The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) welcomed the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) for a benchmarking visit today, July 8, 2026, at the NEUST Sumacab Campus to gain insights into the University’s quality assurance initiatives and preparations for the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Associate Membership and program assessment.

In her welcome remarks, NEUST Quality Assurance Director Dr. Analyn Gamit shared that the University continues to strengthen and improve its quality assurance systems through collaborative efforts and best practices anchored on the pursuit of academic excellence and international standards.

Dr. Kim Edward Santos, NEUST AUN-QA Focal Person, presented the University’s AUN-QA journey—from its Tier 1 Training in 2022, membership application in 2023, participation in Tier 1 Training and the granting of Associate Membership in 2024, to its sustained international conference engagements, workshops, Self-Assessment Report (SAR) writing, benchmarking activities, and other capacity-building initiatives in 2025.

Dr. Santos also discussed how the University has strengthened international partnerships through conferences and institutional collaborations while integrating AUN-QA instruments into its quality assurance processes.

Likewise, he shared updates on NEUST’s ongoing program assessment application and highlighted the University’s preparations anchored on the AUN-QA criteria.

Meanwhile, Mr. Niño Alvarez, University Lead Internal Auditor, presented the organizational structure of NEUST’s Quality Assurance, emphasizing the collaborative framework that supports the University’s pursuit of academic excellence and international quality standards.

The afternoon session focused on the sharing of best practices between the two universities on AUN-QA implementation, internal audit processes, and quality assurance mechanisms.

Dr. Angelo Santos, Director of Curriculum Development and Evaluation, discussed NEUST’s procedures for internal audits, including the conduct of SWOT analysis, verification of process conformities, and the resolution of nonconformities in compliance with ISO requirements, addressing queries from the visiting delegation.

For its part, CBSUA shared its own best practices, particularly on conducting management reviews and implementing internal audits within the institution.

Additionally, Dr. John Rey Quiñones, University Pollution Control Officer, presented NEUST’s protocols on biohazard disposal and the University’s processes in managing body and biomedical wastes, including its partnerships with medical institutions.

The visiting delegation also toured the Sumacab Campus, including the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and the University Museum.

NEUST was represented by its Quality Assurance Officers and College of Education Dean Dr. Jo Niel Peria.

Meanwhile, CBSUA was represented by Dr. Melinda Parro-Pan, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Rose Lynnor Matos, Quality Assurance Director; Ms. Christine Allen Riza Boncodin, Assistant Director for National and Local Quality Assurance; and other quality assurance administrators and internal auditors.

The benchmarking visit served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to fostering a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and global competitiveness in higher education.

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