In pursuit of capturing the best practices of quality educational development of different higher education institutions, the personnel of the academic affairs cluster from offices of the library, registrar, student affairs, sports, gender and development, quality assurance, and alumni joined in the benchmarking activity to Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), and Bohol Island State University (BISU) on July 16-22, 2023.
The group was warmly welcomed by Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) President Dr. Norberto C. Olivades and his administrative officials at their Balay Alumni Hall. The formal meeting was fruitful as its key officials presented its best practices, and it was followed by an open forum highlighting its takeaways from the best practices presented. The Activity in PIT ended with a campus tour showing their best infrastructure and equipment.
Prof. Jimmy Salamida, the Dean of the College of Aquatic and Applied Life Sciences, warmly accommodated the CBSUA delegates in SLSU – Bontoc Campus on behalf of their University President, Dr. Jude A. Duarte. Prof. Salamida highlighted how SLSU – Bontoc Campus had developed extension collaborations in the Province of Southern Leyte and beyond by spearheading various livelihood and environmental protection programs in partnership with DSWD and other non-government organizations. The exchange of ideas was concluded through a tour of their fishery hatchery and other facilities.
The group was welcomed in the BISU by Prof. Shiela Marie Ranque, Director of the Instructional Materials Development Center, and Dr. Arceli M. Hernando, Vice President for Administrative and Finance at the College of Medicine Hall, on behalf of their University President, Dr. Anthony Penaso. Prof. Ranque showcased their 100% passing rate in the BEED program for first-takers because of their strict student admission and retention policies, strong faculty development, and student support services.
The significant takeaways from this activity focus on admission, student support programs, and infrastructure. The admission process is vital in screening and selecting the most deserving students for free higher education. Student support programs such as engaging students in an outcome-based education and providing quality library resources and services largely contribute to students’ success. State-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure contributed to embarking competencies students need for taking board exams and excelling in their profession.
