PANABO CITY – External accreditors from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) virtually met with Davao del Norte State College’s Local Accreditation Task Force for the Level I First Survey Visit of the following programs; Master of Arts in Basic Education (MABE) and Master in Fisheries Management (MFM). The evaluation was conducted last December 12 – 16, 2022 via Zoom.

The accrediting team for MABE was led by Dr. Elaine Rose G. Nachon (Laguna State Polytechnic University), supported by Dr. Eden C. Callo (Laguna State Polytechnic University). For the MFM, the evaluators were Dr. Manuel B. Alberto (Team Leader, Camarines Norte State College) and Prof. Rosalinda P. Shariff (Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. Prof. Vickylyn A. Guieb (Isabela State University) was assigned to look at the library services and resources of the College.

The AACCUP Accreditor for the activity was Dr. Hedeliza A. Pineda (Cebu Technological University). DNSC’s local task force was spearheaded by College President Joy M. Sorrosa, Vice President for Academic Affairs Girley S. Gumanao, Director for Quality Assurance Melanie N. Edig, APCISAD Head Armin L. Rubi, and Institute of Advanced Studies Dean Ronald S. Decano.

The accreditors gave their commendations and suggestions for improvement during the closing program. They applauded the management system that was reflected in the College’s ISO manual, as well as other manuals utilized by the offices. They also pointed out that the vision, mission, and goals were clearly articulated. However, its dissemination to external audiences should be strengthened.

The mechanism and tools used by the College to transition toward Flexible Learning is an attestation that it is resilient against academic challenges. The accreditors appealed for the strengthening of income generating opportunities, while giving out positive remarks on the academic qualifications of the faculty of the programs under evaluation. They also enjoyed the virtual campus tour and were impressed of the College’s physical facilities, student services, and support services.

In his message, on behalf of the academic unit, OIC-Vice President for Academic Affairs Mark Van M. Buladaco pronounced that the College’s efforts on strengthening its programs is part of a bigger vision that is to transition into a premier university. Vice President for Administration and Finance Reir Erlinda E. Cutad assured the accreditors of the College’s commitment to keep in mind their suggestions and comply further documents for the evaluation.