Written by Kate Jamaica Nanao and Katrine Dumling
The University of Baguio (UB) warmly welcomed the delegation from Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Incorporated (VMUF) on August 14, 2025, at the UB Management Conference Room (MCR) for a meaningful benchmarking. The engagement aimed to strengthen institutional excellence and performance through the exchange of best practices in quality education, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
Organized by UB’s Quality Assurance Office (QAO) team, the activity brought together 18 academic and administrative leaders as well as key staff from both institutions – nine from VMUF and nine from UB. The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), followed by the introduction of UB representatives. VMUF also presented its academic initiatives and introduced its representatives through Dr. Dulce Marie B. Solis, who also delivered a short message of gratitude, while UB’s QAO team, led by its Director Dr. Kareen B. Leon, showcased through an audio-visual presentation the university’s ISO-aligned systems, governance processes, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The VMUF delegation was as follows: Dr. Dulce Marie B. Solis – Dean, College of Education; Dr. Rizalyn M. Kolman – Manager, ITSO (Research & Innovation Office); Dr. Ma. Mildred L. De Vera – Dean, College of Dentistry; Dr. Mary Ann Molina Solis – Program Coordinator, Radiologic Technology; Dr. Carol L. Castillo – University Librarian; Dr. Efren Y. Ignacio – System Administrator; Ms. Maria Theresa R. Aguilan – Dean, College of Nursing; Ms. Edelburga B. Macaraeg – Dean, College of Physical Therapy; and, Ms. Emerita A. Rarangol – Finance Manager, Business Office.
Before the guided campus tour, Ms. Melanie R. Saro, Director of the Linkages Office (LNK), provided additional insights on UB’s strategic partnerships and how these collaborations contribute to the university’s continued growth and adaptability in a changing educational landscape. This was followed by an engaging discussion and question-and-answer session, where representatives from both institutions exchanged ideas, sought clarifications, and explored possibilities for collaboration.
The main topic revolved around the processes through which UB achieved ISO 21001:2018 certification, one of the key items mentioned in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order (CMO) that autonomous institutions or those aspiring to be one, must have.
The University of Baguio (UB) is among the private higher education institutions (HEIs) granted autonomous status by the CHED. This distinction affirms UB’s commitment to academic excellence, quality assurance, and institutional innovation. Along with this recognition comes a broad range of privileges that empower the University to exercise greater academic and administrative freedom.
As an autonomous institution, the University of Baguio is in a position to extend meaningful support to other higher education institutions that are still working toward the same distinction. Guided by the principles of collaboration and capacity-building, this can be done by sharing best practices in governance, quality assurance, and program development; providing mentorship in curriculum innovation and research initiatives; fostering collaborations in faculty and student exchanges; and creating opportunities for international linkages and community engagement. By maximizing its academic freedom and access to CHED programs and incentives, UB can contribute to building capacities, strengthening institutional systems, and promoting a culture of excellence across the higher education landscape.
After the meaningful exchange of ideas, the VMUF delegation was ushered to UB’s selected schools and key facilities, including the School of Dentistry (SD), School of Nursing (SN), School of Natural Sciences (SNS), the Centennial Library, Management Information System (MIS), Accountant’s Office, Research Innovation Extension and Community Outreach (RIECO) and various laboratories. The tour highlighted UB’s investments in modern infrastructure, advanced learning resources, and comprehensive student support systems.
Discussions resumed over lunch, where participants continued to share insights, reflect on the day’s learnings, and identify concrete next steps for partnership. The visit concluded with a wrap-up session that summarized the exchange’s key takeaways and reinforced the commitment of both institutions to work together in advancing educational excellence.
This benchmarking activity aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which advocates for inclusive and sustainable economic progress, productive employment, and decent work for all. By sharing institutional best practices in academic governance, quality assurance, and resource management, both UB and VMUF are investing in the development of highly skilled graduates who are prepared to meet the demands of today’s labor market. Strengthening teaching quality, modernizing facilities, and enhancing operational efficiency directly contributes to building a competitive, adaptable workforce. Furthermore, the exchange fosters innovation, expands professional opportunities, and promotes productivity, key components in driving economic progress while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
The benchmarking visit between the UB and VMUF demonstrated how collaboration can drive institutional improvement and contribute to broader societal goals. Through open dialogue, shared strategies, and a commitment to continuous development, both institutions strengthened their capacity to produce competent professionals ready to meet evolving industry needs. In doing so, the activity not only elevated the quality of education but also advanced the objectives of SDG 8, ensuring that progress in higher education translates into opportunities for decent work, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. The collaboration stands as a testament to the power of academic partnerships in shaping future-ready institutions and graduates, reaffirming that through shared vision and collective effort, universities can play a transformative role in national development and global progress.
