Representatives from the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) attended the Opening and Closing Sessions of the 504th ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Programme Assessment, held at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, University of the Philippines Diliman, from 21 to 23 July 2026.
Representing the Institute were Dr. Allan Gil S. Fernando, QA Officer; Dr. Carla B. Dimalanta, Deputy Director for Resources and Facilities; Dr. Leo T. Armada, GE Coordinator; Ms. Kristine M. Velasquez, Administrative Officer, Ms. Karen G. Arcangel, School Credits Evaluator; Mr. Miguel Joven Villanueva, University Research Associate; Anna Marie S. Olavides, Junior Office Assistant; and Romarie Aurly T. Ramos, Junior Research Associate.
The programme formally opened with welcome remarks from UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, LLM, who underscored the significance of conducting the first simultaneous AUN-QA Programme Assessment at UP Diliman and UP Mindanao. He emphasized that the assessment reflects the University's commitment to continuous quality improvement and excellence in higher education.
AUN-QA Chief Assessor Dr. Wan Ammad Kamil, PhD, FASc, FMIC, highlighted the role of the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance in promoting quality assurance across higher education institutions in the ASEAN region through programme and institutional assessments, assessor calibration workshops, training programs, and the sharing of best practices among member universities.
The assessment covered the BS Biology and BS Family Life and Child Development programs of UP Diliman, as well as the BS Applied Mathematics and BA Communication and Media Arts programs of UP Mindanao. During the Closing Session on 23 July, the assessors presented their preliminary observations and recommendations, recognizing each program's strengths while identifying opportunities for further enhancement.
The event provided NIGS with valuable insights into the AUN-QA assessment process and regional quality assurance practices. The knowledge gained will support the Institute's continuing quality improvement initiatives and preparations for the AUN-QA Programme Assessment of the BS Geology program in 2027.