Prepared by the Quality Assurance Office (QAO)
The University of Baguio welcomed the delegation from the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) for a benchmarking activity held on July 9, 2026, at the Smart AVR. The activity served as a meaningful venue for professional exchange, institutional learning, and sharing of quality assurance practices between the two higher education institutions.
The benchmarking activity centered on key areas of institutional quality assurance, particularly the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Program Assessment, Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS), and ISO 21001:2018 implementation, as well as other quality assurance systems and initiatives. The discussions also covered related institutional mechanisms and practices concerning the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, Center of Development (COD), UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, and QS Stars Rating System.
Through these focus areas, the activity provided an opportunity for the two institutions to exchange approaches, processes, experiences, and strategies that supported academic quality, institutional performance, and continuous improvement.
The delegation from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture was composed of:
- Dr. Melinda Parro-Pan, Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Rose Lynnor A. Matos, QA Director
- Christine Allen Riza N. Boncodin, Assistant Director for Local/National QA
- Christy G. Perlado, QA-Administrative Officer IV
- Ma. Bretanie S. Zoilo, QA-Administrative Officer II
- Ruby P. Deuna, QA-Administrative Aide III
- Dr. Rosa Ubano-Cid, QA Coordinator of Calabanga Campus
- Assoc. Prof. Richard G. Castor, ISO Campus Lead Auditor of Calabanga Campus
- Dr. Douglas Angel A. Aragon, QA Coordinator of Sipocot Campus
- Assoc. Prof. Reggie B. Capistrano, QA Coordinator of Pasacao Campus
- Rita D. Alarcon, ISO Internal Auditor of Pasacao Campus
- Ma. Lourdes Dacillo, QA-Administrative Aide III of Sipocot Campus
- Maria Francia S. Turiano, OVPAA Staff
- Engr. Sheryl P. Miradora, Pollution Control Officer
- Arnold Yuta, Driver
- and Jerome Encila, Driver.
Representing the University of Baguio were Dr. Donnavila Marie P. Herbster, RIECO Director and point person for THE & AUN-QA; Mr. Kristian S. Corpuz, QAO Review Staff; Mr. Justin Marcus C. Andrada, QAO Full Stack Developer; Ms. Nahdia O. Wallang, QAO Staff; Ms. Katrine P. Dumling, QAO Staff; Ms. Kate Jamaica B. Nanao, QAO Staff; and Ms. Lenilyn P. Malicdem, QAO Admin Assistant.
Exploring quallity assurance through benchmarking
During the activity, the participants engaged in discussions on how quality assurance systems were implemented, monitored, and continuously improved within the university setting. The exchange highlighted the importance of evidence-based practices, documentation, institutional alignment, stakeholder participation, and standards-based approaches in sustaining educational quality. The sharing of experiences also provided insights on how institutions may prepare for external assessments, strengthen internal quality mechanisms, and align institutional initiatives with national and international quality frameworks.
The benchmarking activity, however, was interrupted when an earthquake was felt during the proceedings. Following established safety measures, the participants responded accordingly, and everyone remained safe. Despite the unexpected disruption, the CBSUA delegation expressed its intention to continue the remaining benchmarking discussions and exchange of practices through an online platform. The situation reflected not only the importance of preparedness and safety but also the commitment of both institutions to sustaining meaningful collaboration despite unforeseen circumstances.
The benchmarking activity also emphasized the value of collaboration among higher education institutions. By bringing together officials and personnel involved in academic affairs, quality assurance, accreditation, ISO implementation, sustainability, rankings, and institutional development, the activity created a space for dialogue on common challenges and practical strategies. It reinforced the role of benchmarking as a tool for learning, reflection, and innovation in higher education management.
The activity supported several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It was strongly aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, as it promoted quality assurance, institutional benchmarking, and continuous improvement in educational systems. It also supported SDG 5: Gender Equality through the inclusion of Gender and Development as one of the quality assurance-related areas discussed. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure was reflected in the strengthening of institutional systems, innovation in quality mechanisms, and improvement of organizational processes.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions was also demonstrated through the promotion of good governance, accountability, documentation, and standards-based institutional management. Lastly, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals was evident in the collaboration between the University of Baguio and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, as both institutions shared knowledge, experiences, and possible areas for future partnership.
Despite the unforeseen interruption caused by the earthquake, the benchmarking activity remained a valuable opportunity for the University of Baguio and the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture to deepen their understanding of quality assurance practices and institutional development strategies. The commitment to continue the exchange online strengthened the spirit of partnership between the two universities and reaffirmed their shared pursuit of quality education, institutional resilience, continuous improvement, and excellence in higher education.
