Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) officially launched its preparations for Institutional Accreditation with the successful conduct of the Institutional Accreditation Orientation Workshop held on April 28 and 29, 2025 at the WMSU Social Hall.
The activity was organized through the Special Programs and Projects Office (SPPO), led by Dr. Nora M. Ponce, the lead unit spearheading WMSU’s efforts toward institutional accreditation under the guidance of the university administration.
This two-day orientation marks a significant first step as WMSU sets its course toward Institutional Accreditation with the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). While no formal evaluation has taken place yet, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies necessary to prepare for the eventual institutional assessment.
Participants composed of vice presidents, college deans, unit heads, directors, faculty members and administrative personnel attended the workshop. These participants will be instrumental in aligning their respective areas with the quality assurance indicators required for IA.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Sarah Taupan, Director of the Quality Assurance Office emphasized the importance of institutional development and collaboration. “Institutional accreditation is not merely a compliance activity. It is an essential pillar of the university’s Quality Assurance Framework,” she said.
WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing the importance of this orientation as part of the university’s deliberate and sustained quality assurance journey. “Now that only a few of our programs are awaiting accreditation, we believe it is the right time and necessary next step to pursue institutional accreditation,” she stated. “Together, we can achieve this dream and showcase the strength, the heart, and the excellence that define Western Mindanao State University.”
The orientation featured a lineup of expert speakers from AACCUP:
• Dr. Milabel E. Ho, AACCUP Executive Director, discussed “Preparing for the Institutional Accreditation Survey”, offering a broad overview of IA processes and expectations.
• Dr. Maria Glenda O. De Lara, Treasurer and Member of the AACCUP Board of Trustees, presented “The IA Portfolio: Guide to Preparing Documents for the Conduct of the IA”, focusing on documentation and portfolio organization.
• Mr. Dominic T. Martinez, AACCUP IT Officer, provided technical guidance on “Uploading, Digitization, and Presentation of IA Documents”, which addressed the digital requirements for submitting evidence and narratives.
A hands-on workshop session was co-facilitated by Dr. Ho and Dr. De Lara, allowing participants to apply the concepts learned through collaborative exercises.
With the orientation successfully completed, WMSU’s academic and administrative units are now better informed and strategically prepared for the institutional accreditation process. This workshop affirms the university’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and reinforces its position as a top-performing state university in the country. (LMP, PAO)
