The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Quality Assurance Office (QAO) conducted the 6th Batch of Pre-External Quality Review (EQR) Program Chair Orientation on 19 February 2026. This orientation is part of its continuing preparations for the upcoming program assessments under the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) framework.
The online orientation gathered the Program Chairs of four academic programs: the Associate in Arts (AA) program led by Asst. Prof. Joel L. De Castro; the Bachelor of Education Studies (BES) program led by Asst. Prof. Kimberly P. Florendo; the Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management (MENRM) program led by Asst. Prof. Karl Abelard Edberto L. Villegas; and the Master of International Health (MIH) program headed by Prof. Myra D. Oruga.
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The AA, MENRM, MIH and BES Program Chairs, and the QAO Director, together with the QA Project Staff, attend the Pre-EQA Orientation 2026 via Zoom Meeting.
The session was facilitated by Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, QAO Director. She provided a comprehensive overview of the EQR process, outlining key timelines, required templates, and the overall review cycle, from Pre-EQR preparations to the actual site visit and Post-EQR reporting. The discussion emphasized the importance of evidence-based reporting, alignment of programme outcomes with AUN-QA criteria, and early organization of supporting documents.
The orientation also served as a strategic platform for clarifying the roles of Program Chairs in leading their respective Self-Assessment Report (SAR) Writing Teams. Participants were guided on planning internal timelines, identifying relevant data sources, and ensuring evidence-based SAR output.
For the AA program under the 5th Batch, the discussion focused on immediate preparatory actions, such as finalizing the SAR outline, consolidating evidence, and setting internal deadlines. Through this initiative, UPOU reaffirmed its institutional commitment to continuous quality enhancement and academic excellence, equipping its programme leaders with the necessary guidance and direction for a successful External Quality Review.
Written by Erhiela Janelle N. Camalate| Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas
