Accreditors see high level of spirituality on campus
Aimed at evaluating South Philippine Adventist College’s performance in conformity with its philosophy, vision and mission, the Adventist Accrediting Agency (AAA) team came for a 4-day visit to the school, August 17-21.
The AAA evaluators of 11 members were headed by Dr Hudson Kibuuka, associate director of education for the Seventh-day Adventist world church (GC).
On the team and the criteria they undertook for evaluation were Dr Moises de Ocampo, from the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP), who dealt with Spiritual Development, Service and Witnessing; Program of Study of the Theology Department and its faculty. Mr German Lust, vice president for finance, Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), on Governance, Organization and Administration; and Ms Daisy Orion, GC associate treasurer, on School Finances;
Dr. Lawrence Domingo, SSD education director, took a careful look at the Programs of Study for the Computer Science/ Office Administration Department; while Mr Jacinth Adap, associate treasurer of the church in the southern Asia Pacific region (SSD), dealt with the Programs of Study for the Business Administration Department.
Looking at the other programs of study were DrPremaGaikwad, AIIAS Education Professor–Elementary/Secondary Education Department; Dr Dolores Wright of Loma Linda University School of Nursing—Nursing; Ms Alva Albay of AUP Library and Resource Center—Library; and MrZubaid Khan, also of AIIAS, on Academic Policies and Records.
The four other evaluators were DrYolandoQueruela, director of education for the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC)–Student Services; Mr Jesse Peñaflorida, education director for the Central Philippine Union Conference—Physical Plant and Facilities; while DrDiosdado Catalan, SPUC associate education director, who worked on Public Relations and External Constituencies.
During the welcome ceremony, Dr. Kibuuka stressed that “evaluation focuses mainly on the school’s performance whether it abides with the requirements in line with the school’s statement of philosophy, mission, and vision.”
Many months before the visit, the college administration has been doing extensive preparation for the evaluation visit. “We have looked into the documents containing recommendations made by the 2005 and 2008 evaluation teams and checked whether these recommendations were accomplished,” said Dr Arceli H Rosario, college president.
“We also delved on the 10-point agenda that summed up our direction for the years ahead on the following criteria: Spiritual Formation, Organizational Stability, Academic Quality, Financial Viability, Relevant Student Services, Empowered and Effective Community, Partnership and Linkages Building, Campus and Physical Plant improvement, and Research Development,” added Dr Rosario.
“The efforts and time spent in the process of preparing for this evaluation event had paid off, though a lot more need negotiation to reach the ideal,” said school administrators, “and we will not content ourselves with what had been done.”
What participation is there for the students in the future? “Four things,” said Dr Rosario:First, documentation of all activities held by the students. Second, these activities are evaluated whether they conform to the philosophy, vision and mission of the college. Third, based on the result of evaluation, action plans are formulated to see to it that the recommendations are accomplished. And last, cooperation by all students is a must. In other words, there should be documentation, evaluation, incorporation, and cooperation.”
Heard from the members of the team were heart-warming comments. Foremost was on the high level of spiritually in the school, and one such comment comes from Dr Kibuuka himself: I have not seen a school with so many challenges and yet the students and faculty are extremely joyful living together in this academic community.”
Upon arriving at the world headquarters of the Church in Maryland, USA, Dr Kibuuka emailed: “We enjoyed very much the young people’s program on Sabbath afternoon. Please extend our appreciation and gratitude and our wish for a continued success as they grow to be good Christians, prepared for the service of the Lord.”
South Philippine Adventist College has been recommended anew to the Adventist Accrediting Agency for a three-year accreditation. “We praise God for this accomplishment and for His glory we commit ourselves to doing His will in the education of our young people,” concluded the teachers and administrators. [Real Joy Revilla/CampusMedia]