AACCUP conducts 4th survey-2nd cycle online visit to BukSU’s Education, Guidance and Counseling, Math, ComDev programs

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) conducted the 4th Survey – 2nd Cycle Online Accreditation Visit to Bukidnon State University’s select graduate and undergraduate programs on July 23-25, 2025.

The Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling, the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and the Master of Arts in Education programs underwent the Level IV Reaccreditation evaluation. A revisit for the Bachelor of Science in Community Development (Community Service Area) preceded its Level IV status grant.

AACCUP, the primary accrediting body for public higher education institutions in the Philippines, employs a meticulous, multi-tiered system to evaluate academic programs. Programs typically progress through Level I (Candidate Status), Level II (Accredited), and Level III (Reaccredited) before potentially reaching the coveted Level IV.

Dr. Marivic T. Sanchez, AACCUP Overall Coordinator, welcomed BukSU for its submission to accreditation.

“Accreditation is not just a test of compliance but a recognition of your success. Despite all the recognition and achievements, BukSU never set aside the relevance of quality assurance. This accreditation period is again a challenge but an important achievement that indicates your dedication to ensure continuous delivery of quality education, nurture academic integrity, and encourage excellence in research and community engagement.”

“AACUP Level IV accreditation signifies the highest level of program quality, ensuring global competitiveness, sustainability, and continuous enhancement, these will be our focus in this accreditation,” she added.

Seasoned professionals made up the accreditation team: Dr. Marivic T. Sanchez, AACUP Survey Team Overall Coordinator and Accreditor for BS in Community Development; Dr. Jean F. Puerto, AACUP Survey Team Leader for BS in Mathematics; Dr. Liza Marie Manoos-Pacia AACUP Survey Lead Accreditor for BS in Mathematics; Dr. Leonila B. Barbacena, AACUP Survey Team Leader for MA in Education; Dr. Marietta B. Arinto, AACUP Survey Lead Accreditor for MA in Education; Dr. Jellian T. Ricafrente, AACUP Survey Team Leader for MA in Guidance and Counseling; and Dr. Eva Marie C. Avila, AACUP Survey Team Lead Accreditor for MA in Guidance and Counseling

Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, BukSU President, welcomed the accreditors and affirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, particularly in the context of an online accreditation visit by AACCUP. 

“I welcome you all to this 4th Survey, 2nd Cycle of AACCUP Online Accreditation Visit. This reaffirms our shared commitment to quality, relevance, and excellence in higher education. These programs represent our enduring pursuit of academic distinction and social relevance. They are the result of the dedication of our faculty, department chairs, deans, technical teams, and task force members who play an essential role in ensuring that BukSU continues to be a premier institution of innovative and ethical leaders for sustainable development,” Mirasol expressed.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, represented by Ms. Katherine B. Akut, Academic Affairs Management Staff Head, emphasized BukSU is committed to nurturing and elevating the curricular programs of the institution.

“This Accreditation level is no easy feat, but we are here for AACCUP Level IV – Cycle 2 Accreditation of our four academic programs. Engaging in this rigorous evaluation process underscores our commitment not only to achieving standards but to maintaining them over time,” she remarked.

Five key areas were evaluated across the programs: scope and impact of research, traces of luminary graduates, impact and contribution of community services, international linkages and consortia, and well-developed planning process.

The Community Development (ComDev) program underwent the evaluation of its community service impact and contributions. Led by Dr. Marivic T. Sanchez, the Overall Coordinator and Accreditor for BS ComDev, the program presented its initiatives for key partners on Radyo Eskwela, TARA Basa, Project ADOREE.  Dr. Sanchez commendably acknowledged this strong collaborative spirit, remarking, “Natutuwa po ako, na you are really active and are having a good collaboration.” [I am delighted that you are very active and maintaining excellent collaboration.]

For the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program, Accreditor Dr. Liza Marie Manoos-Pacia focused her inquiries on Area 1 (Scope and Impact of Research) and Area 4 (International Linkages and Consortia). Dr. Pacia specifically highlighted Bukidnon State University’s (BukSU) commitment to supporting and incentivizing faculty research presentations, alongside its provision of mentoring and consultation services for faculty members. Furthermore, discussions encompassed BukSU’s international partnerships and the valuable feedback received regarding events and collaborations with foreign academic institutions, underscoring the program’s engagement in global academic endeavors.

The Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling programs underwent the same course of interviews, inviting BukSU stakeholders and validating their experiences with the university as a partner for change.

“I am inspired by how you grow from your field of work, knowing that you are too young to be handling that leadership role in Malaybalay,” said accreditor Dr. Marietta Arinto to one of the luminary graduates of Master of Arts in Education major in Educational Administration.

“It is commendable that you share your training lessons to fellow DepEd teachers and able to join them in research competitions,” accreditor Dr.  Leonila Barbacena expressed.

Results, Findings, and Recommendations of the accreditation and reaccreditation of the four programs were presented during the exit conference held on July 25, 2025 via virtual meeting platform. (Danielle L. Bersosa, BukSU IU Intern)