for the proposed program to be offered by ParSU-Sagñay or take
the proposed program themselves. This is actually the top result. This means that in terms of
enrollment projection, BS-MB is very viable to be offered.

II. Documentary Analysis

The idea of ParSU-Sagñay Campus offering Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology is a very
good and unique opportunity because no colleges or universities in the Bicol Region is offering
this program. Throughout the Philippines, only a few universities are offering this program. There
is currently no direct competition from existing colleges and universities in the area so ParSU-
Sagñay can capture interested applicants. Conversations with guidance counselors at area high
schools and a review of their curricula revealed a growing recognition of the importance and
interrelationship between knowledge of environmental sciences and management.
Furthermore, interviews with guidance department personnel noted a need for programs that
will make their graduates more employable, enjoy greater job satisfaction, and potentially lead
to further academic achievement.


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 The career opportunities for graduates of BS-MB include the following:
• Government agencies specializing in marine resource management (ie. Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Department of Environment and Natural Resources);
scientific innovations (ie. Department of Science and Technology); research and
education after further studies (ie. State Universities and Colleges); tourism (ie.
Department of Tourism);
• Non-Government organizations specializing in marine resources conservation and
protection and research;
• Private institutions specializing in research and education.

A study conducted by Daquio, Villena and Pacete (2016) states that the demand for labor is
in the service sector, which includes teachers and researchers, and the sector in which graduates
of BS-MB can be employed in. Over the six-year period, the average increase of the number of
worker in this sector is .615 million, and the highest figure recorded is in 2014 where it reached
the 20 million mark. (Daquio, et al., 2016) Furthermore, the findings of their study stated that it
is essential for the country to produce more graduates with higher educational attainment
(college level and above), in which these graduates can be included in the country’s labor supply
pool that can be employed as professionals and associate professionals. (Daquio, et al., 2016)
This means that graduates can contribute to the demand for labor in the service sector and
ParSU-Sagñay offering BS-MB can contribute to the need for more professionals and associate
professionals.

The key to the campus’s success depends to the types of courses and programs it offers. More
specifically, the BS-MB training must match industry needs and meet industry standards or it will
fall short of its goals to prepare its students for successful employment. The ability to offer this
proposed program will enable ParSU-Sagñay to contribute in addressing the need to match
industry demands and standards to enabled and skilled graduates in the field of Marine Biology.

VI. Financial Viability

As a state-owned university, ParSU-Sagñay is very viable to offer BS-MB financially
because all course programs approved by the Commission on Higher Education and formally
offered by ParSU-Sagñay are fully funded.















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VII. Conclusion

Given the methods used for management and market viability and the given
circumstances surrounding financial viability, it is therefore concluded that:

1. The necessity to offer the program in the context of the 4th District of Camarines Sur
and the Bicol Region is evident;
2. The ParSU-Sagñay management is viable to offer BS-MB because of its competent
administrators and faculty members;
3. The existing facilities and surrounding area of ParSU-Sagñay are also conducive to
ensure the good quality of the proposed BS-MB program;
4. High school students from the schools in Sagñay are relatively interested in the
program based on the survey results; and
5. Employment and advancement opportunities for the graduates of the proposed BS-
MB program are present.

References:

Commission on Higher Education. (2017). Policies, Standards and Guidelines for the Bachelor of
Science in Marine Biology Program. CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 46 Series of
2017. Quezon City, Philippines.

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2014). Poverty Incidence: Camarines Sur, 2009. Retrieved June
26, 2018, from Philippine Statistics Authority-Bicol Region Statistical Atlas:
http://nap.psa.gov.ph/ru5/atlas/camsur/poverty.htm

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2015). Poverty among the Basic Sectors in the Philippines.
Retrieved June 2018, 2018, from Philippine Statistics Authority:
https://psa.gov.ph/infographics

Daquio, C. R., Villena, I. C., & Pacete, P. K. (2016). Macroeconomics and Modelling for Labor
Market Analysis: Philippines Employment Projection Model and Key Indicators of the
Labor Market. Institute for Labor Studies.

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