Written by Janssel Bomay-et & Shaira Plandez (QAO interns, SBAA)
The University of Baguio (UB) warmly welcomed faculty delegates from Bicol University Tabaco (BUTC) for an academic visit designed to strengthen institutional quality assurance, accreditation, and internationalization efforts. The engagement formed part of BUTC’s weeklong benchmarking program across seven academic institutions in Luzon and the National Capital Region, taking place on December 4, 2025, at the UB campus.
The visit was spearheaded by the Bicol University Tabaco Nursing Department, under the leadership of Chairperson Ma. Teresa C. Madrilejos, MAN, alongside her colleagues Ms. Ruby D. Espares, Ms. Jamilah May B. Barcellano, Ms. Luzviminda O. Dometita, Ms. Mae Joanne M. Bongat, Ms. Renee Camille C. Bisda, Ms. Judith Bufete, Ms. Issa Marie Apocada, and Mr. Albert B. Balance, in line with their continuing commitment to academic excellence, international collaboration, and readiness for ASEAN University Network (AUN) membership and certification.
Representing the University of Baguio were Dr. Helen B. Alalag, Dean of the School of Nursing, along with Ms. Diana Marie D. Amwao, Ms. Zorenne B. Diwag, and Ms. Ivy May Marbella; Ms. Lenilyn Malicdem, and Mr. Kristian Corpuz from Quality Assurance Office, who joined the discussions and provided institutional insights from UB’s nursing and academic sectors.
Facilitated by the University of Baguio’s Quality Assurance Office (QAO), the session focused on UB’s institutional practices in quality management, documentation systems, and its ongoing pursuit of global standards in education. UB’s experience in internationalization, program accreditation, and educational management served as a valuable model for the visiting faculty, who aimed to adopt similar strategies to enhance their university’s academic competitiveness.
The benchmarking activity also created a platform for collaborative discussions on curriculum development, faculty and student mobility, joint research initiatives, and cultural exchange programs. Both institutions expressed a shared interest in pursuing future partnerships that support mutual goals in research, extension, and capacity-building
Building the future of Quality Assurance in Education
Through this initiative, the BUTC participants gained insights into UB’s frameworks for continuous improvement, institutional governance, and evidence-based decision-making key components that contribute to UB’s strong reputation for quality and innovation in higher education.
The visit underscored UB’s role as a leading institution in fostering educational excellence and sustainability. It also reflected both universities’ alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The initiative supports SDG 4 by promoting the exchange of best practices that enhance instructional standards, curriculum development, and institutional systems, thereby contributing to inclusive and equitable quality education. It advances SDG 8 by emphasizing the role of education in equipping learners with the skills and competencies necessary for meaningful employment and lifelong productivity. Finally, it embodies SDG 17b through the spirit of partnership and cooperation between UB and BUTC, as both institutions strengthen their commitment to capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and collective progress in higher education.
By aligning their benchmarking goals with these global objectives, UB and BUTC reaffirm their dedication to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education while advancing sustainable academic development.
