Tenured academic members and organizational representatives from the University of Baguio and Mountain Province State University officially came together to discuss and codify the impending partnership and support through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) assessors’ training.
The partnership and training between the institutions was an effort and plan for UB to extend its expertise to MPSU through academic collaboration. Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) held at the MPSU on February 9, 2026, the academic expedition and assessors’ training scheduled last March 16 and 17 at the MPSU events hall further reinforce a strong collaboration that supports key prospects and goals set by both institutions. Showcasing their commitment to academic excellence, institutional development, and the advancement of lifelong learning.
Alt Text: Highlights from UB and MPSU’s Memorandum of Understanding signing academic and organizational initiatives and assessment on relevant key factors for 2026
Key Areas of Collaboration
Formally acknowledged and signed by institutional presidents, Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista and Dr. Edgar Cue, the academic and organizational agreement shall jointly pursue the following initiatives on student, faculty, and researcher exchange; engagement of supplementary and visiting faculty; and efforts in joint research, benchmarking, and scholarly publications that set a high threshold for faculty development, mentoring, and coaching.
Other areas for development and continuous co-ed measures include deepening the sharing of academic resources and instructional materials and co-organizing general-to-specific conferences, seminars, and academic events in the future.
Advancing ETEEAP Through Benchmarking and Capacity Building
In light of all things, the ETEEAP program is a degree formalized and endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Aligned with Republic Act No. 12124, which institutionalizes ETEEAP and promotes lifelong learning, UB strengthens pathways for working professionals to earn academic degrees based on their industry experience. Recently, UB achieved a significant milestone with the approval of:
Recertification of eight (8) ETEEAP programs
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- Business & Management
- BS Business Administration, BS Office Administration, BS Accountancy
- IT & Computer Science
- BS Information Technology, BS Computer Science, BS Information Systems
- Engineering
- BS Industrial Engineering, BS Civil Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering
- Education
- Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd), Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd)
- Arts & Humanities
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA Pol Sci), Literature, or Mass Communication (BA Com)
- Hospitality & Tourism
- BS Hospitality and Luxury Management, BS Tourism Management
- Technical/Vocational
- Civil Technology, Drafting Technology, Garments and Fashion Design
- Specialized Fields
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Production, Production Design, or Performing Arts
Two newly deputized programs
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- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
An initiative in the Philippines that enables working professionals to obtain a bachelor’s degree without attending a traditional institution. It is intended for Filipinos who have completed high school and have at least five years of relevant experience. It accredits knowledge and skills acquired through work experience. As MPSU conducted a benchmarking visit to gain insights into best practices for the program’s implementation, which includes a distinct review of quality assurance mechanisms, assessment processes, and program operations to support organizational and academic goals for the partnering university in offering ETEEAP to the community in Mountain Province.
Alt Text: Highlights from notable speakers and academic leaders from UB and MPSU’s Memorandum of Understanding signing for academic and organizational initiatives
As part of this engagement, UB deployed a team of ETEEAP assessors as resource speakers that focused on sessions and notable discussions on understanding its regulatory framework, support in evidentiary validation and assessment, competencies in program mapping and gap analysis, and a panel interview for effective techniques and demonstration. Given by
- Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro, Director of Linkages
- Ms. Jenelyn M. Magpatoc, Dean, School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Dr. John Balaquit, Dean, School of Business Administration
The workshop was attended by MPSU officials, led by President Dr. Cue and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Geraldine L. Madjaco, alongside deans, program chairs, directors, and faculty members. In the opening remarks and message given by Dr. Cue, the institution emphasized that the success of ETEEAP and institutional growth depends on shared responsibility, collective effort, and a unified vision across the university and its partners.
UB as a Benchmark Institution for ETEEAP
UB continues to serve as a benchmark institution in the implementation of the tenured ETEEAP program, actively supporting Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives. The expansion and collaboration further enhance the institution’s ability to transform professional experience into formal academic credentials. Contributing to global development priorities, particularly in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
- (17 – Partnerships for the Goals) in strengthening collaboration among institutions for sustainable development
- (4 – Quality Education) on promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities
Moving Forward
Through strategic partnerships and sustained engagement with HEIs, UB continues to lead in advancing ETEEAP implementation nationwide. Its collaboration with MPSU reflects a shared vision of expanding access to education, strengthening institutional capacity, and empowering communities through lifelong learning.
Committed to excellence, innovation, and service, turning work experience into meaningful academic achievement.
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Written by: Melanie Rulla-Saro
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga