Written by Kristine Padong,, Japhet Perez ( SBAA Interns ),, and Lenilyn Malicdem (QAO Administrative Assistant)
In its commitment to nurturing academic excellence and global competitiveness, the University of Baguio (UB) successfully conducted another PRIME (Professional Reinforcement for Innovation and Mentorship in Education) event. Held on February 26, 2026, at the Centennial Hall, the seminar-workshop centered on the theme “The AUN-QA Roadmap: Excellence in Self-Assessment Writing and Evidence Validation”. Following the foundational goals of the PRIME initiative, this session brought together 50 Female and 14 Male faculty and academic leaders, totaling 64, to strengthen institutional capacity in meeting international benchmarks. The program focused on the rigorous standards of the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), a critical framework for ensuring educational quality across the region.
The workshop was divided into two comprehensive sessions led by distinguished academic experts, focusing on the development of a high-quality Self-Assessment Report (SAR). The first session was facilitated by Dr. Aisa P. Arlos, Dean of the Institute of Education in Far Eastern University (FEU). Who established the groundwork for international accreditation. Her discussion highlighted the following; Outcome-Based Education (OBE), addressing the main premise of OBE as the core of modern curriculum design. The Anatomy of a Good SAR, defining the essential elements and quality standards of an effective Self-Assessment Report. And a technical deep dive into the first four AUN-QA criteria, covering Expected Learning Outcomes, Program Structure and Content, Teaching and Learning Strategy, and Student Assessment.
The second session was delivered by Dr. Evangeline P. Bautista, Vice President for Academic Development of FEU. Who shifted the focus toward the resources and personnel that sustain academic programs. The discussion underscored the importance of the following: Strategies for faculty development and maintaining high-level teaching qualifications, enhancing the holistic support systems that ensure student success and well-being, and Validating the quality of laboratories, libraries, and IT resources to meet 21st-century learning needs.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Faculty and Leaders Unite for Global Quality Standards
The PRIME Series serves as a strategic initiative to align UB’s internal processes with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, By mastering the AUN-QA roadmap, UB ensures that its teaching and learning processes meet world-class standards. This commitment strengthens curriculum development, enhances student learning outcomes, and promotes continuous academic improvement. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, The focus on Academic Staff, which promotes professional excellence, while high-quality education prepares students for the global workforce.
Through capacity-building programs and performance standards, UB cultivates competent professionals who contribute to sustainable economic development. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, UB’s collaboration with the ASEAN University Network exemplifies the power of international partnerships in elevating educational quality. Such strategic alliances foster knowledge exchange, benchmarking practices, and shared innovations that benefit both institutions and learners.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement by equipping educators with practical skills in SAR writing and evidence validation, the PRIME program fosters a culture of reflective leadership and evidence-based planning. The University of Baguio looks forward to further sessions under this initiative, continuing its mission to deliver quality education through innovation, mentorship, and professional excellence.
PRIME Part II stands as more than just a training session; it is a testament to the University of Baguio’s proactive stance in the global academic landscape. By bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical self-assessment, the university ensures that its pursuit of the AUN-QA accreditation is rooted in authenticity and excellence. As UB continues to refine its internal processes and empower its faculty, it reinforces its role as a leader in Philippine higher education—one that is not only prepared for the challenges of today but is actively shaping the global professionals of tomorrow.
