THE UST Benavides Review and Training Center (UST Benavides) must wait until March 2008 to give board exam reviews after an order by the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) that prohibits the operation of newly-established review centers.
“As much as we would like to start entertaining reviewees this year, we cannot since the center has just been around for a year,” UST Benavides director Amelia Halili told the Varsitarian.
According to the Ched Memorandum Order No. 49, newly-established review centers must affiliate with higher-education institutions that will submit a letter to the Ched expressing their desire to operate review classes a year prior to actual operation.
The University currently has 18 programs that require government licensure exams—Accountancy, Architecture, B.S. Education, B.S. Chemistry, Engineering (Industrial, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Communication), Industrial Design, Interior Design, Law, Medicine, Nutrition, Nursing and Pharmacy. Review classes are done separately for these programs in the colleges and with faculty members as their reviewers.
With the establishment of Benavides center, UST aims to systematize the board review program for both Thomasian and non-Thomasian students. Halili said that the center can address the needs of the reviewees such as conducive facilities and services, so as to ease and facilitate their reviewing.
“It is our duty to supply them the best service UST could offer.” Halili added.
Halili said that the center, which is recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission, will hire reviewers and admit reviewees from other universities.
“Proceeds will be used for the payment of bills and amenities of the center since it is not directly managed by the University,” Halili said.
While waiting for the Ched accreditation; UST Benavides will give reviews for registered nurses for the July National Council Licensure Examination and the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. Apart from holding board reviews, UST Benavides plans to hold leadership training and team building seminars for students, and attitude development programs for University employees and faculties.
“We encourage students to participate in these activities because giving services to them is the main goal of the center,” Halili said. Although these are not free, Thomasians can avail discounts, she added. Danielle Carla P. Dandan
