The pursuit of academic excellence and high-impact community service paved the way for the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) to fulfill its vision: To become a center of excellence in statistics. By virtue of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 38 signed and released November 23, 2015, INSTAT is now one of two centers of excellence in the country.  As COE, INSTAT, can avail of financial assistance for the development and further improvement of its degree programs. INSTAT has three years to prove its worth as COE in the area of statistical education, research and extension from January 2016  to December 2018.

CHED’s COE and COD Programs for Science and Mathematics seek to “identify, support and develop potential units of excellence in program areas needed for the development of world-class scholarship, nation building and national development” as mandated by RA 7722 Section 8f. These programs seek to develop science and mathematics programs in higher education institutions (HEIs) and increase the number of scientists and mathematicians in the academe and industry. HEIs that aim to become a CHED COE or COD undergo a rigorous screening process. The standardized assessment instrument for HEIs “seeks to put together an accurate picture of the unit” in terms of its mission and vision, priorities and strengths, and contributions to the field of specialization and to the country.

Led by the INSTAT Director, Dr. Consorcia E. Reano, faculty and staff have been very cooperative and responsive to meet the requirements of the screening process. More than the paper and documentary works, INSTAT constituents found an avenue to share and be knowledgeable of what has been for INSTAT since 2008. Formerly Department of Statistics and Statistical Laboratory (DSSL) under the former College of Sciences and Humanities, INSTAT has evolved and transformed itself to become, in the words of the former INSTAT Director Terry Solivas, “the most statistically significant  unit in UPLB.” Current and former faculty members, staff, alumni, and students all share with beaming pride INSTAT’s basking glory as Center of Excellence in Statistics.

Padayon, INSTAT!

~RTMarcelino