CVM Dean Okit bags back-to-back wins; Gonzaga honored by PVMA

Two faculty members from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) of University of Southern Mindanao were presented with regional and national awards by the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA).

CVM Dean Dr. Emerlie R. Okit was named Outstanding Veterinarian in Education by the PVMA during the 86th Annual Convention and Scientific Conference held on February 20-22, 2019 at the Iloilo Convention Center.

Last year, Dr. Okit was also awarded the highest Distinguished Professional Service Award during the 39th PVMA-Southern Mindanao Chapter Annual Convention and Scientific Conference. Also, CVM Faculty and Clinical Sciences Department Chair Dr. Elsa A. Gonzaga was honored with Outstanding Veterinarian in Education award. Doctors Okit and Gonzaga both received their awards on September 19-21, 2018 in Mati, Davao Oriental.

These awards are among the recognitions presented by PVMA. The Distinguished Professional Service Award is the highest annual award conferred to a veterinarian in recognition of his/her exemplary contribution to the development and enhancement of the veterinary profession and invaluable support to the objectives and activities of the Association. The criteria are as follows: Contribution to the development of veterinary profession and activities of the Association (50%), Outstanding professional accomplishments (20%), Contribution to activities of socio-civic, scientific, and professional organizations (15%), and professional and moral integrity (10%).

Outstanding Veterinarian in Education is an annual award bestowed to a veterinarian in recognition of his/her outstanding and profound commitment and invaluable contributions to the field of veterinary education. The evaluation criteria and corresponding score are the following: instructional competence, teaching effectiveness, and educational attainment scientific researches and publication (55%), Community service, contributions to NGOs, other proessionl and socio-civic organizations (20%), professional development and awards, recognitions received (15%), and professional and moral integrity (10%).

CVM is a Center of Development USM offering two degree programs, namely: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and BS Veterinary Technology.