Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — Marinduque State College conducted an In-House Training on Levels 3 & 4 Program Accreditation for faculty members from various colleges and administrative personnel from support offices on June 10-11, 2024 at the MSC Gymnasium, Boac, Marinduque.

The activity was hosted and organized by the Office of the Internal Quality Assurance Office headed by Dr. Menandro Merlin with full support from PDPZ and the whole administration.

Highlights of the activity. (Photos by C. Olores/OMIA)

Campus Dir. Julie P. Rodelas eagerly welcomed the participants from different colleges and campuses and administrative departments. Then, an official message was delivered by SUC President III, Prof. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, highlighting that such training would lead to more glocalized programs that would uplift the status of MSC becoming a full-fledged university.

For the rationale of the training, IQA Director, Dr. Menandro Merlin, highlighted the important role and benefits of accreditation as a mechanism of continuous improvement that ensures the overall quality and credibility of education provided by MarSU.

Then, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Asst. Prof. Raoul J. Magcamit introduced the distinguished resource speaker from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Dr. Sanjay P. Claudio, Professor 6, and the current Director of the PUP Quality Assurance Center.

During the morning session, Dr. Sanjay P. Claudio led the MSC community through the quality assurance journey of PUP, highlighting the importance of knowing the “why” behind the conduct of quality assurance mechanisms such as the program accreditation, that it must always be grounded on the shared values of the institution and must be reflected through the outcomes showcased in the accreditation process and documents. In his lecture, he emphasized that in preparing the required documents for Level 3 and 4 program accreditations, the importance of carefully preparing and curating the contents of the narrative profile, the compliance report, and the accreditation site should be well planned. He noted that faculty members who are tasked to prepare the documents need not stick solely to the guidelines but must also innovate to go above and beyond showcasing the total package of the programs.

In the afternoon session, he clarified the salient points that accreditors expect from documents and presentations during accreditation. He emphasized the importance of writing compelling narrative reports and compliance reports about the program and the value of showcasing real-life examples that attest to the impact of the program being accredited.

Day 2 of the in-house training course highlighted the review of criteria and standards for Level IV AACCUP program accreditation facilitated by the distinguished resource speaker, Dr. Sanjay P. Claudio. His discussion focused on the five areas being evaluated anchored to the working checklist, emphasizing that programs applied for Level IV accreditation must meet the standards for the level. Meanwhile, he also stressed that those programs that already have reached Level IV shall be reviewed through a regular survey visit (cycle 2 evaluation), which will be held within 3-5 years to re-assess their accreditation standing. A reminder was also pointed out that if a program fails to be reviewed at the end of the five years, it may lose its Level IV status and be downgraded to Level III.

Following the lecture was the awarding of a plaque of appreciation presented by the MSC IQA Director, Dr. Menandro M. Merlin, in grateful recognition of the time and expertise extended by the esteemed resource speaker whose invaluable contribution made the training meaningful.

The two-day training concluded with a Traditional “Putong” rendered by the MSC officials and faculty members as a form of warm welcome to the esteemed guest from PUP.

This in-house training course initiative shall be instrumental in MSC’s continuous commitment to achieving Level IV status among its academic programs.

(Cherie Ann M. Luna/Nikka Mae J. Adling/Desiree Anne M. Sto. Domingo/Carmelo A. Olores)