BukSU to use Learning Management System, inks deal with service provider

MALAYBALAY CITY (OP-IPS) Bukidnon State University closed a deal with Expedia Solutions Specialists Inc (ESSI) for the use of Neo, which will become the university’s learning management system (LMS). 

Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez, university president, signed the contract with Mr. Edwin J. Loma, ESSI Vice President for Business Development on January 7, 2022 during a short hybrid virtual and in-person ceremony in the main campus and Zoom Applications.

“This is a realization of our dream in BukSU to have our LMS. May this be a start of our cooperation. I am positive that if this has been successful in other universities, this will also be successful in our university,” Dr. Cabañelez said.

According to neolms.com, NEO is a learning management system (LMS) that makes it easy to create and manage all learning activities, whether it’s building online classes, assessing students, enhancing collaboration, or tracking student achievement.

Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, VP for Academic Affairs told OP-IPS the acquisition of an LMS is one of the requisites in the implementation of flexible learning. Based on CHED’s guidelines in the implementation of flexible learning, higher educational institutions were encouraged to maximize the use of technology to support learning and teaching. The use of an LMS was identified among them.

BukSU was able to avail of the LMS through the Commission on Higher Education’s Smart Campus Grant, Mr. Dante S. Victoria, Jr, VP for Administration, Planning, and Development, said.

The CHED grant is part of the government allocation provided in Republic Act 11494 otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act” to help SUCs implement flexible learning modalities.

BukSU was the only SUC in Region 10 and one of the 19 SUCs in the first batch of grantees. CHED approved P18.3 million funding for Project Endeavor, BukSU’s Smart Campus Initiative.

Mr. Victoria, who is the Project Leader of Project Endeavor, said the university looked forward to a continuous LMS service, “even if we return to full face-to-face classes already.”    The contract signing, he added, signals that the procurement will proceed so the university can already access the technology for customization.

ESSI executives vouched for the software’s functionalities and quality. Ms. Pilarcita P. Sta. Ana, Managing Director, who joined via Zoom with other ESSI officials, said the contract offers excellent opportunity to share the benefits of online learning.

“We will exceed your expectations,” she assured the university officials. 

ESSI vowed to provide training and other support to the university in the use of the software. They also assured protection of data and system back up in case of untoward incidents.

They committed to provide training for faculty and administrators to be done on cue from BukSU.

Mr. Loma and Ms. May Anabelle G. dela Cruz – Senior Account Manager, attended the event in person in the BukSU Main Campus. (Mr. Walter I. Balane/OP-IPS)