The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) Region I conducted an onsite evaluation at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) on July 3, 2025, for the proposed Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education (BCAED) program under the College of Teacher Education (CTE).
The RQAT assessment aimed to determine whether the University meets CHED’s minimum requirements, including the presence of qualified faculty, a curriculum aligned with national standards, adequate instructional and learning resources, and the institutional capacity to implement and sustain the program. A positive result of the evaluation is required for the issuance of the COPC.
The visit was part of the University’s application for a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC), a requirement before any new academic program may be officially offered. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 82, series of 2017, which outlines the policies, standards, and guidelines for the BCAED program.
Dr. Cherrel Ignacio and Ms. Fe Erlinda Ibalio conducted a comprehensive review of the University’s compliance with CHED standards. University officials, including vice presidents and administrative heads, warmly welcomed the evaluators.
CTE Dean Dr. Ma. Theresa Susan Manzano, along with the BCAED faculty and staff, presented the College’s preparations with pride and enthusiasm. The visit highlighted UNP’s efforts to broaden its academic programs by developing culturally grounded and competent educators who will promote and preserve Philippine culture and the arts in basic education.
Following the evaluation, the RQAT team commended the University for satisfactorily meeting the required standards, including the presence of qualified faculty, a CHED-aligned curriculum, appropriate facilities, and sufficient learning resources—and praised its commitment to quality teacher education and cultural preservation. They also offered constructive suggestions to further enhance the program’s implementation and long-term sustainability. With this positive outcome, UNP now looks forward to the official issuance of the COPC and the formal launch of the Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education program in the coming academic year.
Article by Tranny Ilse Tica, Documented by Lilibeth Pizarro, Leslie Rojas and Regina Tobia
