In line with its relentless efforts and steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of education as well as its continuous pursuit of improved system and services, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) is currently undergoing a five-day Preliminary Survey Visit AACCUP Online Program Accreditation for its six (6) academic programs under SorSU – Graduate School and SorSU – Sorsogon City Campus by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), headed by Dr. Nestor C. Sedanza (Coordinator, AACCUP, Inc. Team ), from March 18-22, 2024, via hybrid mode at the SorSU Boardroom (for in-person) and online through Zoom Meeting.
The six program offerings under evaluation are comprised of Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education, and Master of Arts in Teaching – Technology Education with Specialization in Food and Service Management and Specialization in Electrical Technology from Graduate School, as well as Bachelor of Physical Education, Bachelor in Culture and Arts Education, and Bachelor in Special Needs Education from Sorsogon City Campus.
The five-day activity officially commenced the event with the welcome remarks of SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, through a video presentation, wherein SorSU President De Jesus expressed her warm greetings to the esteemed AACCUP team and extended her appreciation to the Office of the Quality Assurance under the leadership of Dr. Jenet B. Fuentes (Director, QA) and Dr. Errol G. De Castro (Head, QA Program & Institutional Accreditation), the Accreditation Task Force, and Working Committees.
She added, ““Through the accreditation process, we are able to identify critical areas that need further development. In the past years, the various programs offered by our institution were evaluated and have now achieved high levels. Now, AACCUP will conduct preliminary survey on Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education; Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education; and Master of Arts in Teaching as well as Bachelor of Physical Education, Culture and Arts Education, and Special Needs Education programs. These require us to cooperate so that these programs and the university will improve and adapt to the contemporary demands of our society.”
“As an institution, we have to sustain our growth and live up to the expectations of our stakeholders by fulfilling our mandates. And with the help of AACCUP and through the collective effort of our administration, faculty, and staff, we shall meet this challenge and work together towards the advancement and realization of our Pamantasang May Puso.”
Afterward, the Presentation of University Key Officials & Unit Heads by Dr. Leny D. Berdin (Chief Administrative Officer V), Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (Vice President for Academic Affairs), and Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension followed via audiovisual presentation.
Meanwhile, the Presentations of Campus Officials & Task Force Presentations of Campus Officials & Task Force were respectively delivered by Dr. Errol G. De Castro (Head, QA Program & Institutional Accreditation & Program Chair, DPA/MAM-PA), on behalf of Dr. Susan S. Janer (Dean, Graduate School), and Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, Sorsogon City Campus).
Moreover, Dr. Nestor C. Sedanza (Coordinator, AACCUP, Inc. Team), from Leyte Normal University, provided the Statement of Purpose and Overview of the event as well as introduced the Panel of AACCUP Accreditors, highlighting that the accreditation is the catalyst and gatekeeper of quality assurance and the prime commodity of AACCUP as it is in other agencies in the education enterprise.
“Over time, this process has been considered and commonly accepted as an integrative institution-wide effort and comprehensive paradigm to assure quality in educational institutions, especially in the tertiary level.”
“If an institution claims or aspires to be an effective service provider, quality control should be integral to its operations and services. The institution should take the initiative and establish a sound monitoring system to make sure the process works and produce[s] outcomes.”
Headed by Dr. Sedanza (AACCUP Coordinator), the AACCUP, Inc. Team is composed by Dr. Joy C. Corres (Lead Accreditor) for PhD Mathematics, Dr. Collin Garrido (Lead Accreditor) for PhD Language Education), and Prof. Francis F. Aranaz (Lead Accreditor) for MAT FSM and Electrical Technology, while under Sorsogon City Campus program included Dr. Helen M. Espartero (Lead Accreditor) for BPED, Dr. Teejay D. Panganiban (Lead Accreditor) for BCAED, and Dr. James O. Oyando (Lead Accreditor) for BSNED.
Subsequently, the Orientation Meeting on the Accreditation and Validation Activities by the AACCUP Coordinator took place following the opening program. The five-day program accreditation also features the Perusal of Documents and/or Evaluation, Campus Tour to Physical Facilities, Evaluation and Validation Activities, and Exit Conference, among others. (SorSU PIO)
