Written By: Japhet Perez and Kristine Padong, SBAA Interns Photos by Linkages Office/Gabriel Madriaga
The University of Baguio (UB) convened its 3rd Quarter Management Review on April 16, 2026, at the Centennial Hall, marking a pivotal step in the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with global quality standards. The review served as a critical platform for evaluating the effectiveness of institutional strategies, ensuring that key performance indicators and quality objectives remain on track in preparation for upcoming internal and external assessments.
The event gathered a total of 46 participants, comprising 21 male and 25 female attendees, including members of the Executive Committee – President, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Vice President for Administration (VPA), and Vice President for Finance (VPF) – Deans, Principals, Directors, Executive Secretaries, and Quality Assurance Office (QAO) Staff. Throughout the session, participants engaged in comprehensive, evidence-based discussions of the consolidated SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and TOWS analysis from each of the three Councils covering academic performance, operational efficiency, student services, research initiatives, and stakeholder feedback.
Key agenda items also included the review of internal and external audit findings from August 2024 to March 2026, and Bar and Board Examination Results from March 2025 to March 2026. ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Tier 3 Institutional Assessment Criteria 1 to 15 was also shared by QAO Director Dr. Kareen B. Leon and VPAA Dr. Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan. The collaborative exchange of feedback, insights, and data-driven recommendations reinforced UB’s culture of accountability, informed decision-making, and proactive quality management, ensuring that the institution remains responsive to evolving educational demands and continues to deliver excellence in its programs and services.
The core of the review focused on consolidated SWOT and TOWS analysis. This participative process allowed each council to share insights on current operational conditions and future institutional shifts:
- Academic Council: Led by School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) Dean John Balanquit, the session began with a foundational overview of the SWOT/TOWS process to ensure a shared analytical framework. Dr. Balanquit then proceeded to share the SWOT and TOWS of the Academic Council.
- Administration Council: Risk Management Office (RMO) Director Julia Florendo presented the consolidated results, focusing on administrative efficiency and resource optimization.
- Finance Council: Procurement Director Myles Flores detailed the financial health and strategic fiscal planning of the university.
These presentations facilitated a robust feedback session where the EXECOM and academic leaders exchanged feedback to align council-level goals with the university’s broader mission.
A significant portion of the review was dedicated to quality assurance and international benchmarks.
For ISO 21001:2018 Readiness, QAO Administrative Assistant Ms. Lenilyn Malicdem provided a comprehensive update on the university’s current standing on ISO compliance, both internal and external, for the years 2024, 2025, and Internal Audit in 2026.
The review also looked into one of the important UB outcomes, the Bar and Board exam trends for March 2025 to March 2026, ensuring that UB’s curriculum remains responsive to professional licensure demands.
Regarding AUN-QA Integration, the QAO Director, Dr. Leon, alongside the VPAA/Educational Organization Management Representative (EOMR), Dr. Lonogan, led a session on AUN-QA Tier 3 highlights, sharing critical insights from recent training to elevate the university’s program-level quality assurance (QA) to institutional level (QA) using international standards.
The 3rd Quarter Management Review serves as a primary vehicle for UB’s alignment with global sustainability standards. The discussions and outcomes of the session directly contribute to the following goals:
SDG 4: Quality Education. Through the SWOT/TOWS analysis, ISO 21001:2018 readiness report, the Bar and Board exam trends, and the session on AUN-QA Tier 3, the university ensures that its curriculum remains competitive and that its program-level quality assurance meets international benchmarks for student success. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by focusing on professional licensure demands and institutional efficiency, UB supports the development of a highly skilled workforce, contributing to the broader economic growth of the region and the career readiness of its graduates. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The Management Review itself is a testament to UB’s dedication to building an accountable and transparent institution.
By conducting regular internal audits and evidence-based reviews, the university strengthens its governance and institutional stability. And SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, The integration of ISO Readiness and international quality frameworks demonstrates UB’s commitment to collaborative excellence, working with global partners to elevate educational standards.
In his closing remarks, University President Dr. Javier Herminio D. Bautista emphasized the importance of these quarterly reviews in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and proactive management. He underscored that such platforms enable university leaders to make informed, timely decisions grounded in data and collective insights. By identifying “early warning” signals through these regular check-ins, the university is better positioned to address emerging issues before they escalate, strengthen operational efficiency, and ensure that strategic initiatives remain aligned with institutional goals and quality standards. He also highlighted the value of collaboration among academic and administrative leaders in driving continuous improvement across all units.
As UB moves toward the final quarter of the year, the insights gained from this Management Review serve as a strategic roadmap for sustained institutional growth and development. The outcomes of the discussions will guide the refinement of action plans, reinforce quality assurance mechanisms, and support the university’s readiness for upcoming evaluations and accreditations. More importantly, these efforts reaffirm UB’s commitment to delivering responsive, innovative, and student-centered education, ensuring that it remains a leading institution in providing quality education and services in the region.
