LUNA, Apayao – In pursuit of its long-standing aspiration to become a university, the Apayao State College (ASC) gathered officials, unit heads, and directors for a Universityhood Orientation to outline its roadmap towards university status on January 28 at the EKB Auditorium, RDE Building, ASC Luna Campus.
Vice President for Academic, Research, Development, and Extension Services (VP-ARDES), Dr. Ronald O. Ocampo, in his welcome address expressed his gratitude to the administrative and academic community, and likewise acknowledged the resource persons from Mountain Province State University (MPSU) and the University of Abra formerly Abra Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST), who shared their institutions’ challenges and successes in attaining university status.
“Your insights, born from experience and expertise, will serve as a compass as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Dr. Ocampo stated.
The orientation featured guest speakers who provided insights into the requirements and preparations necessary to attain university status. Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., Regional Director of CHED-Region V (former RD of CHED-CAR), discussed CHED’s role in the accreditation process. Dr. Christie Lynne C. Codod, Director for Internal Quality Assurance at MPSU, emphasized the importance of institutional assessments and quality assurance measures. Dr. Geraldine L. Madjaco, Vice President for Academic Affairs at MPSU, elaborated on strengthening academic programs and faculty development. Dr. Christopher Jhon R. Llanda, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at ASIST, shared best practices in research and curriculum enhancement. Dr. Maria Rebecca B. Talledo, Director for Curriculum & Instructional Materials at ASIST, tackled instructional material development and innovative teaching strategies.
These experts discussed necessary steps such as compliance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) standards, strengthening academic programs, research capabilities, and expanding community engagement.
Dr. Anduyan emphasized that achieving university status is a collective commitment. Drawing from the experiences of MPSU and ASIST, he assured ASC that it would not be alone in its transformation.
“Your quest for university status is not your battle alone. It is time to unite and work as one ASC because from there, you can gather strength,” Dr. Anduyan remarked. He also encouraged ASC to seek guidance from its “big brothers” the five other members of the Association of State Universities and Colleges (ASUC) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
The event concluded with an open forum, where speakers addressed participants’ concerns and inquiries. By Diocen D. Tolentino
