In a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, Rizal Technology University – Quality Assurance Office (QAO) hosted an on-site validation visit by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). The rigorous three-day online program review, held from January 24-26, 2024, laid the foundation for the subsequent site visitation on January 30.
The lone visiting AACCUP Accreditor, Dr. Agnes D. Arellano, hailing from Batangas State University, brought a wealth of experience to the evaluation process. Dr. Arellano, who is also part of the 16-member panel and team leaders, focused her attention on scrutinizing the compliance report presented during the online review. The meticulous examination involved engaging with Deans, Program Heads, and faculty members across various colleges.
The campus tour included visits to the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), where Dr. Arellano, accompanied by CEA Dean, Dr. Corleto Bravo, explored the facilities, faculty offices, and classrooms. CEA programs, namely Industrial Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, underwent arduous reviews. Similar inspections were conducted in the College of Education, with its College Dean, Dr. Wendelyn Samarita, guiding the accreditors through various academic spaces.
One of the highlights of the visit was the scrutiny of the BS Psychology Program within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), led by College Dean Dr. Rodrigo DP Tomas. The AACCUP team delved into the program’s intricacies, assessing laboratories and interacting with faculty to gauge the program’s effectiveness.
Notably, the Research and Development Office, under the guidance of Director Assoc. Prof. Ryan Manuel Guido, received attention, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering research initiatives. The College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA) also underwent a thorough evaluation, with Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, College Dean and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA), hosting the accreditation team and showcasing the BSBA Marketing Management and BS Entrepreneurship programs.
Assoc. Prof. Romelyn Zipagan, from the Curriculum and Instructional Development Office, provided insights into the university’s continuous efforts to evaluate and enhance the curriculum and instructional strategies.
In a courtesy visit, Dr. Arellano met with University President Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, underlining the collaborative approach between accrediting bodies and institutional leadership. Additionally, Dr. Arellano visited the Vice President for Finance and Administration Office (VPFA) with Dr. Rodolfo L. Ducut.
The validation visit was coordinated by RTU QAO led by Dr. Edna P. Conwi, along with Admin Officer Ma. Lourdes Austria and Dr. Salvacion J. Pachejo, Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance, and Strategic Initiatives (VPPQASI), reflect the university’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of education it provides.
As the AACCUP On-Site Validation Visit concludes, RTU looks forward to further strengthening its academic programs and maintaining its position as a beacon of educational excellence in the country.