Saint Mary’s University welcomed the National Consortium in Graduate Science and Mathematics Education (NCGSME) Council during a Courtesy Call held last March 27, 2026 at 8:00 AM at the University Boardroom, followed by the 2026 1st Council Meeting held at Disadeco Hotel, Resort and Events Center, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina was formally introduced to the Council. This was followed by the presentation of the NCGSME Council, headed by Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio, Director of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), together with the project directors and their respective institutions: Dr. Raphael A. Guerrero (Ateneo de Manila University), Dr. Lorna M. Miña (Bicol University), Dr. Eden S. David (Central Luzon State University), Dr. Marchee T. Picardal (Cebu Normal University), Dr. Voltaire M. Mistades (De La Salle University), Dr. Aris Reynold V. Cajigal (Mariano Marcos State University), Dr. Salamah B. Indad (Mindanao State University), Dr. Monera Salic-Hairulla (MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology), Dr. Crist John M. Pastor (Philippine Normal University), Dr. Ma. Nympha B. Joaquin (University of the Philippines Diliman), Dr. Rolando V. Obiedo (University of San Carlos), Dr. Mohammad Nur S. Paspasan (Western Mindanao State University), and Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris (West Visayas State University).

In his message, Dr. Palina expressed strong support for the Council’s initiative. The program concluded with a group photo, symbolizing shared commitment among participants.

Also present were Mr. Peter Gerry P. Gavina, Chief SRS, SEI-STSD, Ms. Ma. Elena C. Agbuis, SRS II, Ms. Ma. Daisy Demoni-Sison, Supervising SRS, Ms. Charilyn Joy M. Layus, Senior SRS, Ms. Princess Joy E. Valenzuela, PTA III, and other DOST-SEI staff supported the activity.

The council meeting covered key agenda items, including quorum confirmation, approval of the agenda, review of minutes, CY 2026 scholarship allocations, and preparations for the 12th National Research Conference in Science and Mathematics Education. Updates on the Scholars Journal and other matters were also discussed.

This engagement shows Saint Mary’s University’s strong partnership with NCGSME in advancing research excellence and science and mathematics education.