On October 14, 2026, academic and management leaders from the University of Baguio welcomed evaluators and representatives from the Commission on Higher Education Cordillera (CHED-CAR) regional quality assurance team for an Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) evaluation visit. The visit provided an overview of select programs’ readiness metrics and systems, as well as ongoing areas for improvement.
Held at the University’s Centennial Hall, the evaluation covered the proposed delivery of three graduate programs under the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS). Proposals pursuant to CHED Memorandum Order No. 12, Series of 2025:
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice with specialization in Criminology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with specialization in Criminology
- Master in Crisis and Disaster Risk Reduction Management
The visiting team included CHED representatives Dr. Ninina I. Calaca, Dr. Melquides C. Ancheta, Dr. Ma. Geraldine F. Casipit, Ms. Gabrille Nicole S. Tabifrance, and Ms. Shenalyn B. Gamboc. Joined by members of the CHED-CAR Regional Quality Assurance Team, Dr. Victor O. Delos Santos of Benguet State University-Buguias Campus and Dr. Robino D. Cawi of the University of the Cordilleras.
Their participation provided the University with a multidisciplinary review of its proposed flexible graduate offerings. The visit formed part of the regulatory evaluation process and did not, by itself, constitute final program approval; rather, it established the evidence and improvement actions needed for the succeeding stages of review.
The vice president for academic affairs (VPAA), Dr. Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan, delivered the welcome remarks and affirmed the institution’s readiness to participate openly in the evaluation process. Dr. Charesma Grace K. Lud-ayen, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety, followed by Dr. Casipit, introduced the University participants and the CHED Technical Panel members. The designated panel then presented the rationale for the visit before moving on to present program-level discussions.
Evaluation on Open Distance and e-Learning Readiness
The evaluation proper, site visit, and ocular inspection enabled the reviewers to examine UB’s preparations in context. Program chairs and support offices answered questions, clarified processes, and presented systems intended to sustain accessible, ethical, and academically rigorous graduate education through synchronous and asynchronous learning arrangements.
Following the review, the CHED panel communicated technical recommendations and areas for refinement. The University received these observations as contributions to continuous quality improvement and as practical guidance for strengthening the proposed programs before the next stage of evaluation.
Because the recommendations stem from an external evidence review, the University recommends establishing a basis for coordinated institutional action. Each concerned academic and support office is expected to translate the observations into defined responsibilities, timelines, documentary evidence, monitoring measures, and verified closure of action items.
UB’s commitment requires systematically completing agreed refinements across academic, administrative, technological, and learner-support functions. The process requires clear ownership of each action, sufficient resources, faculty and personnel development, accessible learning platforms, dependable assessment systems, and ongoing monitoring of learner needs and outcomes. This includes responsive revisions, stronger systems, documented implementation, and measurable results that show how the recommendations improved ODeL delivery and the learner experience.
Alt Text: The evaluation team listens to institutional presentations and reviews supporting materials during the formal assessment at the UB Centennial Hall. Photo courtesy of the University of Baguio.
The University can deliver through revised policies and procedures, updated program documents, strengthened records, evidence of deployment across concerned offices, and results showing that learners and other stakeholders experience the improvements. experience the improvements.
The visit supports the Philippine Quality Assurance (PQA) performance-excellence categories of Leadership, Strategy, Customer, Measurement Analysis and Knowledge Management, Workforce, Operations, and Results. Senior leadership made the external review possible; ODeL expansion reflects institutional strategy; flexible access responds to learners; the evidence review strengthens knowledge management; faculty and support offices demonstrate workforce preparedness; program systems support operations; and the verified closure of recommendations must yield quantifiable outcomes.
In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education – particularly expanded access to tertiary and lifelong learning
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – through technology-enabled education and research capacity
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – creating flexible pathways for working and geographically constrained learners
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – through advanced criminal justice education and accountable institutional processes
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through collaboration with CHED and regional quality-assurance experts
Subsequent evidence should track the number of recommendations completed, responsible offices, completion dates, supporting documents, faculty preparation, learner-support readiness, and stakeholder results. The approach turns recommendations into accountable institutional learning by raising learning standards, mastering relevant skills, conducting scientific and significant research, advocating sustainable programs, and demonstrating exemplary performance in one’s field of specialization.
As the University moves forward, the visit’s significance will be measured by how consistently recommendations translate into improvements and how clearly those improvements benefit learners.
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Written by: Mr. Justin Joseph T. Almarve
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
