Graduate School

The La Salle Graduate School started in 1966 with the offering of the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program designed to assist the community prepare graduates to assume managerial positions in the business world. Years later, a master’s program in Educational Management was offered to train educational administrators and strengthen school management in the city and the province.

In due time, the Graduate School offered master’s and doctorate degrees in various fields of specialization, including the Project Flagships to Reach Educational Excellence (Project F.R.E.E.) program in partnership with the Department of Education and the Eduardo Cojuangco Foundation, the Master of Arts in Conflict and Reconciliation Studies in cooperation with PAX Christi International, and the Master in Education major in Marriage and Family in consortium with the Pope John Paul II Institute, the seat of the Philippine campus of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute of Studies on Marriage and Family based at the Lateran University in Rome.

The Graduate School also works toward the fulfillment of the needs of the individual student by providing modules prepared by mentors for home learning for some senior executives and managers who may not always have the time to attend classes.  For some executives and managers, open learning coupled with modular classes on a one-on-one basis are provided.  These approaches to graduate education are novel ways to further management skills and techniques for graduate students who are willing to improve themselves while actively engaged in their work positions.

In A.Y. 2010-2011, as part of verticalization, the Graduate School was dissolved as an administrative unit.  All graduate programs were integrated into the respective colleges where they belong.

Today, the University continues to make its presence distinctly felt as it consistently produces leaders and key actors in the fields of business enterprise and industry, banking and finance, education and healthcare, information technology and environment, and most notably, in government service.

Advance your career and elevate your expertise with these program offerings. 
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• Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs
• Business and Accountancy Graduate Programs
• Education Graduate Programs
• Engineering Graduate Programs
• Nursing Graduate Programs

Eric Arthur N. Dio, PhD
Dean
 e.dio@usls.edu.ph
 gs.dean@usls.edu.ph

Dr. Eric Dio is a certified TÜV Rheinland QMS Auditor and is currently the Dean of the Graduate School of the University of St. La Salle. A member of the Yu An Log-College of Business & Accountancy, he has been teaching business courses such as Supply Management, Operations Management, TQM and Strategic Management both in the undergraduate and the graduate program for more than 20 years. He is a past president of both globally-recognized organization the Philippine Institute for Supply Management (PISM Negros Occidental Chapter) and Junior Chamber International-Bacolod.  He is also actively engaged with the local business, government agencies and NGOs as a consultant. Dr. Dio is also an accredited mentor and speaker of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Department of Trade and Industry.   He is also an accredited member of the Regional Quality Assessment Team for Business Programs of the Commission for Higher Education.  In 2017, Dr. Dio was also awarded by the university as one The Most Outstanding Mentor, Administrator and Staff (Faculty Category).  He is also engaged in various researches in topics such as Supply Chain, Job Analysis, Feasibility Studies and Market Studies.

Eddie G. De Paula, Jr. PhD  
Associate Dean
 e.depaula@usls.edu.ph
 gs.assocdean@usls.edu.ph

Dr. Eddie de Paula, Jr. stands as a dedicated IT professional and educator, renowned for his commitment to learning and his extensive experience. Currently finishing his Doctorate in Information Technology at De La Salle University in Manila, Eddie's unwavering pursuit of knowledge has consistently guided his educational path. He has achieved a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management and a Master's in Information Technology. His academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Merging his academic background with a diverse professional trajectory, Dr. de Paula has demonstrated his capabilities across various capacities, including technical consulting, senior system analysis, program and project management specialization, and solution architect. With a remarkable presence in the IT sector both domestically and internationally, he has contributed his proficiency to intricate IT initiatives, underscoring his adaptability and skill set. Additionally, his dedication to education has translated into his role as a professor in the Computer Science Department and Master in Information Technology program at the University of St. La Salle since 2007. Dr. de Paula's commitment to academia has extended into administrative roles, including his tenure as Department Chair of Computer Science, Academic Coordinator of the College of Engineering and Technology Graduate Programs, and his current role as the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.

Jose Sebastian M. Cuadra, MAEd
Academic Coordinator
Education Graduate Programs
 j.cuadra@usls.edu.ph
 ac.education@usls.edu.ph

Mr. Jose Sebastian Cuadra holds a Master in Education degree major in English and is currently finishing his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management. For 31 years in the teaching profession, he has handled classes in elementary to graduate school levels. He has help various positions in the University of St. La Salle:   chair in English/Reading Department,  Discipline Officer, Level Vice Principal (Elementary),  and Vice Principal for Operations (Senior High School).  

His areas of specialization include Reading Instruction, Instructional Materials Preparation, Classroom Motivational Activities Design, and Media and Information Literacy (MIL).  Being the only PEAC (Private Education Assistance Committee) trainer in the Visayas region for MIL, he has conducted online training for teachers in the Senior High School. He has also conducted talks/seminars in Public Speaking, Classroom Assessment, Motivational Activities.

He is an active member of Philippine Association for Media and Information Literacy and Philippine Association for Language Teaching.  He was once the secretary of Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA).  He received The Outstanding Mentor and Staff (THOMAS) award for elementary and secondary levels, and the Medrano Award for excellence in service for 25 years by the University.

Maribeth R. Pillo, PhD
Academic Coordinator
Business Graduate Programs
 m.pillo@usls.edu.ph

An advocate for hospitality and tourism sustainability, protection, and development, Dr. Maribeth Pillo holds a baccalaureate degree in Tourism and a Masters Degree in Business Administration, major in Human Resource Management. She has served as a PAASCU accreditor for Hospitality and Tourism programs since 2013. Her research interest covers various facets of service operations, destination sustainability, human resources-related issues, and hospitality management. Currently, Dr. Pillo is the Academic Coordinator for Business Graduate Programs.

