(From top to bottom: Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, QAO Director, Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean D. Saludadez, MAS Program Chair, and Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, FMDS Dean and MSW Program Chair, during the QAlity Time for the 5th EQR.)
The Quality Assurance Office (QAO), successfully conducted a QAlity Time session on 2 and 3 June 2026, in preparation for the 5th External Quality Review (EQR) of the Master of ASEAN Studies (MAS) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs under the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS). The activity served as a coordination and planning session to guide program teams in completing the requirements and preparations necessary for the upcoming external review.
The session was attended by Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, FMDS Dean and MSW Program Chair, Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean D. Saludadez, MAS Program Chair, and FMDS Staff members, Ms. Irish Jaece Micosa, Ms. Dina Mae Rejano, Ms. Michaela Dorothy Castro, and Ms. Dixie Ann Diamante, who actively participated in the discussions and planning activities.
The QAO and FMDS staff members during the QAlity time for 5th EQR of MSW and MAS programs.
Together with the QAO team spearheaded by Director Ria Valerie Cabanes, participants discussed key EQR deliverables, timelines, and immediate action items. Topics included the EQR itinerary, guidebook, program introductory video requirements, budget preparation, stakeholder invitations, and other program-specific tasks necessary for the conduct of the review. Participants were also oriented on the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of review activities.
The QAlity Time session provided an opportunity for the program teams to clarify concerns and coordinate preparations for engagements with external reviewers, faculty members, students, alumni, employers, and support staff. Discussions emphasized the importance of evidence-based documentation, stakeholder participation, and timely completion of requirements to facilitate a productive and meaningful review process.
The 5th EQR is scheduled for 7 to 9 July 2026 and will involve a comprehensive review of the MAS and MSW programs through presentations, facilities visits, and interviews with various stakeholders. Through initiatives such as QAlity Time, UPOU continues to strengthen its culture of quality and continuous improvement, supporting academic programs in their pursuit of excellence and responsiveness to the needs of learners and society.
Written by Loren P. Sta. Ana | Edited by Ria Valeria D. Cabanes
