On August 14, 2026, esteemed academic leaders and representatives from the University of Baguio gathered to share best practices and techniques in validation and assessment of quality standards and competencies through the 2026 ETEEAP ELEVATE 2026: Enhancing Learning Evaluation and Validation through Assessors and Faculty Training under the institution’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program.
Spearheaded by the Linkages Office and guided by the Quality Assurance Office (QAO), the event featured shared sessions on evaluating and validating the prior learning and competencies of ETEEAP learners in accordance with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) principles and operations. The orientation program brought together ETEEAP faculty members, program chairs, and key university personnel at the Centennial Hall, providing participants with important information on ETEEAP operations, processes, and implementation within the university.
2026 ETEEAP ELEVATE: professional career building and educational prowess
Opening the program was a brief introduction to the ETEEAP Operations Orientation, led by Linkages Director Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro, which provided a glimpse of the tasks covered and gave participants important information on ETEEAP operations, processes, and implementation within the institution.
Alt Text: Faculty members and representatives for the 2026 ETEEAP ELEVATE assessors and Faculty Training at the University of Baguio
Followed by the key part of the training was the session on “Strategies for Delivering Online Distance Learning to ETEEAP Learners,” facilitated by Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, Dean of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts. The learning exchange highlighted approaches and strategies for effectively supporting learners in online and distance learning environments, recognizing the unique needs of working professionals pursuing higher education who leverage their professional experience and certifications.
Additionally, the program included “A Showcase of Proven Practices,” which gave program chairs and faculty members a chance to discuss successful strategies and experiences in working with students. Among the list of panels and guest speakers were Dr. Warren Galas Moyao, Program Chair of the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety; Dr. Ruby Buccat, Program Chair of the School of Business Administration and Accountancy; Ms. Rizalina M. Castillo, Program Chair of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts; and Dr. Fernando C. Bagay, Faculty of the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Dr. Kareen B. Leon, Director of the Quality Assurance Office (QAO), delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and quality assurance in the delivery of academic programs.
Through the professional experience brought forth by the academic leaders and representatives of UB’s ETEEAP unit, practical insights into learner assessment, instruction, and the delivery of quality educational experiences for ETEEAP students have proven their clear and direct intention and continuous commitment to strengthening the implementation of the accredited programs that ensure credible knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences of working professionals are appropriately recognized and validated.
Supported by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17, the activity further underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining quality, inclusive, and learner-centered education while continuously improving its practices in assessing and validating prior learning.
