By Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center (QAAC)

From L to R: Dr. Merle Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Prof. Sharlene Gotico, Associate Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center (QAAC); and Dr. Anna May Zerrudo, Director of QAAC, represent Central Philippine University during the benchmarking visit at Far Eastern University (FEU) in Manila on October 24, 2025.

In line with the university’s objective of further strengthening its quality assurance and accreditation mechanisms, CPU conducted a benchmarking visit to Far Eastern University (FEU) main campus in Manila on October 24, 2025. The activity aimed to gain insights into FEU’s best practices in preparing for the ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) program assessment.

Representing CPU were Dr. Merle Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Anna May Zerrudo, Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center (QAAC); and Prof. Sharlene Gotico, Associate Director of QAAC. The team was welcomed by Dr. Percival Paras, Director of FEU’s Academic Quality Assurance Office, who expressed enthusiasm in sharing FEU’s institutional experiences and approaches in preparing for the ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) program assessment. Additional presentations were given by the directors and heads of the offices of community engagement, internationalization, and information technology and data management of FEU.

QA teams of FEU and CPU gather for a commemorative group photo during the benchmarking visit held on October 24, 2025, at the Far Eastern University main campus in Manila.

During the benchmarking session, Dr. Paras discussed FEU’s framework for academic quality assurance, highlighting the process of Self-Assessment Report (SAR) preparation, alignment of outcomes-based education (OBE) with AUN-QA criteria, and strategies to ensure readiness for the actual assessment visit. He also emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of quality across all levels of the university to sustain continuous improvement and institutional excellence.

CPU’s visit provided valuable opportunities for dialogue and exchange of practical insights on documentation, stakeholder engagement, and internal quality audits. The benchmarking also reinforced CPU’s commitment to enhancing its academic programs through adherence to international standards and collaboration with leading higher education institutions.