The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) underwent a comprehensive recertification visit and institutional evaluation led by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on April 22, 2026, at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
The evaluation gathered university officials and CHED experts to assess the program’s compliance with national standards and its delivery of competency-based education. The CHED team included Dr. Rachel D. Casimero, Dr. Karen I. Iniego, and Dr. Michael Bibon, with technical experts Dr. Alexander Franco A. Delantar, Dr. Bashiruddin A. Ajihil, and Ms. Mely Mar T. Perez.
In his message, Dr. Alexander Franco A. Delantar said, “Farmers play a vital role in national development… Programs like ETEEAP recognize their experiential knowledge and translate this into academic credentials.”
A comprehensive presentation of the BS Agriculture ETEEAP program followed, detailing its curriculum, assessment processes, and alignment with industry needs. The session showcased how the program evaluates prior learning and professional experience as part of its equivalency and accreditation system.
During the evaluation proper, the CHED Technical Panel and OPSD reviewed critical aspects of the program, including the roster of assessors, laboratory components, and equivalency assessment instruments. The feasibility study was also examined, covering projected enrolment, geographic and disciplinary demand, the presence of similar programs, and the rationale for tuition fees.
An on-site inspection of laboratories and facilities at CANR allowed the evaluators to validate the adequacy of resources supporting instruction and research. The visit also included a courtesy call to the CBSUA Office of the President, reinforcing collaboration between the institution and CHED.
The activity concluded with Phase II of the evaluation and a closing meeting, during which the CHED Technical Panel presented its findings and recommendations. The panel noted that the program’s recertification is subject to full compliance with the given recommendations on or before May 29, 2026, underscoring the university’s responsibility to address identified areas for improvement within the prescribed period.
CBSUA officials welcomed the feedback and expressed their commitment to meeting all requirements. The BS Agriculture ETEEAP continues to serve as a vital pathway for farmers and agricultural professionals to earn formal academic degrees, further contributing to sustainable agricultural development. | 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘈𝘕𝘙
