Davao City, Philippines — A delegation from Caraga State University (CSU) visited Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) on February 12, 2025, to benchmark its ISO 21001:2018-certified educational management system. The visit underscored Mapúa MCM’s reputation as a leader in quality education, setting a standard for institutional excellence.
Among the 27-member delegation from CSU were top university officials, including Dr. Michelle V. Japitana, Vice President for Executive Operations; Dr. Vicente A. Pitogo, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Rissa L. Mercado, Vice President for Student Affairs and Auxiliary Services. Their visit aimed to gain first-hand insights into Mapúa MCM’s best practices in quality assurance, student services, and internationalization efforts.
To provide CSU delegates with a comprehensive understanding of its academic environment, Mapúa MCM organized an extensive tour showcasing its cutting-edge classrooms, laboratories, library, and auditorium. These state-of-the-art learning spaces demonstrated how the institution integrates innovation with academic excellence, ensuring students receive world-class educational experiences.
After the tour, both institutions engaged in an extensive discussion at the Global Classroom, where Mapúa MCM leaders shared key strategies and experiences in achieving and maintaining ISO 21001:2018 certification. Dr. Melwin G. Mende, Director of the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Office, detailed the college’s quality assurance strategies and its roadmap to ISO certification. Meanwhile, Ramon B. Quinagon III, Director of the Office for Student Services, presented Mapúa MCM’s student support programs, emphasizing initiatives that prioritize student well-being and success.
Further enriching the discussion, Josef Mika-el M. del Corro, Head of Innovations in Digital Environments and Learning Solutions, introduced Mapúa MCM’s Quality Matters (QM) certification for online courses and faculty development programs. Leopoldo D. Aquino, Jr., on the other hand, highlighted internationalization initiatives, including student exchanges and global academic partnerships that broaden learning opportunities.
Through this dynamic exchange of ideas, CSU delegates gained valuable insights on various aspects of educational quality and institutional growth. The engagement not only provided them with best practices to enhance their own journey towards ISO 21001:2018 certification but also fostered a meaningful collaboration between the two institutions.
With this visit, Mapúa MCM reaffirmed its position as a benchmark institution in the Philippines, demonstrating that academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness can be seamlessly integrated into higher education.