West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to strengthen its commitment to deliver quality education by actively participating in the 19th ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Tier 2 Training held from July 17 to 23, 2025, at the Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
Representing WVSU were Dr. Dolly Rose F. Temelo, faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Madonna S. Palmes, Dean of the College of Nursing. Their participation was further supported by Dr. Alona M. Belarga, Director of Instruction, underscoring WVSU’s strong collaboration with the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP).
The Tier 2 training provided participants with a unique opportunity to observe a live AUN-QA assessment process and engage in the development of a Self-Assessment Report (SAR) alongside delegates from other ASEAN universities. This experience was especially valuable for those who had previously completed the Tier 1 training, further deepening their understanding and application of quality assurance principles in higher education.
Key highlights of the training included:
- In-depth review of AUN-QA Programme Assessment Version 4.0
- Overview of Higher Education and Quality Assurance frameworks in key ASEAN countries
- Exploration of AUN-QA Assessor Competencies, focusing on ethics and cultural sensitivity through case studies
- Application of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach to AUN-QA assessment
- Guidance on Desktop and Site Assessment procedures, including reporting mechanisms
More than just a training program, the event served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking among quality assurance practitioners in Southeast Asia. It successfully met participants’ expectations by fostering a supportive environment where best practices were exchanged and shared values were reinforced—paving the way for continuous quality improvement across ASEAN higher education institutions.
Through sustained engagement with international quality assurance initiatives like AUN-QA, WVSU reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence and its active role in advancing educational standards across Southeast Asia.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
