21-25 September 2026
The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) evaluated two Benguet State University degree programs during the online Preliminary Survey Visit. The event aimed to assess the readiness of the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and the Bachelor of Science in Criminology programs for Level 1 accreditation.
During the opening meeting on September 21, 2026, VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo delivered her welcome remarks, quoting William A. Foster: “Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution.” She reminded everyone that quality does not happen by chance, but is something consciously pursued, continuously developed, and proactively sustained.
She further emphasized that accreditation is not simply an evaluation, but an opportunity to learn.
“We should look forward to gaining from the expertise, experiences, observations, and recommendations of our accreditors. We believe that every question can inspire reflection, every observation can reveal an opportunity, and every recommendation can guide us toward improvement,” she said.
VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud, representing BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan, began his message with the story of a scholar who cared for the poster of a fairy and did everything he could to preserve it until the fairy magically came to life. However, over time he grew busy and stopped doing the things that sustained the fairy. As a result, the fairy slowly faded and became just a poster again.
From the story, Kinnud pointed out that it is not enough to bring something beautiful to life; we must also continue doing the things that keep it alive — comparing the lesson to the university’s accreditation endeavors.
“And perhaps, this is what the accreditation reminds us of. Here in the university, we are in love with excellence. We want excellent programs, excellent teaching, excellent facilities, and excellent graduates. But accreditation reminds us that excellence is not something that we simply display on a wall or document in a report. It is something that we must practice and sustain,” he said.
He then asked: Can we sustain what accreditation asks us to become?
He noted that BSU’s programs become excellent not because of a single accreditation visit, but with countless small acts of commitment performed every day by the faculty, staff, administrators, and students. He encouraged everyone to view accreditation as an opportunity to strengthen what BSU colleges have built.
Following the messages, Office for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Director Joanna I. Alafag introduced the BSU officials and the AACCUP accreditors. College of Numeracy and Applied Sciences Dean Ederson Bawang and Buguias Campus’ College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) Dean Victor O. Delos Santos also introduced the Local Task Force from their respective colleges.
AACCUP Accreditors Domarjun S. Taguinod and Richard B. Osumo shared the purpose of the visit and provided an orientation on the accreditation process.
The five-day survey visit evaluated the programs in areas of Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives; Faculty; Curriculum and Instruction; Support to Students; Research; Extension Community Involvement; Library; Physical Plant and Facilities; Laboratories; and Administration.
At the closing program on September 25, 2026, the accreditors shared their findings, highlighting the strengths and opportunities for improvement of the evaluated programs.
In response, VPAA Pablo reaffirmed BSU’s commitment to continuous excellence in education on behalf of President Laruan. Reflecting on VP Kinnud’s opening story, she noted that even the most beautiful picture can slowly fade if it is no longer nurtured. Similarly, she stressed that excellence is something that is continually nurtured, strengthened, and sustained.
“Together, let us continue to nurture a culture where quality is pursued, excellence is sustained, and every effort contributes to a better future for our learners and our institutions,” she remarked.
The event ended with closing remarks from CCJE Dean Delos Santos. He extended his gratitude to the local task forces of both colleges for their tireless preparations and the accreditors for their time, expertise, and patience in examining programs’ documents. He emphasized that the accreditors’ insightful observations and recommendations would serve as a valuable catalyst to strengthen BSU’s mission of delivering transformative, high-quality education.//EBawayan
