The City College of San Fernando Pampanga is on its initial steps to receiving programs accreditation from the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA).
ALCUCOA is the accrediting body for local colleges and universities. It is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education to examine the educational operations of universities in the local government if it is operating above or within the standards set for Higher Education Institutions.
On September 24, 2021, Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, President and Executive Director of ALCUCOA, conducted an initial visit and recommendations to CCSFP.
“I am so happy that finally the City College of San Fernando has submitted itself for accreditation. We just come here to initially evaluate what CCSFP has done and make some initial recommendations prior to the actual and formal visit of the ALCUCOA visitors,” Arcega said.
“In fact, I am excited because without the accreditation yet, the CCSFP has been already doing very well in the board examinations for teacher education,” he added.
Attorney Gloria Victoria Bañas, CCSFP Officer-in-charge and President, underscored the importance of accreditation to the institution.
“Accreditation is just like ISO certification where you have to allow third party organizations to go through the system and process to evaluate your accomplishment vis-à-vis your promise of quality, relevant, and inclusive education. So, this is a great opportunity for us to prove that, though relatively small, the City College is already exceeding national standards. More so, if we are an accredited institution, that adds more credence to our graduates and adds more to their employability globally,” Bañas explained.
Initially, a school applies for a candidate status and shall be given accredited status once the overall rating is satisfied. The school then can apply for Level 1 and shall undergo the accreditation for the said level. CCSFP will begin with a candidate status for this year.
From November 10 to 12, 2021, the formal visit of ALCUCOA accreditors will take place. The result of the first evaluation is expected to come out in the first quarter of 2022.
Once accredited, CCSFP can avail some privileges being granted by the regulatory education body such as: Exemption from institutional quality assurance; Recognition by foreign ministries of education; Upon endorsement of ALCUCOA, qualified to apply and receive grants and scholarships for faculty, students and staff; Can accept foreign students; Qualified to receive grants for research, extension, and other projects; Consultative assistance in the deployment of OJT students and among others.
Meanwhile, Arcega expressed his gratitude and admiration for the consistency and support of the local government unit to CCSFP.
“To the City Government of San Fernando, thank you. Always be reminded that the investment you’re putting to CCSFP will bring the city to the farthest destination. We are not building structures here; we are building lives. Thank you for continuously believing that education is the only way for us to have social equity and social justice. Thank you so much for your investment because it is only thru education that we are able to liberate the young from poverty. Thank you for allowing the people of San Fernando not to be born poor and not to end up poor,” Arcega said.