Representatives from Rizal Technological University (RTU) joined accreditors and educational leaders from across the Philippines at the AACCUP Bayanihan 2024 conference, held from November 6-8 at the ICON Center, Cavite State University, in Indang, Cavite. Themed “Moving Together toward Accreditation 4.0 to Advance Quality Assurance in the Digital Age,” this year’s event focused on innovative digital practices and collaborative strategies for enhancing accreditation processes in higher education.

RTU’s delegation included Dr. Milany M. Averilla, Dr. Edna P. Conwi, Dr. Jeremias Buraga, Asst. Prof. John Eric O. Estrellado, and Dr. Madonna M. Singuian. Known for their expertise in quality assurance, the RTU team actively engaged with peers and thought leaders to explore how digital tools and practices are transforming educational standards.

The event began with a welcome ceremony led by the Cavite State University Cadets and AACCUP Secretariat. Mr. John Xavier B. Nepomuceno, OIC-President of Cavite State University, and Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, AACCUP Chair and President of Bohol Island State University, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the conference’s role in fostering connections across institutions to enhance educational quality.

Dr. Milabel E. Ho, AACCUP Executive Director, presented the conference’s purpose. Following this, Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, delivered a session on the How’s and Why’s of Accreditation 4.0, where she underscored the necessity of flexible and forward-thinking accreditation frameworks that can adapt to the demands of digital education.

Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Executive Director of TVUP and former Chancellor of the UP Open University (UPOU), discussed Education 4.0 and its Impact on Accreditation. Adding to this, Asso. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobs, Deputy Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network, addressed the critical role of technological infrastructure in achieving quality assurance in the region’s educational institutions.

National initiatives to meet the requirements of Accreditation 4.0 were presented by Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Director of the Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG) at the Commission on Higher Education. 

On the second day, the focus shifted to internalization, internationalization and the sharing of best practices. Prominent speakers included Engr. Angelica C. Fraginal, Managing Director of ACF Consultancy and Training Services; Mr. Gerric Gomez, former Dean at the University of Southeastern Philippines; Dr. Bert J. Tuga, President of Philippine Normal University; and Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, President of West Visayas State University. They each shared valuable insights into global standards and their practical applications in a Philippine context.

On the third day of the conference, participants learned topics that support the well-being of accreditors in their demanding roles, focusing on Managing Stress, Mindfulness, and Socialization in Accreditation. This segment was led by Dr. Ma. Cecilia C. Cuaresma, former Dean of the College of Medicine at Western Mindanao State University.

Reflecting on the event, Asst. Prof. Estrellado remarked, “This conference has equipped us with invaluable knowledge and tools to further elevate our quality assurance practices. We’re eager to implement these learnings at RTU as we work toward fostering excellence and innovation in our academic programs.”

RTU’s participation in the AACCUP Bayanihan 2024 Conference demonstrates its commitment to leading quality assurance efforts within Philippine higher education particularly SUCs, leveraging new technologies and methodologies to ensure RTU remains at the forefront of academic excellence in the Digital Age.