AACCUP examines BukSU in its first institutional accreditation

The quest for quality education at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) remains a priority.

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc., examines BukSU’s operations from March 31 to April 4, 2025.

After managing the long, intensive document preparation for an evaluation to AACCUP’s nine (9) critical assessment areas covering: 1) governance and management; 2) teaching learning, and evaluation; 3) faculty and staff; 4) research; 5) extension; 6) support to students; 7) library; 8) infrastructure and other learning resources; and 9) quality assurance, BukSU is set for its first institutional accreditation.

An institutional accreditation process evaluates the university’s holistic performance, ensuring BukSU adheres to established quality standards in its operational and service delivery frameworks.

Seasoned AACCUP accreditors formed the evaluation team.

Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari, Former President/ University Professor of Tarlac State University (TSU), was the lead accreditor for area 1. Dr. Elsa P. Manarpaac, Former President/ University Professor of Western Philippines University, was assigned to areas 2 and 3. Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of TSU, served as lead accreditor for areas 4 and 5. Dr. Anita C. Sornito, Director of Libraries of the University of Southern Mindanao, was assigned to areas 6 and 7. Prof. Medel E. Aligan, IQA of the Bicol University, was the lead accreditor for areas 8 and 9.

AACCUP Executive Director Dr. Milabel E. Ho, the overall team coordinator, presented the main purpose of the visit.

“We would like to look at the institution holistically, with the nine areas, and we will be looking at what you have gone through over the years since the last visit. Therefore, this brings to mind that BukSU is one of the premier universities in the country, which would really advise quality assurance via accreditation. I am positive that with the leadership of President Joy (Mirasol), BukSU has gone a long way. We are here in BukSU to make sure that the best practices will be well-documented and areas of improvement will be well-defined,” she said.

“Accreditors are here to affirm the milestones of BukSU. So, congratulations on that! President Joy has elevated the QA of BukSU from the past administrators. For this accreditation, we need to see evidence of these milestones. We are excited to start our work,” Dr. Mallari shared.

The institutional accreditation was led by the Office of the President and assisted by the BukSU Quality Assurance Office (QAO).

BukSU continues its commitment to being a leading academic institution, fostering quality graduates who will advance progress and ensure responsible development, underpinned by excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership.

“From its humble beginnings as a normal school in 1924, BukSU has evolved into a thriving institution of higher learning, now recognized as a Level III State University and College (SUC). Our unwavering dedication to quality education and continual improvement has led us to achieve remarkable milestones, making BukSU a distinguished university in the region and beyond,” Smart BukSU President Joy M. Mirasol said.

“Institutional accreditation is a vital process that allows us to reflect on our achievements, assess areas for growth, and reinforce our commitment to providing quality education. We value the insights and recommendations of the esteemed AACCUP accreditors, as these will guide us in further strengthening our academic and administrative systems,” she added.

Newly appointed Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Desiderio Apag III, who also serves as the chairperson of Bukidnon State University’s (BukSU) Board of Regents, provided a message of support to BukSU’s endeavor on institutional accreditation.

“CHED is here to assist you (BukSU) in any way possible to ensure that endeavors will come to fruition,” he said.

The initial phase included a presentation of the institutional video, providing the accreditors with an overview of BukSU’s operations, achievements, and strategic aspirations.

Over the three days, the AACCUP team will have a complete evaluation on: the best practices of the nine evaluation areas, thorough document reviews, and interviews with faculty, staff, and students; interviews and site visits to various facilities across the BukSU campus, and; validation activities, preparation of initial reports, and a closing program at the BukSU Mini Theater.

The outcome of the AACCUP accreditation will shape BukSU’s future development, influencing its standing as a premier institution of innovative and ethical leaders for sustainable development.