- Bukidnon State University partnered with the 4th Infantry Division Training School to implement two three-year extension projects enhancing digital literacy, teaching, communication, and research skills for military students and instructors.
- The initiatives included computer literacy training for students and pedagogical workshops for instructors, strengthening instructional delivery and professional capabilities within the Philippine Army.
- Following these programs, the 4DTS 4ID was formally accredited as a Center of Excellence, highlighting the impact of the collaboration on training standards and lifelong learning.
The College of Education at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) recently partnered with the 4th Division Training School- 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army (4DTS-4ID) to carry out two significant extension projects, highlighting the university’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional capability development. These initiatives, designed as three-year programs, aimed to enhance the skills and competencies of both military students and instructors within the training school.
The projects were developed in response to specific training needs identified by the 4DTS, focusing on key areas such as digital literacy, functional communication, teaching methodologies, and research capabilities. By addressing these areas, BukSU sought to support the military education system and contribute to improved instructional delivery within the Philippine Army.
One of the initiatives, titled “Computer Literacy Training for Military Students: A Capability Development Project”, involved collaboration with BukSU’s Secondary Laboratory School. The program provided military students with hands-on training in fundamental computer operations, word processing, presentation preparation, and responsible use of digital technology. The initiative aimed to equip participants with the digital skills necessary for both academic and professional effectiveness, reinforcing the importance of technology in modern military education.
Complementing this was another project, 'Retooling the 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army Instructors on Functional Communication, Teaching Pedagogies, and Research', implemented by BukSU’s Bachelor of Secondary Education program. This initiative focused on instructors, offering seminars and workshops designed to enhance functional communication skills, refine pedagogical approaches, improve instructional practices, and strengthen research competencies. By targeting instructors, the project ensured that improvements in knowledge and teaching methods would have a direct and lasting impact on the overall quality of training delivered to military students.
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According to LTC Eduardo A. Precioso, Jr., the extension programs have had a tangible effect on the participants. He noted that the knowledge and skills gained through these initiatives not only strengthened the abilities of individual instructors and students but also contributed to more effective instruction and training delivery across the unit.
In recognition of the improvements achieved through these programs and other development efforts, the 4DTS-4ID recently underwent a formal accreditation process. Following this evaluation, the training school was officially designated as a Center of Excellence, marking it as the first Philippine Army training school to receive this distinction. Officials highlighted that the designation reflects the combined efforts of military personnel and educational partners in raising standards, fostering continuous learning, and promoting professional growth within the armed forces.
Through these initiatives, Bukidnon State University has demonstrated how higher education institutions can play a pivotal role in extending expertise beyond traditional classrooms, helping to develop skills and knowledge that are critical to both civilian and military contexts. The partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and military organizations in advancing learning, leadership, and professional excellence.
