Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan recently represented the institution at the 27th ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Tier 1 Training held at the Crowne Plaza in Bangkok, Thailand. The intensive four-day training, which took place from January 13 to 16, 2026, focused on equipping academic leaders with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to navigate the AUN-QA Framework at the program level. Dr. Zipagan joined a diverse cohort of educators from across the region to master the complexities of international accreditation and quality assurance.

Throughout the program, Dr. Zipagan participated in a balanced regimen of theoretical discussions and hands-on workshops facilitated by recognized AUN-QA experts. The training covered essential criteria such as expected learning outcomes, program specifications, and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach to academic development. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to curriculum mapping, where Dr. Zipagan engaged in simulation exercises to align courses with Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), ensuring that BiPSU’s academic offerings remain constructively aligned with global standards.

The participation of the Vice-President highlights the university's aggressive push toward international benchmarking and outcomes-based education. By mastering the eight AUN-QA Program Assessment Criteria—which range from academic staff quality to quality enhancement—Dr. Zipagan has gained vital insights necessary to lead BiPSU through future international program assessments. This engagement is a key step in strengthening the university’s internal quality assurance mechanisms and ensuring its graduates meet the rigorous demands of the regional labor market.

Following her return, the University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP commended this achievement, stating that Dr. Zipagan’s efforts are essential in "weaving BiPSU with the world and the world with BiPSU" through the elevation of academic programs and the alignment of institutional standards with the ASEAN region.

Upon the successful completion of the workshop, Dr. Zipagan was awarded a certificate of completion by the AUN-QA Secretariat during the closing ceremony. This milestone marks a significant step for the Vice-President and signals BiPSU's increasing readiness to compete and collaborate within the ASEAN higher education landscape.

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