July 30 – August 1, 2025, DEBESMSCAT proudly participated in a transformative event titled “Strengthening the Quality Assurance of Teacher Education Programs in the Philippines Through International Partnership and Collaboration: A Harmonization Workshop Between AACCUP and ATQA,” held at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City. This milestone gathering, organized by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) in collaboration with the AsTEN Teacher Education Quality Assurance Agency (ATQA), marked a critical turning point in elevating teacher education quality and aligning it with international benchmarks.
The partnership between AACCUP and ATQA represents a bold step forward for Philippine education. ATQA, known for its globally recognized quality assurance frameworks, is set to significantly bolster AACCUP’s local accreditation systems. By harmonizing these standards, the collaboration aims to improve the rigor, relevance, and global competitiveness of teacher education programs across the country.
This strategic move underscores the Philippine education sector’s commitment to raising its academic credentials, producing graduates who are not just nationally capable but also internationally competent.
The three-day harmonization workshop served as the platform to align Philippine accreditation practices with international standards. Educational leaders, policymakers, and accreditation professionals convened to:
- Discuss best practices in curriculum design and assessment
- Integrate international quality assurance principles into local systems
- Develop frameworks for sustained institutional improvement
Held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, the workshop highlighted the increasing importance of global collaboration in shaping educational policies and standards. It showcased how strategic international partnerships can bridge quality gaps in teacher preparation.
DEBESMSCAT demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to quality education through active participation in the event. The delegation was led by Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, SUC President III, Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Raiza M. Padasas, Dean of the College of Education, Ms. Iris B. Castillo, Cawayan Campus Director. This highly engaged team contributed meaningful insights during workshops and strategy sessions. Their participation reaffirmed DEBESMCAT’s role in shaping the future of teacher education and its dedication to raising institutional standards in line with international benchmarks.
The collaboration between AACCUP and ATQA is poised to yield far-reaching benefits for teacher education in the Philippines, including:
- Enhanced Accreditation Standards: The integration of ATQA’s expertise will lead to more comprehensive and outcome-based accreditation processes.
- Innovative Curriculum Development: Programs will incorporate globally validated pedagogical strategies and assessment tools.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Educators will gain access to international seminars, training programs, and best practices in instruction.
- Greater Global Competitiveness: Teachers trained under these upgraded standards will be better equipped to meet the demands of both local and international educational systems.
This partnership sets the stage for transformative, long-term improvements in the Philippine education sector. With enhanced institutional capacity and improved training standards, the country is set to produce:
- A more globally competitive teaching force
- Institutions that adhere to international quality benchmarks
- Students who are better prepared for the challenges of the 21st-century global landscape
DEBESMSCAT’s participation in the AACCUP‑ATQA harmonization workshop signals more than institutional involvement — it marks a firm commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and international collaboration. As Philippine teacher education enters a new era of quality assurance, DebesmsCAT stands at the forefront, ready to lead and contribute to a stronger, future-ready education system. DEBES-PIO
Ladies and gentlemen,