Abigaile Rose Mary r. Capay, PhD 
Academic Coordinator
Arts & Sciences Graduate Programs
 a.capay@usls.edu.ph
 ac.artsandsci@usls.edu.ph

Dr. Abigaile Rose Mary R. Capay is the current Academic Coordinator for Arts & Sciences graduate programs. She is a registered psychologist and certified practitioner of choice theory-reality therapy. She is the interim chairperson of PAP Western Visayas Chapter. She finished her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from De La Salle University Manila. She completed her PhD in Psychology from USLS where she likewise teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. She has 15 years of clinical experience and holds private practice in Bacolod City. Her research interests include evidenced based intervention studies focused on children, adolescents & maternal mental health.

Rendell C Barcimo, MEnE
Academic Coordinator
Engineering Graduate Programs
 r.barcimo@usls.edu.ph
 ac.engineering@usls.edu.ph

Engr. Rendell C. Barcimo is a fulltime faculty member of the Chemical Engineering and Food Technology Departments of the University of St. La Salle.  He is a licensed chemical engineer, and holds a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. He also received specialized trainings on food safety both locally and internationally. Being adept in cGMP, HACCP, and FSMS, Engr. Barcimo is a recognized National Expert on Food Safety by the Department of Science and Technology.  Through partnership with different government agencies like Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and Philippine Trade Training Center, he has helped hundreds of MSMEs upgrade and upscale through food safety standards compliance.  He is also an advocate of environmental sustainability emphasizing the need to strike the balance between economic growth and environmental protection and preservation.  His research interests include water and wastewater treatment, and emerging technologies for environmental remediation.

Jocelyn May Flor A. Cadena, PhD
Academic Coordinator
Engineering Graduate Programs
 j.cadena@usls.edu.ph
 ac.nursing@usls.edu.ph

Dr. Jocelyn May Flor A. Cadena is a nurse by profession but a teacher by vocation. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in University of St. La Salle with a Clinical Competence Award. She earned her Master of Nursing and PhD in Nursing with Highest Honors in the same university. She taught Chemistry and other sciences in basic education. In her nearly 25 years in the teaching ministry, she has been an Educator, Clinical Instructor, Researcher, and Administrator. She served as Level Chairperson in different levels for six years before her appointment as Dean of the College of Nursing for two terms. She was promoted as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and had served the academe for a term. She is currently the Level 1 Chairperson and Graduate Programs for Nursing Academic Coordinator. As a researcher, she is currently the Editor- in- Chief of the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice. Moreover, she is invited as Panel Chairman, Panel Member, and Research Adviser both in undergraduate and graduate research studies.  Lastly, she is a PAASCU Accreditor and one of the Members of the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) for Nursing Program in Region VI-Western Visayas, Philippines.

Janne Ly Castillon-Gilpo, PhD
Research Coordinator
 jl.castillon@usls.edu.ph
 gsresearch@usls.edu.ph

Dr. Janne Ly Castillon-Gilpo is a registered guidance counselor and presently working at the University of Saint La Salle. She finished her MS in Guidance and Counseling and PhD in Psychology from the University of Saint La Salle. She has worked as a school guidance counselor for a decade. Currently, she is teaching Psychology courses at the same university. She has authored and co-authored various research focusing on topics on mental health, mindfulness practices, digital resilience, digital therapeutics, and cognitive competencies. She is affiliated with the Philippines Guidance Counseling Association, the Psychological Association of the Philippines, and the American Psychological Association. 

Anthony J. Gallego, Ph.D. TM.
 a.gallego@usls.edu.ph

I graduated with my doctorate as a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management at Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST). My dissertaIon wriIng on generic Agricultural E-MarkeIng Management System. Currently connected as a college professor at the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. I belong to the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) under the Computer Science and InformaIon Technology Department. At present, I am the Graduate School Academic Coordinator of College and Technology. I have been also at Fellowship BapIst College (FBC) as a college professor wherein I belong to the Engineering Department handling minor and major courses in InformaIon and Technology. I have been affiliated with a professional organizaIon such as the Philippine Society of Information Technology EducaIon (PSITE) wherein I serve as an acIve member of the society up to the present. I am an acIve member of the Safety OrganizaIon of Negros Occidental (SONO), and also a member of Bacolod-Negros Occidental FederaIon for InformaIon and CommunicaIon Technology (BNeFit). I complete and passed Cybersecurity 1 iniIated by the Department of InformaIon and CommunicaIon Technology(DICT). I am also a cerIfied NC IV Programmer given by Technical EducaIon And Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Dr. Jocelyn May Flor A. Cadena
 j.cadena@usls.edu.ph

Academic Coordinator
Nursing Graduate Programs
 ac.nursing@usls.edu.ph

Dr. Jocelyn May Flor A. Cadena is a nurse by profession but a teacher by vocation. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in University of St. La Salle with a Clinical Competence Award. She earned her Master of Nursing and PhD in Nursing with Highest Honors in the same university. She taught Chemistry and other sciences in basic education. In her nearly 25 years in the teaching ministry, she has been an Educator, Clinical Instructor, Researcher, and Administrator. She served as Level Chairperson in different levels for six years before her appointment as Dean of the College of Nursing for two terms. She was promoted as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and had served the academe for a term. She is currently the Level 1 Chairperson and Graduate Programs for Nursing Academic Coordinator. As a researcher, she is currently the Editor- in- Chief of the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice. Moreover, she is invited as Panel Chairman, Panel Member, and Research Adviser both in undergraduate and graduate research studies.  Lastly, she is a PAASCU Accreditor and one of the Members of the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) for Nursing Program in Region VI-Western Visayas, Philippines.