The Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) welcomed Catbalogan City Community College (CCCC) last August 12, 2026 for a benchmarking focusing on institutional practices and experiences in quality assurance, program assessment, accreditation, and library services.
The benchmarking activity, participated in by CCCC’s School President, Dr. Nigel L. Cornejo; Quality Assurance Director, Ms. Veronica G. Buenaventura; and College Librarian, Ms. Karin M. Maceda; provided an avenue for both institutions to exchange knowledge, practices, and strategies that support continuous improvement and quality enhancement in higher education.
Participants from HCDC were Dr. Teresa P. Fabiania, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Owen Pilongo, CET-Dean; Dr. Alona S. Galache, HuSoCom Dean; Chique M. Nacionales, Chairperson of BS Criminology; Dr. Melissa E. Jose, STE-Dean; Ms. Mirafe F. Beldad, Head of the Center for Learning Resource; Dr. Jean A. Legaspi, Head of the Institutional Quality Assurance Office; Ms. Jeanie Ruth B. Laro, Accreditation and Assessment Assistant; and Ms. Vanessa Faye C. Ayungui, Document Controller. Their participation supported the sharing of information and practices during the benchmarking activity, particularly in the areas of quality assurance and learning resource services.
Strengthening Quality Assurance Practices
The Institutional Quality Assurance Office (IQAO) of HCDC shared the College’s quality assurance processes, including its approaches to certification, accreditation, and assessment. The presentation also highlighted HCDC’s current accreditation status and its program assessment initiatives, including programs scheduled for assessment in 2027.
The discussions also covered practical experiences in implementing quality assurance activities and addressing common challenges, such as adjusting survey instruments, coordinating and following up with process owners, and ensuring compliance with submission timelines.
Among the practices highlighted were the importance of working systematically with established deadlines, maintaining well-organized and accessible documentation, and securing the continued support and involvement of management and stakeholders.
Enhancing Library and Learning Resource Services
The benchmarking activity also featured a presentation from the Center for Learning Resources (CLR), which shared its practices and services designed to provide students, faculty, and other users with accessible information resources and a conducive learning environment.
The CLR presented its various library services, including automated circulation, book borrowing, book displays, current awareness services, inter-library use, and online reference support. The College also showcased its online library services, such as Document Delivery Service, Ask a Librarian, Suggest a Purchase, and the Virtual/Online Information Literacy Program.
To further support access to information resources, the CLR provides electronic resources through platforms such as MyLOFT and RemoteXs. Its Web OPAC also enables users to search the library’s collections and access online request forms, providing greater convenience and accessibility to library services.
Sharing Experiences for Continuous Improvement
Beyond presentations, the benchmarking activity provided an opportunity for the participating institutions to discuss common experiences, challenges, and practical approaches in implementing quality assurance and learning resource services. The exchange emphasized that effective quality practices require not only established systems and processes but also consistent coordination, proper documentation, timely implementation, and the active support of stakeholders.
The visit underscored the value of benchmarking as a means of learning from the experiences of other higher education institutions and identifying practices that may be adapted to strengthen institutional processes.
The benchmarking activity with CCCC served as a meaningful platform for knowledge sharing, professional exchange, and continuous improvement. The practices and insights discussed may provide useful references for both institutions as they continue to enhance their quality assurance systems, academic programs, and learning resource services in support of their students, faculty, and other stakeholders.