Undeterred by inclement weather, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) formally started the Level II Accreditation Survey Visit (ASV) for its Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) and Master of Statistics (MOS) programs on Monday, July 28, 2025. The weeklong online activity forms part of the university’s continuing quality assurance and accreditation efforts to ensure alignment with national standards in graduate education. This initiative reflects UNP’s commitment to sustaining academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement through external validation of its graduate programs.
The opening program was held virtually and drew the presence of university officials, deans, program heads, faculty, and support personnel. Joining them remotely were the assigned accreditors from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), whose presence reinforced the significance of this institutional milestone. The collaboration of internal stakeholders and external evaluators reflects a shared vision of enhancing educational quality and best practices in graduate education delivery.
Leading the accrediting team is Dr. April M. Bagon-Faeldan of Mindoro State University, who serves as the overall coordinator. She is joined by a team of equally distinguished accreditors, each bringing expertise in their respective fields: Prof. Florabel T. Sera Josef of Bulacan State University, Team Leader for MAN; Dr. Janela F. Galac of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Lead Accreditor for MAN; Dr. Ferdinand V. Tamoria of President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Team Leader for MOS; Prof. Ronel A. Baluntang of Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Lead Accreditor for MOS; and Prof. Vilma A. De Guzman of NEUST, who serves as the librarian accreditor. The composition of the accrediting team underscores AACCUP’s commitment to objectivity, excellence, and the application of rigorous standards across multiple areas of evaluation. The wide scope of expertise among the accreditors also allowed for enriching dialogues and technical feedback that challenged UNP to revisit and enhance its own processes and documentation frameworks.
In his welcome message, Dr. Rolando B. Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, underscored that accreditation is a shared institutional responsibility. He emphasized the value of collective participation in ensuring that the university’s academic programs remain relevant, competitive, and student-centered. UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna followed with a message that described the activity as both a mechanism for evaluation and a recognition of the university’s pursuit of excellence and relevance in higher education. The president also acknowledged that while accreditation may require intensive documentation and self-assessment, it ultimately brings out the strengths of the institution and highlights areas that lead to transformative development.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bagon-Faeldan commended the university’s preparation and expressed confidence in a smooth and productive accreditation process. She highlighted the professionalism and organization demonstrated by UNP in meeting the rigorous documentation and evidence requirements. Faculty members of both programs expressed the same optimism, assured that their months of dedicated and collective efforts would lead to successful and meaningful results.
As part of the Level II evaluation, the ASV covers outcomes-based education, instructional quality, research productivity, faculty development, community engagement, student support services, and physical facilities—core elements that define excellence in graduate education at UNP. These areas are evaluated through comprehensive documentary analysis, virtual interviews, and evidence-based assessments. The results of this activity will not only determine the accreditation status of the MAN and MOS programs but also serve as a guide for strategic planning, academic enhancement, and sustained quality in all aspects of program implementation.
Article by Tranny Ilse Tica.
