Biliran Province State University participated in the 38th AACCUP Annual National Conference and General Assembly held at Marikina Polytechnic College Sta. Elena, Marikina City on March 5-7. 

Themed, “Elevate, empower and expand QA in Higher Education,” this year’s conference was designed to enhance the overall quality of the education and ensure that higher education institutions integrate and adapt new technologies and digital tools in their program to raise their standards of quality assurance (QA)  utilizing innovative strategies and best practices, empower educators and administrators with the knowledge, competencies and values using tools needed to implement effective QA processes, and expand these practices by strengthening collaboration and sharing of experiences among institutions and partners in HEIs. 

Led by BiPSU President Dr. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr., the delegation included Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Analiza B. Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction and Faculty Development (CIFD); Engr. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, director of the Institutional Planning Office (IPO); Dr. Carlito C. Cabas Jr., director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA); Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS); Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education (STEd); Dr. Randy Villarin, dean of SAB-Form; and Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, director of the University Media and Information Office (UMIO).

Plenary talks on Building strong partnerships for QA, particularly on the importance of partnerships and best practices for  collaboration and communication with panel discussants including the Director of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Muhammad Hasfarizal Bin Kamaludin. Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, president of Technological University of the Philippines; Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso, Sr, president of Cebu Normal University (CNU); and Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, president of Bukidnon State University, also joined the pannel. 

In his plenary session during Day 2 of the conference, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), enumerated the challenges and opportunities for SUCs, emphasizing matters regarding the  Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (ROSS), and PASUC programs and activities, among others.

The National PASUC President also congratulated the universities for continuing to raise the standards of education in the Philippines through the implementation of various programs and policies. 

“We are seeing progress among universities. And for that, I am congratulating our HEI presidents. I hope you will always inspire your presidents, because it’s not easy to deliver the full vision of the university,” shared Dr. Ronquillo. 

The conference also featured Dr. Juan Robertino Macaldo, manager of the Learning and Development and Management Office, who discussed advancements in adaptive learning technologies and pathways to quality. 

CHED Commissioner Hon. Shirley C. Agrupiz also graced the third day of the conference, with topics focusing on engaging stakeholders in quality assurance initiatives. 

During her talk, Commissioner Agrupiz encouraged HEIs to engage stakeholders in building a well- structured quality assurance framework. “Stakeholders must know their roles and responsibilities, including the students, faculty, administration and all other support systems,” she said. 

The commissioner also mentioned the important role of the presidents in quality assurance. “No pilot can ever fly a plane without knowing the direction he is traversing,” she said. “You can never be a compass, if you regret the training of quality assurance because building a well- structured quality assurance framework is a key to quality education.”

Meanwhile, the commissioner encouraged the participants to move forward with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration, enhancing institutional resilience, and ensuring that all HEIs remain bastions of excellence in the Philippines. 

This year’s event also introduced the inaugural Manuel T. Corpus Champion Award, honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to championing quality assurance within their institutions. The award is named in tribute to Dr. Manuel T. Corpus, the esteemed founder of AACCUP.

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[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: Quality Education.]