The Benguet State University (BSU) submitted six degree programs for validation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) during the hybrid accreditation survey visit on July 16-18, 2024.

The programs validated were the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education, Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education, and Master of Science in Animal Science. The survey visit aimed to validate whether these programs sustained their current Level IV accreditation and to assess their compliance with the recommendations made during the last survey visit. They were assessed in the areas of research, performance of graduates, community service, international linkages and consortia, and the planning process.

During the opening program on July 16, 2024, Andres Arnold W. Lampacan, representing BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila, highlighted the significance of accreditation and the vital role of accreditors in improving and sustaining academic programs. He added that accreditation ensures that degree offerings remain relevant and responsive to the community's needs.

“You, our accreditors, are the gatekeepers of quality and ensure that our course offerings meet the highest standards and relevance. Your meticulous evaluation and constructive feedback would drive us to strive for excellence, innovate our teaching methods, and align our curricula with the evolving demands of our global landscape,” Lampacan said.

This was followed by the introduction of BSU officials by Office for Quality Assurance and Accreditation (OQAA) Director Beverly C. Sa-ao and the introduction of the BSU Local Task Force by College of Nursing (CN) Dean Vicente G. Panagan Jr., College of Teacher Education (CTE) Dean Divina M. Yango, and College of Agriculture (CA) Dean Constantino T. Sudaypan, Sr. The AACCUP Team’s Coordinator Divinagracia M. De Guzman of the Nueva Vizcaya State University also introduced the AACCUP accreditors and gave an orientation. De Guzman explained the reasons for accreditation endeavors and appreciated the University’s interest in quality assurance, which demonstrates BSU’s strong desire to provide students the quality programs they need.

Along De Guzman, other accreditors were Sarah S. Taupan of Western Mindanao State University; Loida O. Crespo of Bulacan State University; Helen F. Delos Santos of Philippine Normal University; Pinky B. Carig of Mindoro State University; Alvin R. De Mesa of Leyte Normal University (LNU); Fe S. Soriano of Pangasinan State University; Marietta B. Arinto of LNU; Erlinda S. Jiz De Ortega of Camarines Norte State College; Felicitas A. Quilondrino of Tarlac State University; Amelia E. Silva of University of the Assumption; Amparo B. Lacandula of University of Southeastern University; and Marietta S. Romera of the President Ramon Magsaysay State University. De Guzman and Delos Santos attended on-site. The accreditors evaluated the program documents and validated submitted documents through interviews.

A closing meeting was held on July 18, 2024 where the accreditors gave their impressions on the validated programs.

De Guzman commended the support, collective efforts, and teamwork displayed by the BSU officials and the Local Task Force throughout the survey visit.

“Quality therefore is everyone’s responsibility. Our best advice is for you to continue doing what is best for BSU. Never stop getting better to be successful. You all have to have the quantity of quality,” she emphasized.

Finally, President Comila expressed his commitment and words of gratitude. He thanked the accreditors for serving as an inspiration to the University in realizing its vision as an international smart university engendering graduates to walk the intergenerational highways.//EBawayan