With 11 academic programs now having undergone External Quality Review (EQR), the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) continues to strengthen its commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The University’s 2026 EQR cycle concluded with the review of the Master of International Health (MIH) and Diploma in Research and Development Management (DR&DM) programs, held from 22 to 24 September 2026 at the UPOU Headquarters.
External reviewers with program chairs and faculty members from the MIH and DR&DM programs, together with Quality Assurance Office staff, during the 6th External Quality Review.
Conducted through the Quality Assurance Office (QAO), the 6th EQR brought together external reviewers, university officials, faculty members, staff, students, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders to take a closer look at the two graduate programs. As the last EQR batch for 2026, the review marked another important step in UPOU’s continuing efforts to assess its academic programs, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that its programs remain responsive to the needs of its learners and stakeholders.
The external review panel for the Master in International Health (MIH) program was led by Leila S. Africa, Professor at the UP Los Baños College of Human Ecology, alongside external reviewer Emely M. Amoloza, Assistant Professor at the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies.
Evaluating the Diploma in R&D Management (DR&DM) program were lead reviewer Nina M. Cadiz, Adjunct Professor at the UP Los Baños Institute of Biological Sciences and external reviewer Blancaflor P. Arada, Assistant Professor at UPOU.
The three-day review formally began on 22 September with an opening ceremony attended by members of the University community. UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano delivered the opening remarks, reaffirming the University’s commitment to quality assurance. Asst. Prof. Edric Estrella, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for Instruction delivered the welcome remarks.
UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano reaffirms UPOU’s commitment to quality education in a recorded opening message (left), while A2VCAA for Instruction Prof. Edric Estrella
delivers the welcome remarks (right).
Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, Director of the UPOU Quality Assurance Office, introduced the External Quality Review Team. Prof. Nina M. Cadiz then presented an overview of the EQR process. Ms. Noreen Alazada served as master of ceremonies.
Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, QAO Director, introduces the reviewers during the opening ceremony of the 6th External Quality Review.
Review activities for MIH and DR&DM then proceeded in parallel. Dean Finaflor F. Taylan of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) presented the program briefings for both programs. The external reviewers also met with the respective Self-Assessment Report (SAR) writing teams to discuss the programs and clarify information presented in their SARs.
Prof. Nina M. Cadiz presents an overview of the External Quality Review (EQR) process.
The first day included interviews with various stakeholders, including academic staff, employers, students, and alumni. These discussions gave the reviewers an opportunity to hear directly from members of the programs’ communities and gain a better understanding of their quality, relevance, and effectiveness.
On 23 September, the reviewers visited key UPOU facilities, including the World Class Multimedia Production Building (WCMPB), UPOU Community Hub and University Library, Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO), Office of the University Registrar (OUR), and Academic Residences. The facility visits allowed the reviewers to see the physical resources and learning environment that support UPOU’s open and distance e-learning operations.
Reviewers for the MIH and the DR&DM programs inspect the World Class Multimedia Production Building (Photos 1–3) and tour the university library (Photo 4) during a physical facilities visit at the University of the Philippines Open University.
The review concluded on 24 September with a closing ceremony, where the External Quality Review Team presented its preliminary findings for the MIH and DR&DM programs to university officials, faculty members, SAR Writing Teams, and other stakeholders.
Reviewers present preliminary findings on the MIH and DR&DM programs. (top left) Leila S. Africa, MIH lead reviewer; (top right) Emely M. Amoloza, MIH external reviewer; (bottom left) Nina M. Cadiz, DR&DM lead reviewer; and (bottom right) Blancaflor P. Arada, DR&DM external reviewer.
Dean Finaflor F. Taylan delivered the closing remarks and expressed her appreciation to the reviewers and everyone who contributed to the three-day activity.
Participants gather to conclude the academic program review at the University of the Philippines Open University. (Photo 1, top left) Dean Finaflor Taylan delivers the closing remarks. (Photos 2-4) Reviewers and Self-Assessment Report writing teams for the MIH and DR&DM programs pose during a group photo opportunity.
As UPOU moves forward with its quality assurance initiatives, the University will continue to work with its academic units, stakeholders, and external reviewers to support meaningful improvements in its programs. The 6th EQR thus marks not only the completion of the 2026 review cycle, but also another step toward making quality improvement a continuing and shared effort across the University.
Written by Erhiela Janelle N. Camalate | Edited by Ria Valeria D. Cabanes | Photo by Quality Assurance Office
