PANABO CITY – External accreditors from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP, Inc.) conducted the Level III, Phase 2 Online Survey Visit of the following programs of Davao del Norte State College; Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT), Master of Arts in Educational Management (MAEM), and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management (PHDEM) on May 22 – 24, 2023.

The accreditors were Dr. Jaime M. Forbes (Survey Visit Coordinator), Dr. Esmen M. Cabal and Dr. Lorna L. Acuavera (BSFT Accreditors), Dr. Divinagracia M. De Guzman and Dr. Helen F. Delos Santos (MAEM Accreditors), Dr. Renelda P. Nacianceno and Dr. Elizabeth H. Alonzo (PHD EM Accreditors), and Dr. Liza M. Tamargo (Accreditor for the Library Services).

During the closing meeting, Dr. Forbes reiterated that accreditation is not just an evaluative tool but, “an opportunity to recognize the contributions of each individual and the group as a whole in delivering services beyond standards.” He encouraged the college to work as one, move as one, and support each one. Some of the accreditors’ comments for improvement were the conduct of an exhaustive tracer study to monitor the employment status of graduates and get feedback from employers, ensure that the curriculum responds to the needs of communities and industries, concretize the impact of extension services, and strengthen the conduct of research relevant to the programs.

On behalf of College President Joy M. Sorrosa, Vice President for Academic Affairs Girley S. Gumanao accepted the challenge of the accreditors and committed to act upon their suggestions. The deans of the programs under evaluation also gave their messages. Institute of Advanced Studies Dean Nickel Jean Lagare-Sastine mentioned that the accreditation activity was a chance for the college personnel to reaffirm their commitment to excellence, innovation, and prioritization of the well-being of clients.

Institute of Aquatic and Applied Sciences Dean Rosie Lynn P. Tejada sent her deep gratitude to the accreditors and to all the involved teaching and non-teaching personnel for helping the programs during the three-day evaluation. Quality Assurance Director Ma. Melanie N. Edig awarded the certificates to the accreditors and highlighted that they are now part of the College’s progress and development.