CHED Chairperson leads Day 2 of AUN-QA IQA workshop; DEBESMSCAT strengthens internal quality assurance planning

The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) continued its active participation in the 1st Workshop on University’s Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Implementation in the Philippines Utilizing the AUN-QA IQA Management Toolkit Version 1.3, as the second day of the training featured key policy discussions led by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis at Marikina Polytechnic College.

Chairperson Agrupis delivered a keynote session on “Introduction to the Philippine Higher Education Ecosystem and the Local Context,” highlighting the evolving landscape of Philippine higher education and emphasizing the importance of institutional quality assurance systems in advancing academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness among higher education institutions.

The second day also focused on the remaining four building blocks of the AUN-QA IQA Management Toolkit Version 1.3, completing the discussion of the framework designed to help higher education institutions establish and sustain effective Internal Quality Assurance systems.

In the workshop proper, DEBESMSCAT delegates joined participants from state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide in a comprehensive planning exercise. Working with assigned imaginary university scenarios prepared by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), participants collaboratively developed institutional Internal Quality Assurance implementation plans, applying the concepts and strategies discussed throughout the sessions.

The activity provided participants with practical experience in designing quality assurance frameworks that align with the AUN-QA standards, reinforcing the role of strategic planning and continuous quality improvement in achieving institutional excellence.