Baguio City, Philippines — July 16–17, 2025
by Dr. Michael T. Sebullen
Baguio Central University (BCU) proudly concluded its two-day Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Compliance Visit and Monitoring & Evaluation of Programs at the Dr. Margarita J. Fernandez Hall, affirming its commitment to providing inclusive, quality, and globally competitive education in consonance with CHED mandates. The event commenced with a solemn doxology and the Philippine National Anthem rendered by the BCU Chamber Choir, led by its conductor Mr. Jomard L. Calamba, MM. This was followed by an inspiring Opening Remarks by University President and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, who emphasized BCU’s unwavering dedication to CHED’s objectives and to the pursuit of academic excellence through continuous improvement. The visit was graced by five distinguished CHED representatives in the first day, each assigned to evaluate specific academic programs:
Dr. Patricio M. Dinamling reviewed the Doctor of Education in Educational Management (EDMGT) and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) programs under the Graduate School and College of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (CTELA). He highlighted the importance of aligning quality education with national development goals.
The different CHED Supervisors shared their expectations from this visit underscoring quality education.
The different CHED Supervisors shared their expectations from this visit underscoring quality education.
- Christopher A. Depnag, delegated to assess the Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BS Crim) program, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Tourism, and all other degree programs offered by the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, stepped in following a personal endorsement from Dr. Christine since there is an equally important event of the CHED Central Office, underlining the importance of collaborative academic review;
- Melody C. Labawig, who evaluated the Bachelor of Arts in English Language, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education programs, commended the university for showing continuous improvements with each CHED visit;
- Bernadette C. Pal-ec assessed the Master of Arts in Education and its various specializations under the Graduate School and Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor in Secondary Education (Mathematics, Filipino, English, Gen. Science, Values Education and Social Studies) which are offered by the College of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts. She lauded BCU’s responsiveness, noting the self-evaluation tools submitted in advance and reaffirming that all recommendations were designed to constructively elevate quality assurance;
- Abraham P. Os-osa oversaw the review of the university’s engineering programs, focusing on facilities, curriculum compliance, and faculty qualifications; and
- Mr. Darius Coloma who checked on Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in the second day of visit.
In a show of institutional solidarity, Dr. Perfecto M. Lopez, Vice President for Administration, introduced the members of the BCU Management Council, highlighting the presence of deans, program heads, and unit directors. He also paid tribute to the victims of the July 16, 1990 Baguio earthquake, calling for a moment of reflection and prayer.
The first day featured presentations of college profiles and updates from the deans, including Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel of the College of Business Administration, OIC dean Dr. Jennifer T. Longchasen (CTELA), Dr. Gina L. Casi (College of Nursing and School of Midwifery), Engr. Onofre F. Rillera (College of Engineering), Dr. Jocelyn B. Ang (College of Hospitality and Tourism Management), OIC dean Ms. Beca May P. Palitayan (College of Criminal Justice Education) and Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang (Graduate School and Internationalization Relations Officer). Dr. Depnag suggested that future presentations highlight compliance actions taken from previous evaluation cycles to facilitate a smoother review process.
The visit culminated in an exit conference on Day 2, where CHED supervisors shared observations and commendations. They praised BCU’s modernized classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, improved learning environments, and globally aligned academic innovations. Notably, they acknowledged BCU’s inclusion in the WURI 2024–2025 global ranking, which spotlighted the university’s achievements in innovation, social responsibility, and student-centered development.
Dr. Christopher A. Depnag, who served as moderator, expressed gratitude for BCU’s transparency, hospitality, and openness to feedback. Each CHED representative provided individual reports, offering insights and affirming the university’s efforts.
Dr. Elma D. Donaal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, commended the dedication of faculty members, deans, and support staff in achieving and sustaining compliance in accordance with CHED’s Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs). She noted that the evaluative insights would be integrated into BCU’s forthcoming strategic planning activities. In a symbolic show of unity, the BCU academic community reaffirmed their Statement of Commitment, vowing to go above and beyond in responding to all CHED recommendations for improvement. The visit concluded with mutual appreciation and a renewed sense of partnership between CHED and BCU. CHED evaluators reiterated that the event was not merely a compliance exercise but a collaborative dialogue toward building a more robust higher education system in the Philippines.
Mabuhay ang Baguio Central University! Mabuhay ang Edukasyong Pilipino!
