In a symphony of educational excellence, the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) S.A.M.A.H.A.N. 2023 unfolded at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay from November 21 to 23, 2023. Themed “Sustaining Quality Assurance: Mobilizing Accreditors for Hybrid Assessment in the New Normal,” the conference gathered educators, leaders, and accreditors to delve into the challenges and opportunities of ensuring quality in higher education. Fourteen accreditors from Rizal Technological University, led by the Quality Assurance Director, Dr. Edna P. Conwi, joined the significant gathering.
The conference commenced with participants adorning themselves in Filipiniana or ethnic attire. Dr. Charisma S. Ututalum and Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale, members of the Board of Trustees, took the helm as Officers of the Day. The day unfolded with a series of significant events, with Dr. Milabel E. Ho, Executive Director, elucidating the statement of purpose, followed by a warm welcome and introduction by Dr. Gregorio Z. Gamboa, Jr., AACCUP Chair/President of the Board of Trustees.
The day’s highlight was Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), who served as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. The day concluded with an insightful overview of the accreditation survey visits for 2022–23 and a promising MOU signing between AACCUP and AUN.
Dressed in casual or corporate attire, the second day commenced as Dr. Emily C. Arangote and Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, members of the Board of Trustees, took charge. Sessions on this day delved into crucial topics such as developing a culture of quality assurance internalization, building a framework for accreditation surveys, and working on the revision of AACCUP accreditation survey instruments. Engr. Angelica Cortero-Fraginal and Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela shared their expertise.
The final day dawned with a burst of colors as teams representing different regions or islands of origin showcased their unity. Dr. Maria Glenda O. DeLara and Dr. Suzette B. Lina, members of the Board of Trustees, led the proceedings. The day’s sessions focused on the challenges of developing new accreditation survey instruments, emphasizing the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. The conference concluded on a high note, with accreditor teams from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao showcasing their creativity and critical thinking through songs and dances.
The AACCUP Accreditation Conference 2023 left an indelible mark, symbolizing a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in higher education. As the curtains fell, educators and accreditors were left inspired and empowered, ready to shape the future of quality assurance in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.