Mariano Marcos
State University

CHED-led training strengthens MMSU quality assurance practices

By Criztalene Victorio

To strengthen quality assurance and uphold academic standards, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) participated in a Quality Assurance (QA) training by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on October 16 at the Center for Flexible Learning.

Anchored on the theme, “Strengthening a Culture of Quality through Effective Internal Quality Assurance,” the activity aimed to help university offices and academic units identify areas for improvement and develop practical recommendations to enhance institutional quality assurance.

In her first lecture, Dr. Mildred Libot, Chief of the Education Program Specialist unit, discussed the foundations of institutional quality assurance systems. She emphasized the importance of meeting higher education standards in faculty qualifications, curriculum, facilities, research, extension services, and especially student support.

“For quality assurance, we should not also forget our support to students. We should make time to listen, adopt, and show care to them, not only to elevate our QA standards but also to address what they really need,” Dr. Libot said.

During her second lecture, Dr. Libot also walked participants through developing and sustaining an effective internal quality assurance (IQA) system. She explained how regular performance monitoring, identifying areas for improvement, and using data and feedback can help the university maintain and improve the quality of its programs and services.

After the lectures, focus group discussions were also facilitated to allow participants to exchange valuable insights and knowledge about QA practices.

The activity brought participants HEIs from Region 1 who joined as project team members along with representatives from partner universities including University of the East and Western Mindanao State University.

In her message, MMSU Quality Assurance Director Lawrence Eclarin expressed gratitude to CHED for sharing best QA practices to the university. She emphasized that these will enlighten and improve the university's quality standards. Dr. Eclarin is also the Program leader of the CHED funded project “Scoping Study on Quality Assurance Systems of Philippine Higher Education Institutions.”

Through this training, MMSU will continue to achieve its goal of providing inclusive, quality-assured, and globally relevant education for all.