UB continues to champion quality education by continuing its collaborative efforts with partner universities, such as CIT-U, through benchmarking activities.
Written by Kate Jamaica Nanao and Katrine Dumling (QAO, Staff)
Photos courtesy of Rene Pascua (Linkages Office, Staff) and QAO Staf
Reinforcing its commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and collaborative learning, the University of Baguio (UB) welcomed representatives from the Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) for a benchmarking activity held on August 7, 2026. Despite the inclement weather brought about by persistent rains in Baguio City, the benchmarking activity proceeded as scheduled, reflecting the unwavering commitment of both institutions to advancing quality assurance and institutional excellence. The engagement served as a valuable platform for both institutions to exchange best practices, strengthen institutional partnerships, and explore opportunities for future academic collaboration.
The benchmarking activity was initiated through the CIT-U Quality Assurance Office for Administration, represented by its Director, Dr. Alein B. Navares, Senior Project Management Officer, Engr. Nendell Hanz R. Corbeta and Project Management Officer, Engr. John Ralph L. Abarrientos request to learn from the UB’s quality assurance initiatives and institutional best practices.
Recognizing the value of collaboration among higher education institutions, UB, through its Quality Assurance Office (QAO) headed by Dr. Kareen B. Leon, with the QAO Staff: Ms. Nahdia O. Wallang, Ms. Katrine P. Dumling, & Ms. Kate Jamaica B. Nanao, with Kristian S. Corpuz- Review Staff, Mr. Justin Marcus C. Andrada- QAO Full Stock Developer and Document Controller; and Ms. Lenilyn P. Malicdem- Administrative Assistant. The QAO Team welcomed the opportunity to share its quality management journey, best practices, and experiences while also learning from CIT-U’s own quality assurance initiatives.
The discussions centered on key institutional quality initiatives, particularly the implementation of the Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS) aligned with ISO 21001:2018, the ASEAN University Network–Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Program Assessment, Philippine Quality Award (PQA) and other quality assurance systems and continuous improvement initiatives implemented by the University. These topics provided participants with practical insights into establishing, implementing, and sustaining internationally recognized quality management systems within higher education institutions.
Throughout the benchmarking session, UB shared its experiences in developing a culture of quality, emphasizing how systematic planning, stakeholder engagement, process documentation, internal audits, and continuous improvement have contributed to the successful implementation of its EOMS. Likewise, discussions on AUN-QA and PQA highlighted the University’s preparations, assessment processes, and institutional strategies in ensuring academic excellence and outcomes-based education.
Beyond learning from UB, the benchmarking activity was envisioned as a two-way exchange of knowledge. UB requested CIT-U to present its ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening its own quality assurance mechanisms through an audio-visual presentation and institutional overview. This reciprocal sharing fostered meaningful dialogue and allowed both universities to gain new perspectives on addressing current challenges and emerging opportunities in higher education quality assurance.
The benchmarking activity also reaffirmed the importance of institutional networking in achieving continuous quality improvement. By openly sharing successful practices, innovative approaches, and lessons learned, both universities demonstrated that collaboration among higher education institutions serves as a catalyst for organizational learning, innovation, and academic excellence.
As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, benchmarking engagement enables institutions to remain responsive to global quality standards while strengthening their respective quality assurance systems. More importantly, the activity highlighted the shared commitment of UB and CIT-U to fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement for the benefit of their students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
UB extends its sincere appreciation to the delegation from CIT-U for choosing UB as its benchmarking partner and looks forward to a long-lasting partnership that will contribute to advancing quality education, research, innovation, and institutional excellence in Philippine higher education
Building the future of education, one sustainable initiative at a time
This activity is in line with the university’s efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular: SDG No. 4: Quality Education, as it allows the university to share and exchange best practices in quality assurance with fellow universities, contributing to ensuring that the educational space maintains an even standard of operation across all institutions.
It also addresses SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it strengthens UB’s relationships with external partners, giving it access to a vast network of connections and resources that contributes to the attainment of the other SDGs.
