By Janelle Faulve
Morong, Rizal – The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc. recently held an intensive three-day accreditation training titled “Trends, Updates, and Directions” at the University of Rizal System (URS) Morong Campus, where the event spanned multiple venues including the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Tanghalang Sining (EARTS), Campus Library, and the Audio-Visual Education Center.
The training commenced with a welcoming ceremony at EARTS, featuring welcome remarks from Dr. Nancy Pascual, University President, and an inspiring message emphasizing the critical role of accreditation in enhancing educational quality by Dr. Gregorio Gamboa Jr., Chair/President of AACCUP, Inc.
The morning Session 1 was delivered by Dr. Milabel Ho, who provided an overview of Program Survey Visits (PSV) for Levels 1-4 and Institutional Accreditation Survey Visits. Her discussion laid the groundwork for the subsequent in-depth sessions.
In the afternoon, participants split into specialized break-out groups. Session 2-A, held at the Campus Library, saw Dr. Renelda Nacianceno and Dr. Cecilio Manarpaac guide attendees through preparing relevant documents for PSVs at Levels 1 and 2. Concurrently, Session 2-B at EARTS, led by Dr. Sanjay Claudio, focused on Levels 3 and 4 documentation.
The second day began with the presentation of group outputs. Session 3-A at the Campus Library, facilitated by Dr. Manarpaac and Dr. Nacianceno, showcased Levels 1 and 2 outputs. Meanwhile, Session 3-B at EARTS, facilitated by Dr. Ho and Dr. Claudio, featured Levels 3 and 4 presentations.
The afternoon session at EARTS, Session 4-A, involved a comprehensive discussion on writing summary findings and recommendations, facilitated by Dr. Anthony Penaso and supported by the team of Dr. Manarpaac, Dr. Nacianceno, Dr. Ho, and Dr. Claudio. This session extended into Sessions 4-B and 4-C, which continued the in-depth workshop on crafting effective summary reports.
The final day started with a plenary presentation of selected outputs across all levels, followed by a simulation of the opening and exit meetings facilitated by the core team of Dr. Manarpaac, Dr. Nacianceno, Dr. Ho, and Dr. Claudio.
In the afternoon, Dr. Milabel Ho led a crucial discussion on accreditors’ ethical and professional conduct, underlining the importance of integrity in the accreditation process. Mr. Dominique Martinez, AACCUP IT Officer, then provided a detailed guide on uploading relevant documents for accreditation purposes. The event concluded with a closing program, celebrating the collaborative efforts and successful completion of the training.
This training held at the University of Rizal System underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and its pivotal role in the academic community. By hosting this significant event, URS contributed to the professional development of accreditors and highlighted the University’s dedication to upholding high standards in higher education. This initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the quality of education and institutional effectiveness across the Philippines, ultimately benefiting students, educators, and the broader academic landscape.