Letran Calamba Moves to
Higher Accreditation Levels
Ms. Zandra A. Navarez
The Federation of Accrediting Association of the Philippines (FAAP) through PACUCOA awarded the second set of Colegio’s Programs a Candidate Status. The four (4) programs awarded are Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The Preliminary visit was held on August 25-27, 2011.
The PACUCOA accrediting team was chaired by Dr. Ellen Salac. Assisting her were Ms. Norietta Tansio (Student Personnel Services and Social Orientation and Community Involvement), Dr. Lorena Rabago (Computer Science Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Dr. Helen Halover (Information Technology Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Ms. Maria Isabel Guevarra (Psychology Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Ms. Ema Samonte (Accountancy Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Engr. Florderliza Villasenor (Physical Plant & Facilities), and Ms. Nanita Borja (Library).
Further, the 1st set of programs namely Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration had its Level 1 Formal Visit on January 30 to February 1, 2012. The preliminary visit for Bachelor of Science in Nursing was also conducted on the same date wherein nine areas of concern were evaluated namely: Philosophy and Objectives, Faculty, Instruction, Laboratories, Library, Physical Plant and Facilities, Student Services, Social Orientation and Community Involvement, and Organization and Administration.
The PACUCOA accrediting team for Jan. 30- Feb. 1 visit was once again chaired by Dr. Ellen Salac. Assisting her were Dr. Chistopher Manaois (Student Personnel Services and Social Orientation and Community Involvement), Dr. Herminia Garcia (BSE and BEED Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Ms. Virginia Calabria (BSBA Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Engr. Leni Bulan (BS CpE Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Ms. Leonora Borrome (Nursing Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Mr. Eduardo Orcullo, Jr. (HRM Faculty, Instruction, and Laboratories), Mr. Mateo Miranda (Physical Plant & Facilities), and Ms. Leonor Tiu (Library).
The accreditors who were scheduled to visit on Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2012 evaluated the Colegio based on the self-evaluation reports and progress report. During the visit, they conducted several activities such as orientation with the members of the PACUCOA executive committee, dialogues with students, faculty, and employees, classroom observations, examinations of exhibits, ocular visits of facilities, and an exit conference with the school administrators.
During the exit conference with the members of the administration, the accreditors identified the programs’ strengths and weaknesses.
In the Business Administration, it was positively noted that 100% of the faculty members’ qualification are aligned with the subjects they are teaching. Also, 97.23% of general education teachers are master’s degree holders. The BSBA students were commended for being well-versed in the subject matter, eloquent and proficient in English, and active in extra-curricular activities.
In the Computer Engineering, Engr. Bulan noted that the program complied with the required number of professional books. Further, she mentioned that 85.71% of the Cpe faculty has master’s degree for both professional and general education courses. The CpE laboratory assistant manages the laboratory well. During the classroom observation, it was noted that the attendance of students was recorded in the class records.
In the Hotel and Restaurant Management, Mr. Orcullo commended the harmonious relationship among faculty members, students, and employees. He noted that all faculty members have vertically aligned master’s degree, affiliated with professional organization related to HRM and are involved in the strategic planning. Immersion and trainings extended to probationary faculty members were also praised. Also, the awards received by the students in competition were highlighted by the accreditor. The fully-functional mini-hotel and demo laboratory were also highly recognized.
In the Education area, Dr. Garcia noted that all teachers handling professional and general education courses are LET passers.
In the Nursing, Ms. Borromeo noted strong line-up of faculty members. The above national passing percentage of Letran Calamba Nurses was highly commended. The RLE documentation and course syllabus format were positively noted by the accreditor.
With regard to the Organization and Administration area, Dr. Salac noted that the students have high regard for faculty members, staff, and administrator. She also commended the Colegio for having its department develop the Operations Manual. She highly praised the Religious Education, Mission, and Identity for its commitment to attain the Vision, Mission, and Objectives of the Colegio. Further, the strong Management Information System of the Colegio was appreciated.
In the Library area, Ms. Tiu commended the updated library holdings. Also, the accommodating and friendly librarians were praised by the accreditors.
In the Student Services Administration area, Dr. Manaois commended the various scholarships given to students. The number of Colegio’s scholars registered at 12% of the total population of the student. This is beyond the acceptable percentage of five (5) percent. Further, the Colegio’s guidance counselors are all registered. The Student Center exclusively used by the student organizations was also highly praised. Lastly, the document handling of the Registrar’s Department was seen impressive particularly the security measures.
As to the Physical Plant, it was noted that generally the Colegio is well-maintained. The Colegio has a strong commitment to improve its physical infrastructure. All classrooms are equipped with LCD. A business simulation for BSBA students is provided. THRMI Officers lounge and Student lounge are air-conditioned.
The visit was organized by the PACUCOA Executive Committee appointed by the Rector and President. The committee is headed by Dr. Ma. Rhodora G. Odejar. Ms. Zandra Navarez is tasked to be the PACUCOA Coordinator and heads the Organization and Administration Area. The other members of the Committee are Dr. Ruel V. Maningas, Prof. Doris Bayugo, Ms. Marife P. Sarmiento, Mr. Alex Cecilio, Dr. Alita Conde, Engr. Raul Joaquin Cuenco, Dr. Corazon Rebong, Mr. Simplicio Alba, Ms. Evelyn Nabus, Ms.Maresann Villorente, Mr. Lorenzo B. Isla, Engr. Felimar T. Resplandor, and Ms. Clarice Adrianne D. de Roma.
In June 2012, the Grade School, High School, and Industrial Engineering shall be scheduled for Preliminary Visit of the same agency.
The next set of programs due for accreditation are BS Electrical Engineering, BS Tourism, and the Graduate School MBA program.
Through the leadership of the Academics and Research Division, the Colegio continues to strive hard in improving its educational services to ensure the integral development of its stakeholders particularly that of the students.
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