Two new undergraduate programs, the BS Criminology and the BS Tourism Management offered in Apayao State College Conner Campus had undergone an initial evaluation by the CHEd-CAR Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) on October 11, 2023 spearheaded by the Office of the Quality Assurance.
RQAT Team Leader Dr. Ariel Nemo Pumecha announced during the exit conference that both programs have complied with the minimum requirements set by CHEd after a thorough evaluation of documents and on-site inspection and validation of facilities and student support services.
“For the BSTM, you are well-prepared and you went beyond. I believe you will do more impressively once your building has been completed”, Prof. Fajilan said referring to the ongoing construction of the BSHRM building.
“I am glad to inform the BS Criminology that you have generally complied with the rest of the areas as far as the minimum requirements are concerned. I hope that you will thrive more and will go a long, long way”, Dr. Pumecha remarked.
“We are humbled to hear the impressive remarks from our evaluators. Guided by the CMOs, we are committed to fully implement the two new programs by addressing the need for faculty development to be at par with other HEIs,” President John N. Cabansag in his response during the closing program.
Earlier in the morning, the RQAT was welcomed by the traditional ‘taddo’ dance performed by ASC students as the guests entered the Old Administration building in Main Campus. Dr. Ronald O. Ocampo, VP for Academics, Research Development and Extension Services captured the attention of the visiting team by highlighting in his opening message the rich culture, biodiversity, and places of interest that Apayao has to offer. RQAT team leader Dr. Ariel Nemo Pumecha (University of the Cordilleras) declared the formal commencement of the evaluation and ocular inspection after his presentation of the RQA Team and the statement of purpose.
The RQAT is a pool of experts from different clusters of disciplines that provides technical assistance to CHEd-CAR in the monitoring and evaluation of programs of Higher Education Institutions to ensure that the minimum requirements embodied in the Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) of CHEd are complied prior to securing a Certificate of Program Compliance.
For BS Criminology, Dr. Pumecha and Dr. Dempsey Depayso (King’s College of the Philippines) examined the program’s curriculum and visited the library, faculty room, and instructional facilities at Malama (Main) Campus accompanied by the Program Chair Charlie Hidalgo and faculty member Mr. Richmond Reyes together with Campus Academic Dean Dr. Randy Cabilatazan, Dr. MaryJane Maslang, the College Librarian, and Associate Dean Dr. Agustina Pattung.
On the other hand, the BS Tourism Management department at Cubet site, chaired by Dr. Leandro B. Alla was assessed by Michelle G. Mamaril (University of the Cordilleras), and Prof. Lee Majors M. Fajilan (Saint Louis University). BSTM faculty members Joan S. Angagan, Shariff B. Eboy, and Aprilyn I. Dela Cruz led the evaluators to their facilities/laboratories such as the BSTM lounge such as housekeeping, food and beverage service, kitchen/food and beverage stock room, computer lab, and the library.
Now in its second academic year, the BS Crim has 236 student population while the BSTM has 61 enrollees.
You have made your position quite clearly!!