ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Higher education leaders and quality assurance experts from the Philippines and Southeast Asia gathered at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 for the opening of the 3rd Workshop on University’s Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Implementation in the Philippines, utilizing the AUN-QA IQA Management Toolkit Version 1.3.
The Day 1 of the workshop brought together representatives from the ASEAN Quality Assurance Network (AQAN), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (SEAMEO RIHED), ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat, the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (AACCUP), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and host institution WMSU. Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) also participated through a delegation led by University President Atty. Cyrus E. Torrena, DPA, MNSA.
The opening program featured formal ceremonies and welcome messages from Dr. Milabel E. Ho, President of AQAN; Dr. Maria Carla A. Ochotorena, President of WMSU; Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, Chair/President of AACCUP; Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, Centre Director of SEAMEO RIHED; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Executive Director of the AUN Secretariat.
CHED Chairperson Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis delivered the keynote presentation, “Higher Education Eco-System of the Philippines and Getting to Know More About the Local Context,” highlighting the Philippine higher education landscape and the importance of understanding local contexts in advancing quality assurance.
Alongside the workshop, SUC presidents and participating higher education leaders also took part in a high-level dialogue with Chairperson Agrupis featuring Project BALAY, or “Bridging Access to Learning: Investing in the Futures of Philippine Higher Education.” The initiative highlights strategic collaboration between CHED and PAG-IBIG Fund toward expanding housing and learning facilities for students and faculty in State Universities and Colleges.
The technical sessions then shifted to the foundations and practical application of IQA. Representatives from SEAMEO RIHED and the AUN Secretariat discussed common challenges encountered in institutional and programme assessments, while Prof. Dr. Clarita D. Carillo of the University of Santo Tomas presented “Clear Mirror, Constant Change: Reflections on Continuing Quality Journey.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dawisa Sritanyarat, Deputy Executive Director of AUN, introduced the AUN-QA IQA Management Toolkit Version 1.3, providing participants with an overview of its framework and application in strengthening institutional quality assurance systems.
The afternoon sessions focused on the toolkit’s building blocks. Prof. Dr. Carillo led the discussions on Building Blocks 1 and 2, followed by a session on Building Block 3 presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Ornlatcha Sivarak of Mahidol University and Building Block 4 presented by Dr. Nguyen Huy Phuc of the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City. Participants also engaged in interactive mini-activities designed to translate the concepts into practical IQA applications.
The Day 1 sessions concluded with a synthesis of key discussions, practical activities, and announcements for the succeeding workshop sessions. The IQAdvance workshop continues to provide a platform for higher education institutions to deepen their understanding and implementation of effective Internal Quality Assurance mechanisms.
The activity contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening systems that support quality and continuous improvement in higher education, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among higher education institutions, quality assurance bodies, and regional organizations.
