The University of Baguio (UB) was again awarded as the institution with the highest number of accredited programs in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) 52nd Founding Anniversary and 36th Annual General Assembly on December 5, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta Quezon City, carrying the theme “Future-Proofing Education: Quality and Employability through AI Innovation and Sustainability Standards.” The event gathered educational leaders, accreditors, policy advocates, and partner institutions nationwide to advance conversations surrounding the future of higher education in the Philippines.
As of this writing, UB has a total of 34 PACUCOA-accredited academic programs: Level IV (8) – Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management/Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Doctor of Dental Medicine, and Bachelor of Secondary Education; Level III (12)- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Doctor of Philosophy in Development Education, Elementary, Junior High School, Master in Public Administration, Master of Arts in Education, Master in Business Administration, Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology, and Science Junior High School; Level II (7) – Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Master of Arts in English; Level I (3) – Doctor of Education, Senior High School, and Science Senior High School; and, Candidate Status (4) – Doctor in Business Administration, Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Physical Education, and Kindergarten.
UB was represented by Dr. Kareen B. Leon, Director of the Quality Assurance Office (QAO); Dr. John Balanquit, Dean of the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA); Dr. Thea Suaco, Principal of the Science High School; Ar. Ryan Benaoe, Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA); Ms. Mary Joy Limpin, Director of the Human Resource Management Center (HRMC); and Mr. Jonald Aglosolos, Director of the Accounting Office. Their presence underscores UB’s unified commitment to strengthening its quality assurance culture, enhancing academic standards, and embracing responsible innovation.
A major highlight of the General Assembly was the keynote address of CHED Chairman Hon. Shirley Castañeda Agrupis, who emphasized the crucial role of AI integration, sustainability standards, and employability-focused policies in elevating higher education. The keynote set the tone for the assembly’s technical sessions, which focused on aligning Philippine education with global innovation and quality benchmarks.
Following the keynote, the assembly also featured a series of learning conversations with prominent international speakers. These sessions emphasized how AI-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and sustainability frameworks support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The assembly also showcased institutional accomplishments through the presentation of the Best Case Study, Best Community Outreach Program, and Best Research. Winning entries were recognized during the awarding ceremonies, which further honored institutions with the highest number of accredited programs by region and level, as well as recipients of special awards such as Best Poster, Institution with the Biggest Delegation, the Seal of Quality and Sustainability, and the awarding of the AppliedHE Public & Private University Rankings: ASEAN 2026, which celebrated institutions demonstrating outstanding performance in regional higher education rankings.
In the afternoon, the assembly held its election of the PACUCOA Board of Directors, followed by the Chairman’s and Treasurer’s Reports, the approval of minutes from the previous General Assembly, and the continuation of awards and recognitions.
Throughout the day, the assembly reinforced a central message: the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing importance of sustainability make continuous improvement in higher education is not just essential but inevitable. UB’s participation in this year’s PACUCOA General Assembly reaffirms the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, responsible innovation, and sustainable development, strengthening its role as a proactive institution dedicated to shaping a resilient, future-ready, and globally aligned higher education landscape for Filipino learners.
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Written by: Ms. Katrine P. Dumling & Ms. Lenilyn P. Malicdem (QAO staff)
Photos courtesy of Dr. John V. Balanquit (SBAA, Dean)
