Demonstrating its commitment to excellence and a culture of quality, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) joined the 1st Workshop on Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Implementation in the Philippines, held on July 14–16, 2026, at Marikina Polytechnic College, where participating institutions were trained on the ASEAN University Network–Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) IQA Management Toolkit Version 1.3.
The three-day workshop formed part of IQAdvance, a regional capacity-building initiative jointly led by the ASEAN University Network Secretariat, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Higher Education Development, the ASEAN Quality Assurance Network, and the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines. Designed to elevate the standards of Philippine higher education, the program strengthened Internal Quality Assurance systems by equipping university leaders with internationally recognized quality management strategies and practical tools based on the AUN-QA IQA Management Toolkit Version 1.3, empowering institutions to build more resilient, accountable, and globally competitive quality assurance frameworks.
UNP’s participation in the workshop was marked by the presence of its top academic and administrative officials, reflecting the University’s strategic and collaborative approach to institutional quality enhancement. Leading the delegation was University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, joined by Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, Director of the University Research and Development Office; Dr. Eva Marie Avila, Director of the Quality Management Office; Ms. Rizza Cajindos, Director of the University Planning and Development Office; Dr. Luzviminda Relon, Director of the Instruction and Faculty Development Office; Dr. Nelia Verzosa, Dean of the College of Engineering; Ms. Melody Gacita, Dean of the College of Social Work; and Dr. Francis Don Nero, Dean of the College of Nursing.
The workshop featured distinguished experts in quality assurance and higher education from across the ASEAN region. Resource speakers included Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, Center Director of SEAMEO RIHED; Mr. Kora Ratanagosoom, First Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of the AUN Secretariat; Mr. Panupong Sriudom, Executive Assistant Officer (Program Development) of SEAMEO RIHED; Dr. Clarita Carillo of the University of Santo Tomas; Dr. Dawisa Sritanyarat, Deputy Executive Director of the AUN Secretariat; Dr. Ornlatcha Sivarak of Mahidol University; and Dr. Nguyen Huy Phuc of the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.
Dr. Shirley Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), highlighted Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) as a cornerstone of quality higher education. She emphasized that embedding a strong culture of quality enables institutions to elevate governance, improve student learning outcomes, and strengthen their global competitiveness amid the evolving landscape of higher education.
Bringing together more than 200 university presidents, vice presidents, quality assurance and planning directors, QA practitioners, and deans from higher education institutions nationwide, the workshop served as a dynamic platform in advancing quality assurance leadership in Philippine higher education. Through expert-led discussions and collaborative learning sessions, participants strengthened their capacity to design, implement, and sustain robust Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) systems, empowering institutional leaders to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and excellence.
An engaging workshop session transformed the program from a learning forum into a platform for institutional innovation. Guided by the AUN-QA IQA Management Toolkit Version 1.3, participants conducted in-depth analyses of their institutions’ quality assurance systems, pinpointed critical gaps and their root causes, and crafted implementation strategies aligned with their unique organizational contexts. The exercise culminated in the development of customized IQA implementation tools and institution-specific Quality Architectures, equipping participating higher education institutions with practical roadmaps for embedding quality assurance into their governance and operational processes.
More than producing immediate outputs, the workshop laid the groundwork for lasting transformation in Philippine higher education. It aspires to institutionalize sustainable Internal Quality Assurance systems, cultivate data-driven cultures of continuous improvement, strengthen resilient and responsive quality assurance mechanisms, and foster enduring partnerships among higher education institutions through collaborative learning and the exchange of best practices.
For the University of Northern Philippines, participation in this international capacity-building initiative reinforces its pledge to a quality culture that is evidence-based, stakeholder-centered, and globally aligned. The knowledge and strategies gained from the workshop are projected to strengthen the University’s quality management practices, enhance governance and academic distinction, and help improve learners’ educational experiences, develop highly competent graduates, and contribute more to national development and ASEAN regional integration.
As UNP continues its progress toward institutional excellence, its engagement in regional quality assurance initiatives affirms its resolve to embrace international best practices while remaining responsive to the requirements of its stakeholders and the communities it serves.
