The University’s Quality Assurance Unit hosted the Closing Program and Exit Conference for the five academic programs under review today, October 25, 2024. Since Monday, October 21, 2024 until this day, faculty, students, and stakeholders from the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED) programs of Diffun and Maddela Campuses, along with the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS Entrep) program of Cabarroguis Campus, have participated in various accreditation activities for their First Survey Visit. These activities included evaluation of submitted compliance reports, interviews, demonstration teaching, and virtual ocular tour, among others.

Similarly, the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) program’s personnel, students, and stakeholders from Diffun campus underwent a 3rd Survey Phase 2 Revisit for Area III (Curriculum and Instruction), while the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BS Math) program at the Cabarroguis campus participated in a Preliminary Survey Visit under the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP).

In the Opening Program, Dr. Rosalyn L. Delizo, University Director for Instruction, acknowledged the efforts of all working committees, academic leaders, students, stakeholders, and the accreditors. She expressed appreciation for the accreditors’ expertise and encouraged everyone to embrace the challenges ahead with renewed fervor and determination, stating, “After the storm, the sun shines.”

Moreover, Dr. Eunice B. Custodio, overall coordinator, provided the initial observations and impressions of the accreditors to the programs under review across various areas of assessment. Drawing a parallel to birds flying in a V formation, she shared the importance of teamwork and collaboration. She explained that the V formation allows birds to conserve energy, improve aerodynamics, and enhance communication, noting each one’s contribution is significant. Dr. Custodio emphasized that the University’s pursuit of AACCUP accreditation and other quality assurance mechanisms, spearheaded by the President, is a collective effort, representing a “successful migration from being mediocre to being an exceptional, extraordinary, and an excellent university.”

Key observations from Dr. Custodio included: active faculty participation in research activities; robust curriculum and competent teaching personnel; extension programs conducted by experts based on needs analysis; and a conducive for learning Library with well-organized shelves, good ventilation, and efficient adherence to 7S of good housekeeping. Additionally, Dr. Benica Briones commended the BSND program for its compliance with all the requirements, noting well-organized documentation and exceeding performance from the previous survey visit. Both accreditors provided recommendations for further program improvement.

Dr. Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr., University President, expressed gratitude to everyone for their contributions to the accreditation activity, despite the challenges posed by the recent storm. He said, “We always prioritize the needs of the University. . . we remain committed in improving our programs.”

The program proceeded with the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to all accreditors during the latter part of the program.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Divina Gracia S. Sabio, Campus Administrator of Diffun, recognized the resilience of the University community, noting that the accreditation process took place despite the recent Tropical Storm Kristine. She expressed her gratitude for the accreditors’ comments, for giving an “inspiration for the University to do better.” While giving assurance that the programs would address all recommendations, Dr. Sabio described the accreditation process as “academic calisthenics,” emphasizing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. She anticipated for a positive outcome from the accreditation, hoping that the evaluators also had a good time during the one-week event.

The official result of the accreditation process will be released by AACCUP in the next few months.

|𝐐𝐈𝐎 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐨 𝐅. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐲, 𝐉𝐫.