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The Bachelor of Science in Biology program of University of Southern Mindanao has achieved the highest level of accreditation as certified by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP).
In the official document forwarded to the University Public Relation and Information Office, BS Biology is one of the 67 programs assessed and reviewed from January 1 to March 13, 2020 by the Technical Review Committee headed by AACCUP Executive Director Mr. Manuel T. Corpus.
USM’s BS Biology program complied with all the mandated requirements for Level IV Re-accreditation valid from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2025.
For a program to pass the Level IV status, the average rating must not be lower than 4.5 out of 5 with no area lower than 4.0. “Level IV means the department has developed the culture of research, more publications in refereed journals, more established sustainable extension program, and faculty of high caliber,” explained Dr. Riceli C. Mendoza, AACCUP trustee and secretary.
AACCUP was organized in 1987 and was officially registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1989. The organization primarily aims to evaluate and accredit the curricular programs in the Philippines especially the programs offered by state colleges and universities.
University Quality Assurance Center Director Prof. Jennifer S. Sinco reported that there are three more programs in USM under AACCUP Level III status which are ongoing with their compliance for the next level of accreditation, to wit: BS Agriculture, BS Chemistry, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Cherie C. Mangaoang, Department of Biological Sciences chairperson, was delighted with the good news. She noted that this recent achievement mirrors the goal of the department to provide quality education and services to its clientele.
“This achievement is a concerted effort of the department’s faculty, staff, and students together with the support of our College Dean and the University Administration. Our deepest gratitude is extended, too, to the University personnel in all levels and to those who in one way or another contributed to this success,” Mangaoang added.
BS Biology is also awarded the Center of Development by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Institutions recognized by CHED are prioritized in the selection of CHED institutional partners on development projects aside from faculty member scholarships for graduate studies and research grants, among others.
USM President Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia lauded this recent achievement while emphasizing the goal of the University to continue provide quality and standard education to students in this part of the country.
