Written by Katrine P. Dumling (Staff, QAO)
Photos courtesy of Rene Pascua (Staff, LNK-MAP)
The University of Baguio (UB) welcomed delegates from Tarlac State University (TSU) on October 27, 2025, for a benchmarking visit focused on student funds financial management procedures and the effective, transparent utilization of these said funds. The engagement, organized by the Quality Assurance Office (QAO) in coordination with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the Accounting Office (ACC), aimed to share best practices that promote accountability, ethical governance, and institutional efficiency.
The activity strengthened academic and administrative partnerships between UB and TSU and fostered dialogue on policies, financial systems, and student-centered leadership. It also opened avenues for possible future collaborations between TSU’s Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) and UB’s OSA, ACC and QAO, supporting both institutions’ shared commitment to good governance, quality education, and sustainable development.
The University of Baguio (UB) hosted a benchmarking activity with Tarlac State University (TSU) on October 27, 2025, at the Management Conference Room (MCR) of the University of Baguio (UB), focusing on student funds’ financial management procedures and the transparent utilization of these funds. Organized by UB’s Quality Assurance Office (QAO) in coordination with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the Accounting Office (ACC), the engagement aimed to exchange best practices that promote accountability, efficiency, and transparency in student financial management systems.
The seven-member of TSU Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) delegation, composed of Dr. Gladie Natherine G. Cabanizas (Director, Student Affairs and Services), Ms. Danica Anna B. Garcia (Technical Staff, Student Affairs and Services), Mr. Rusty L. Nidera (Technical Staff, Student Affairs and Services), Ms. Crystal L. Castillo (Technical Staff, Student Discipline Unit), Mr. Neil C. Sampang (Technical Staff, Student Development and Services), Mr. Duane Emmanuel P. Martinez (Technical Staff, Student Affairs and Services), and Mr. Joselito D. Ocampo (Pilot), was warmly welcomed by UB administrators and staff. Representing UB were Dr. Kareen B. Leon (Director of the QAO), Dr. Froilan Aspa (Director of OSA), with Mr. Denver Koby Soriano (Student Activity Officer); Mr. Jonald Aglosolos (Director of the Accountants Office), with Ms. Kirstein Palmares (Accounting Staff); Ms. Katrine Dumling (QAO Staff), and Ms. Lenilyn P. Malicdem (Administrative Assistant) from the QAO.
The activity aimed to learn and adopt best practices in the financial management of funds by student organizations and student councils. Through collaborative discussions and practical observation, both universities sought to strengthen their systems for financial accountability, student empowerment, and institutional governance.
This benchmarking exchange also allowed TSU’s OSAS to gain insights into UB’s policies and practices that ensure ethical, transparent, and student-centered financial management, key factors in promoting trust, efficiency, and student leadership within higher education institutions. The event featured presentations and dialogues that allowed representatives from both institutions to learn the operational procedures and engage in discussions.
These exchanges fostered mutual learning and institutional reflection, encouraging both universities to integrate more participatory and accountable approaches in managing student funds. The activity also opened possibilities for future collaborative undertakings between the OSAS of Tarlac State University and UB’s OSA, ACC, and QAO in areas such as policy development and process improvement. Building on this successful engagement, both institutions also expressed intent to formalize their partnership through a future Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and to design joint activities and training programs that will advance student development, financial governance, and institutional sustainability.
The benchmarking activity between the UB and TSU aligns with several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting responsible governance and sustainable education practices. It supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the exchange of best practices that enhance student financial management and institutional transparency. It contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering ethical and efficient financial systems that build accountability and professional competence among student leaders. The initiative also advances SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by strengthening governance and promoting participatory, transparent decision-making in student organizations. Finally, it reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between UB and TSU, paving the way for future joint activities and a potential MOU that sustains mutual growth and shared learning.
By aligning this initiative with these SDGs, UB reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, institutional excellence, and inclusive governance within and beyond the academic community.
The benchmarking event underscores UB’s leadership in transparent and sustainable institutional governance. By sharing its student financial management procedures and accountability mechanisms, UB continues to serve as a model for ethical administration and participatory management in higher education. The engagement also fostered collaboration among UB offices the OSA, ACC, and QAO further strengthening internal alignment and data-driven decision-making.
For TSU, the visit provided valuable insights to enhance financial systems, improve policy enforcement, and promote responsible management practices among student leaders. This exchange laid the groundwork for long-term cooperation and the continuous improvement of student affairs and quality assurance systems between both universities.
The benchmarking visit brought positive impact to the UB community by promoting a deeper understanding of quality assurance and student financial governance among staff and administrators. It provided UB’s OSA, ACC, and QAO teams the opportunity to showcase their effective systems, fostering pride, collaboration, and renewed commitment to institutional transparency. The event also strengthened UB’s reputation as a leading institution in higher education governance that upholds integrity, inclusivity, and evidence-based management in every aspect of its operations.
The benchmarking activity between the UB and TSU exemplifies the power of collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing sustainable education governance. By aligning practices with the UN SDGs, particularly in promoting transparency, innovation, and partnership, both institutions reaffirm their shared vision of building effective, accountable, and transformative educational systems.
Because at the University of Baguio, it’s all up here.
