Benguet State University was recognized by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) for its number of Level IV accredited programs. BSU is Top 4 among ten SUCs who had the highest number of Level IV accredited programs in 2019 out of more than 100 SUCs in the Philippines. A Plaque of Recognition was received by BSU officials led by President Felipe Salaing Comila on March 12, 2021. 

BSU underwent a series of rigorous accreditation to reach Level IV and as a result, ten areas that are in the instruments of AACCUP were achieved. Office of Quality Assurance and Accreditation director, Dr. Sandoval emphasized that there are five mandatory areas to reach Level IV which include research, planning, quality assurance, and curriculum. These are needed to be included for Level IV-Phase 2. 

“We are Top 4 because we have several programs that were able to make it to Level IV. This is also a result of the University’s good practices,” she said.

In an interview, Dr. Sandoval encouraged colleagues to continue striving for more Level IV programs and to sustain BSU’s best practices. She reminded that accreditation is a way to improve so BSU should also focus on the weak areas of its programs. 

“We were able to see how we have been faring compared to other SUCs in the  Philippines. So, we know where we stand and from there we can improve on the other weaknesses that we have in terms of the ten areas that AACCUP requires for us to deliver with excellence,” Dr. Sandoval said.

“All should be geared towards satisfying and giving quality education for our students. Iyon naman ang mahalaga doon, that’s the very thing that we do,” added Dr. Sandoval implying that BSU’s efforts are for its main clients- the students. 

Dr. Sandoval also shared that there are more programs submitted to AACCUP for accreditation in 2020 and the results are on the way. With the increase of accredited programs in the university, BSU is already qualified for institutional accreditation. 

“For certain, cooperation and selfless acts can push BSU to reach greater heights,” she added.//AKCariño