USM Undergraduate, MS Programs Undergo Level IV AACCUP Online Accreditation Survey Visit The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) programs namely, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT), Master of Science (MS) in Agronomy, MS in Crop Science, and MS in Horticulture, underwent the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) Online Accreditation Survey Visit on September 9–11, 2026, via Zoom. Dr. Christina V. Maglipong, a retired professor from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), served as the overall coordinator of the survey. In her opening message, she explained that the accreditation process strengthens the institutional capacity of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) by identifying gaps and areas for improvement in governance through systematic assessment, feedback, and innovation. According to her, the accreditation also promotes a culture of quality assurance and supports sustainable academic excellence across all programs. Meanwhile, Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized USM’s strong partnership with AACCUUP. “We welcome the evaluation, constructive feedback and valuable insights of our esteemed accreditors; these will serve as an important guide to further enhancing our academic standards,” the VPAA said. Moreover, USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel reiterated the university’s commitment to accreditation as part of its sustained efforts to ensure the delivery of quality and relevant academic programs that respond to the needs of the community. “Accreditation is not about proving that we are perfect, it is about showing that we are committed to become better, a strong institution is not one that claims to have no weaknesses, a strong institution is one that has courage to recognize its areas for improvement, the humility to listen to recommendations, and the determination to act on them,” the President emphasized. The online accreditation survey visit lasted for three days and was conducted through breakout rooms via Zoom teleconference. During the visit, the accreditors and their local counterparts from USM reviewed the required documents and supporting materials. All areas for the MS programs were revisited and evaluated. In his message, Dr. Lawrence Anthony U. Dollente, the University Quality Assurance Office (UQAO) Director, expressed his gratitude to the AACCUP accreditors and local counterparts for their participation and constructive feedback. “This [accreditation] is a significant step in our continuing effort to strengthen the quality of our programs and increase the number of Level IV accredited programs of the University,” Dr. Dollente said. As the university awaits the official results, it remains committed to excellence, innovation, and inclusive service.

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Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at September 15, 2026

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) programs namely, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT), Master of Science (MS) in Agronomy, MS in Crop Science, and MS in Horticulture, underwent the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) Online Accreditation Survey Visit on September 9–11, 2026, via Zoom.

Dr. Christina V. Maglipong, a retired professor from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), served as the overall coordinator of the survey. In her opening message, she explained that the accreditation process strengthens the institutional capacity of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) by identifying gaps and areas for improvement in governance through systematic assessment, feedback, and innovation. According to her, the accreditation also promotes a culture of quality assurance and supports sustainable academic excellence across all programs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized USM’s strong partnership with AACCUUP.

“We welcome the evaluation, constructive feedback and valuable insights of our esteemed accreditors; these will serve as an important guide to further enhancing our academic standards,” the VPAA said.

Moreover, USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel reiterated the university’s commitment to accreditation as part of its sustained efforts to ensure the delivery of quality and relevant academic programs that respond to the needs of the community.

“Accreditation is not about proving that we are perfect, it is about showing that we are committed to become better, a strong institution is not one that claims to have no weaknesses, a strong institution is one that has courage to recognize its areas for improvement, the humility to listen to recommendations, and the determination to act on them,” the President emphasized.

The online accreditation survey visit lasted for three days and was conducted through breakout rooms via Zoom teleconference. During the visit, the accreditors and their local counterparts from USM reviewed the required documents and supporting materials. All areas for the MS programs were revisited and evaluated.

In his message, Dr. Lawrence Anthony U. Dollente, the University Quality Assurance Office (UQAO) Director, expressed his gratitude to the AACCUP accreditors and local counterparts for their participation and constructive feedback.

“This [accreditation] is a significant step in our continuing effort to strengthen the quality of our programs and increase the number of Level IV accredited programs of the University,” Dr. Dollente said.

As the university awaits the official results, it remains committed to excellence, innovation, and inclusive service.

Loynei Frias Sumalinog

Loy has a habit of buying books more often than actually reading them. Also, he sets reminder to only drink two cups of coffee in a day, and forgets it every time.