CUBE advances Quality Education and Community Development through HEI’s Internationalization and Quality Assurance
“responding to the needs of partner communities, and fostering dynamic academic partnerships”
Atok, Benguet – The CUBE 3rd Quarterly Meeting held on November 29, 2025 at the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) brought together VP’s, Directors, Faculty Members, Non-Teaching Personnel, and Exchange Student, to strengthen collaborative efforts in quality assurance, research, and community engagement. A key highlight of the program was the presentation of Dr. Kareen B. Leon, Director of the University of Baguio Quality Assurance Office, who shared UB’s ongoing progress toward internationalization through strengthened quality assurance systems. She outlined UB’s major milestones, including its attainment of ISO 21001:2018 certification, successful internal and external audits, and the university’s continuing preparations for AUN-QA accreditation, all reflecting UB’s commitment to delivering inclusive, globally competitive, and high-quality education (SDG 4).
Complementing her discussion, Dr. Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of Baguio, also shared her valuable insights on UB’s internationalization journey. With her extensive experience in academic leadership, Dr. Lonogan emphasized the transformative impact of embedding global standards within educational systems. She provided practical tips and encouraging advice to partner HEIs, highlighting that internationalization is both achievable and beneficial when institutions cultivate strong quality assurance cultures. Her message reinforced the importance of collective advancement, inspiring CCDC, BCU, and ECI to take strategic steps in pursuing international accreditation and strengthening their own institutional frameworks.
Both Dr. Lonogan, and Dr. Leon, underscored that internationalization is not merely the pursuit of recognition but a holistic process of aligning academic programs, systems, and services with global expectations. Such efforts ensure that students are prepared for diverse professional and cultural environments, contributing to decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
The meeting then transitioned to its business session, beginning with the discussion of extension activities in Atok, Benguet. Dr. Corazon Ocden of CCDC presented the consolidated needs of the eight (8) barangays of Atok, identified from Consultations, Meetings, and the MOA signing at the Atok Municipal Hall. She highlighted the barangay leaders’ primary request, which is the Barangay Profiling and the Updating of Barangay Records, a vital foundation for informed governance and community planning. Recognizing the importance of reliable data in addressing community challenges and minimizing disparities, the CUBE agreed to implement the profiling activity in the first week of February 2026.
Following this, Dr. Michael Sebullen of BCU led the review of CUBE’s MOA accomplishments. His report showcased the CUBE’s collective efforts through various research initiatives, extension programs, and quality assurance capacity-building sessions conducted throughout the partnership. He emphasized how the collaborative strengths of CUBE institutions have significantly enriched academic services and community outreach.
The business meeting concluded with Dr. Donnavila Marie Panday-Herbster, Director of UB RIECO, presenting a proposal for CUBE to host and/or facilitate the Teachers’ Congress—envisioned as a major event that will gather educators to exchange best practices, engage in professional development, and collaborate on innovative teaching strategies. This proposed activity further strengthens CUBE’s ongoing commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by nurturing continuous academic dialogue and collaborative initiatives.
Throughout the meeting, CUBE once again, reaffirmed its commitment to quality, collaboration, and community-centered development. By championing internationalization, responding to the needs of partner communities, and fostering dynamic academic partnerships, CUBE continues to advance education and sustainable development across the Cordillera region.
