ILOILO CITY, Philippines (February 5, 2026) — The University of San Agustin (USA) successfully completed a comprehensive three-day on-site program assessment by the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), marking a significant milestone in the university’s journey toward international recognition. The rigorous evaluation assessed four key academic programs: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Elementary Education.
The assessment team, comprising eight distinguished evaluators from across the ASEAN region, consistently praised the exceptional commitment demonstrated by USA’s faculty and support personnel. “The academic and support staff are highly dedicated and motivated,” assessors observed, noting how this commitment creates a “conducive learning environment” that addresses operational challenges with remarkable effectiveness.
Academic staff across all programs bring both academic expertise and practical professional experience into the classroom. Communication academic staff were praised as “highly dedicated practitioners who effectively translate professional experience into student learning,” while Elementary Education academic staff were commended for their expertise in classroom management and handling pupils with special needs. Business Administration demonstrated strong leadership with a comprehensive roadmap for Outcome-Based Education maintained since 2019, and Biology academic staff successfully integrate laboratory work with cutting-edge research methodologies.
The university’s achievement reflects the visionary leadership of University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, and the administrative team. Assessors particularly noted the administration’s proactive approach to academic staff development, including PhD scholarships, specialized workshops, and advanced learning spaces such as the “Ideation Level 3” simulation laboratory for Business Administration students.
Dr. Regina Aileen May V. Vergara, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized that the assessment represented “a constructive quality assurance dialogue rather than a mere compliance exercise,” and added that, “the AUN-QA framework is not a static state but a dynamic and systematic process,” reflecting the administration’s commitment to genuine educational improvement focused on outcomes-based education and stakeholder relevance.
The assessment highlighted USA’s exceptional relationships with alumni and industry partners, whose active participation has been crucial to the university’s educational mission. Curriculum updates across all programs are systematically driven by stakeholder feedback, ensuring graduates are equipped with skills that meet real-world requirements.
Alumni engagement emerged as a particular strength, with assessors noting a “win-win relationship” between programs and graduates. The university’s core values of Unitas, Veritas, and Caritas (Unity, Truth, and Charity) were clearly visible in the integrity and professional success of alumni interviewed. Industry partners contribute expertise ensuring USA graduates possess competencies demanded by today’s professional landscape.
The Elementary Education program showcased effective stakeholder collaboration through its impressive graduate employability rate, with most graduates securing positions within one year—a direct result of alignment with educational sector needs.
The AUN-QA assessment represents a cornerstone of USA’s strategic internationalization initiatives, demonstrating commitment to positioning itself among leading ASEAN universities. By subjecting programs to rigorous international evaluation standards, it is recommended that USA benchmark its curricula against global frameworks and best practices.
The assessment team encouraged USA to continue benchmarking Program Learning Outcomes against top-tier international universities, reinforcing the institution’s trajectory toward becoming a premier academic community producing graduates who serve the global community.
Assessors identified USA’s laboratory facilities as “the best in the region,” serving as a primary attraction for prospective students. The university has been invited to join the AUN Digital Transformation Thematic Network, a prestigious collaborative platform focused on sharing best practices in data security, digitalization, and educational technology across ASEAN institutions.
Throughout the assessment, evaluators observed that USA’s Augustinian core values are lived realities permeating every aspect of the institution. The assessment team reached unanimous consensus that these values were clearly visible in the behavior and professional conduct of staff, students, and alumni.
Program Learning Outcomes were found firmly aligned with both the Augustinian mission and the Philippine Qualification Framework, demonstrating how USA successfully integrates its Catholic identity with contemporary educational standards and international competitiveness.
The evaluation identified both significant strengths and strategic opportunities for enhancement. Key areas for development include strengthening Outcome-Based Education implementation, enhancing systematic data analysis for program improvement, expanding faculty research capacity, and integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into curricula.
As USA moves forward, the university extends profound gratitude to academic staff, non-academic personnel, university leadership, and alumni and industry partners whose contributions made this achievement possible. This milestone celebrates USA’s rich Augustinian heritage while securing its place as an emerging leader in the ASEAN academic landscape, committed to producing graduates who will shape a better future for the Philippines and the world.
Special advisor to the AUN executive director, Dr. Wan Ahmad Kamil, PhD, FASc, FMIC and University President. Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA.
The academic staff of the Business Administration Program with lead assessor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuanthip Kamolvarin and Dr. Aidil Azli bin Alias and special advisor to the AUN executive director, Dr. Wan Ahmad Kamil, and USA administrators led by University President. Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA.
The academic staffof the Communication Program and lead assessor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Minh and Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanog-on Rungrojngarmcharoen and special advisor to the AUN executive director, Dr. Wan Ahmad Kamil, and USA administrators led by University President. Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA.
The academic staff of the Elementary Education Program with special advisor to the AUN executive director and lead assessor Dr. Wan Ahmad Kamil and Asst. Prof. Dr. Jiraporn Intrasai, and USA administrators led by University President. Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA.
The academic staff of the Biology Program with lead assessor Dr. Tan Chin Hon and Dr. Nguyen Thi Huyen and special advisor to the AUN executive director, Dr. Wan Ahmad Kamil, and USA administrators led by University President. Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA.
The University of San Agustin Community, with the AUN-QA assessors, for the 480th AUN-QA Programmes Assessment
February 3-4, 2026 | 7th Floor CPMT Building, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines