dr. rolando hechanova
TRUSTEE
National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies Inc.
Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova is a distinguished academic leader and expert in research development, extension services, and sustainable resource management. With over three decades of extensive experience in higher education, research administration, and consultancy, Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova has made significant contributions to institutional growth, research innovation, and community development.
Currently serving as the Vice President for Research Development & Extension at Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) since July 1, 2006, Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova has successfully increased external research funding from Php 0.00 to Php 39.94 million through strategic proposal submissions. Under their leadership, SKSU has conducted 50 ongoing and 5 completed research projects across six campuses and significantly increased the number of active faculty researchers from 5.23% to 32.46%. Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova also spearheaded the registration of 16 utility models under SKSU researchers and established Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policies, strengthening the university’s research culture and innovation.
In addition to their role at SKSU, Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova has been the Deputy Director of the Cotabato Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CARRDEC) since 2008, where they assist in planning and implementing programs for 20 member agencies. Their commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in their consultancy work as a Composting Specialist for EcoGov-USAID (2006), where they reviewed and implemented composting plans for several municipalities in Mindanao.
Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova also served as Head of the Technical Unit for the BEAM Project (AusAID-funded) from 2004 to 2009, overseeing the construction of 10 community learning centers in underdeveloped barangays in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. Furthermore, their tenure as Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services at SKPSC (2003-2005) was marked by transparent financial policies and major infrastructure projects, including the construction of a gymnasium and new classrooms.
As Vice President for Academic Affairs (2002-2003), Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova led the preparation for program accreditations and the introduction of the Ph.D. program in Institutional Development and Management. Their earlier role as Presidential Action Officer on Accreditation (2001-2002) resulted in achieving Level II accreditation for five academic programs and the establishment of a College Review Center to support licensure exam preparation.
Prior to their tenure at SKSU, Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova served as the Dean of the Graduate School at Isabela State University (ISU) from 1993 to 1998, where they led the Level II accreditation of 13 graduate programs, the construction of a P1 million library, and the promotion of nonconventional energy systems. Their leadership as Project Director of the Affiliated Nonconventional Energy Center (ANEC) for Region 02 earned ISU-ANEC the Outstanding ANEC Award from the Department of Energy for two consecutive years.
A dedicated educator and innovator, Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova earned a Doctorate in Soil Physics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 1987, becoming the first MIT/USM Agricultural Engineering alumnus to achieve this distinction. Their professional milestones also include passing the National PASUC Screening for College Professor in 1999, and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for various academic and research organizations.
Dr. Rolando "Fernandez" Hechanova continues to shape the academic and research landscape through their commitment to sustainable development, institutional innovation, and capacity building across higher education and community programs.
