The University of Northern Philippines reinforced its commitment to academic excellence and regulatory compliance as the Professional Regulatory Board for Medical Technology (PRBMT), together with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Regional Office I, conducted a comprehensive monitoring and inspection of the University’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) program on July 24, 2026.
The evaluation was carried out by a distinguished monitoring team composed of Hon. Marilyn Cabal-Barza, Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Technology; Hon. Leila Lany Florento, PRBMT Member; and Ms. Sushmita May Biason, Senior Professional Regulations Officer of the PRC Regional Office I. Guided by the provisions of Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 13, series of 2017, the team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the University’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) program, examining its compliance with the prescribed policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure the continued delivery of quality medical laboratory science education.
The inspection covered both documentary validation and physical inspection of the University’s instructional facilities. The evaluators undertook an ocular visit of the BSMLS laboratory rooms, classrooms, simulation laboratories, library facilities, and the Central Laboratory Office. They also examined the adequacy of laboratory equipment, instructional resources, and learning environments supporting the delivery of the BSMLS curriculum.
In addition to the physical inspection, the PRBMT validated the University’s compliance with academic requirements, including faculty qualifications, teaching assignments, instructional workload, and scholarly outputs that support the professional education and competency development of BSMLS students. Documentary exhibits on curriculum implementation, instruction, research, and quality assurance mechanisms were likewise reviewed.
One of the notable outcomes of the monitoring was the Board’s commendation of the University’s enhanced curriculum, particularly the incorporation of pre-internship activities into its CHED contents noted curriculum. The evaluators recognized the initiative as a significant enhancement to the professional preparation of BSMLS students, allowing them to undergo competency-based simulation and skills training before their deployment to CHED-accredited training hospitals for their one (1) year Clinical Internship. The Board acknowledged that these pre-internship activities strengthen students’ technical competence, confidence, and readiness for clinical internship, thereby promoting better learning outcomes and professional practice.
The monitoring team also emphasized the importance of continuously sustaining curriculum innovations, faculty development, and quality assurance initiatives to ensure that the BSMLS Program remains responsive to the evolving demands of the Medical Laboratory Science profession.
The PRBMT delegation was accorded a warm reception by Dr. Joussie Bermio, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, together with Fr. Alfredo Corpuz, Assistant Dean, Mr. Ace Danielle Avero, BSMLS Program Head, BSMLS faculty members, and students. In her welcome message, Dr. Bermio emphasized that regulatory monitoring plays a pivotal role in sustaining academic excellence and promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement. She noted that the assessment provides the University with valuable opportunities to strengthen its academic delivery, enhance laboratory and clinical training, and ensure that graduates are equipped with the competencies and professional standards expected of future medical laboratory scientists.
The successful conduct of the monitoring and inspection reflects the University’s continuing pursuit of topnotch instruction, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement. Through sustained collaboration among administrators, faculty members, students, and institutional partners, the BSMLS Program remains committed to produce competent, ethical, and globally competitive Medical Laboratory Scientists equipped to serve the healthcare needs of the nation.
Article by Ace Danielle C. Avero. Photo by Mark Paul Siazon
