Proposing a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Security Management (BSISM) at SKSU Palimbang: Addressing Enrollment and Employment Challenges in Sultan Kudarat

This study explores the feasibility of introducing a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Security Management (BSISM) program at Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) Palimbang Campus. Currently, the campus offers limited programs—Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness (BSAB)—leading to stagnation in enrollment and significant educational and employment challenges for the local community. A thorough feasibility study revealed strong support for the proposed program based on a survey among 1,033 senior high school students from the four high schools in the municipality of Palimbang, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with nine BEED students, five parents, five teachers, and eight community leaders, ensuring that participant selection criteria included diversity in roles, representativeness, and availability to enhance methodological rigor. BSISM addresses gender inequality, out-of-school youth, and job market saturation while supporting local youth’s career goals, especially in law enforcement and security. The results demonstrate that BSISM is a workable way to increase accessibility to higher education, diversify academic offerings, and promote community development. The market, technical, management, and financial studies for the BSISM program at SKSU Palimbang suggest a promising outlook for the program’s success, contingent on addressing key challenges. The demand for the program is evident, with a high level of student interest and strong support from local stakeholders. The program’s focus on gender balance, particularly by appealing to male students in traditionally male-dominated fields like security management, aligns with current trends in higher education. Furthermore, the program’s curriculum, infrastructure, and commitment to hands-on training position it as a valuable asset to the local community and job market. This study further emphasizes the program’s potential to enhance local employment opportunities by addressing the mismatch between graduates’ qualifications and available jobs. With the growing demand for industrial security and law enforcement professionals, BSISM graduates would be equipped with specialized skills to meet these needs in both public and private sectors. Additionally, the program could alleviate the oversaturation of BEED graduates in the local job market, reducing underemployment and fostering a more balanced workforce. However, risks such as financial constraints, faculty recruitment challenges, and reliance on external partnerships must be carefully managed to ensure the program’s sustainability. By offering a career pathway aligned with regional demands, the BSISM program represents a strategic response to the socioeconomic challenges faced by the community.