EQA reviewers, onsite and online attendees, and organizers of the 3rd External Quality Assurance (EQA) Programme Assessment Day 1.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) proudly marked another milestone in its journey toward academic excellence with the successful conduct of the 3rd External Quality Assurance (EQA) Programme Assessment held from September 3 to 5, 2025.
The three-day event brought together unit heads, faculty members, faculty deans, QA officers, students, alumni, and external reviewers in a collaborative effort to strengthen the University’s commitment to quality education and services.
External Quality Reviewers for the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) included Asst. Prof. Ronnie H. Encarnacion, Ph.D., as the Lead External Reviewer and Assoc. Prof. Aurora V. Lacaste, Ph.D., the Assistant External Reviewer. On the other hand, the reviewers for the Master of Development Communication (MDC) were Asst. Prof. Joel L. De Castro (Lead External Reviewer) and Asst. Prof. Tricia C. Ascan (Assistant External Reviewer). Their combined expertise and insights guided the assessment process throughout the event.
The opening day began with a ceremony led by Chancellor Joane V. Serrano of UPOU, who welcomed everyone with her inspiring remarks. This was followed by the Introduction of the External QA Reviewers by Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, QAO Director, and an Overview of the External QA Site Review delivered by Asst. Prof. Ronnie H. Encarnacion, who outlined the objectives and scope of the assessment.
A highlight of Day 1 was the Physical and Virtual Facilities Visit, where the reviewers explored UPOU’s learning spaces and digital platforms, gaining a closer look at how the University supports its students both on-site and online.
EQA reviewers during the Virtual and Facilities Visit of the 3rd External Quality Assurance (EQA) Programme Assessment
Day 2 centered on meaningful online interviews with students, alumni, and employers. These sessions gave the reviewers firsthand insights into the UPOU experience on how the University has shaped its graduates, responded to employer needs, and continuously worked to improve student life and learning outcomes.
The third and final day closed on a high note with the Closing Ceremony. Dean Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) and Dean Finaflor F. Taylan of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) both expressed their gratitude in heartfelt closing remarks, highlighting the collective efforts behind the successful assessment.
EQA Reviewers, Onsite and online attendees, and organizers of the 3rd External Quality Assurance (EQA) Programme Assessment Day 3.
Throughout the three-day event, the SAR Writing Team, faculty deans, and QA officers actively participated in the evaluation sessions conducted by the QA Reviewers. The EQA process serves as a platform to ensure that academic programs undergo a comprehensive review and remain aligned with global standards of quality education.
As UPOU moves forward, the insights and recommendations from the assessment are expected to further strengthen academic offerings and institutional processes, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of higher education in the Philippines and beyond.
Written by: Erhiela Janelle N. Camalate | Edited by: Ria Valerie D. Cabanes
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