The College of Development Management (CDM) of the University of Southeastern Philippines – Mintal Campus recently hosted the validation visit of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) of the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) program. The activity formed part of a three-day onsite validation covering the BEEd, BPA, and BSF ETEEAP offerings of the university.

​Present at the Mintal Campus were CHED representatives Ms. Christia Ann Mae Garingan, Dr. Maria Christina Condez, Ms. Jamie Angelie S. Umar, and Dr. Bashiruddin A. Ajihil, who led the onsite review of documents, facilities, and support systems for ETEEAP implementation. Joining them via Zoom were Dr. Benilda Villenas and Dr. Alexander Franco Dalantar, who participated in the discussions and provided additional insights during the validation process.

​The opening program featured the introduction of the USeP-ETEEAP counterparts and messages from university and college officials to underscore institutional commitment to quality assurance and lifelong learning opportunities. Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, USeP Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the university’s thrust to recognize prior learning and professional experience as a legitimate pathway to earning a degree under CHED’s ETEEAP policies and guidelines.

​For the College of Development Management, Dean Dr. Grace Meroflor A. Lantajo provided an overview of the BPA program, emphasizing its competency-based framework and alignment with public sector needs, while Program Head Dr. Ronie G. Panes detailed the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and assessment processes for BPA ETEEAP learners. ETEEAP Focal Person Dr. Eveyth P. Deligero formally introduced the CHED committee and presented the institutional preparations undertaken by USeP to ensure compliance with CMO No. 74 s. 2017, CMO No. 6 s. 2010, and CMO No. 6 s. 2019.

​Supporting the activity at the campus level, Campus Administrator Dr. Aristeo C. Salapa welcomed the CHED team to Mintal and affirmed the campus’s readiness to host adult and non-traditional learners pursuing equivalency through the BPA program. BPA faculty member Dr. Mervin C. Gascon likewise joined the proceedings and responded to queries on course delivery, mentoring, and documentation of learners’ prior learning and work experience.

The CHED team conducted an onsite inspection and document review focused on curriculum alignment, competency standards, assessment tools, and evidence of learners’ achievement of program outcomes. A feedback and recommendation session followed, where the CHED representatives shared their observations and suggestions to further strengthen the implementation of ETEEAP at CDM.

​Dr. Nueva, Dr. Lantajo, Dr. Deligero, and the CDM ETEEAP team expressed their gratitude to the CHED officials for their guidance and constructive feedback, noting that the visit helps reinforce robust quality assurance mechanisms for non-traditional learners. The College of Development Management reiterated its commitment to provide accessible, relevant, and high-quality public administration education to professionals whose rich work experience can be recognized and accredited through ETEEAP.