The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) held its third Special Learning Session titled “The QA Imperative: Towards Building a Critical Mass of Autonomous and Deregulated HEIs” via Zoom on April 29, 2025.
With almost 200 attendees from different Catholic Higher Education Institutions, the session underscored the role of Quality Assurance (QA) in promoting institutional maturity, excellence, and the development of higher education institutions (HEIs) that uphold academic freedom, innovation, and integrity.
In his opening remarks, CEAP Executive Director Narcy F. Ador Dionisio reaffirmed CEAP’s commitment to supporting institutions in meeting standards and fostering innovation and self-governance. He called on stakeholders to build a strong network of deregulated and autonomous HEIs capable of self-regulation and contributing to nation-building.
Keynote speaker Mr. Benhur Ong, Chancellor of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), presented CHED’s framework for autonomy and deregulation, including the processes and requirements for institutions seeking such status.
The session also featured institutional sharing from academic leaders. DLS-CSB Vice Chancellor Angelo Marco U. Lacson recounted Benilde’s path to autonomy while Ms. Cesa May A. Almirante-Andrade, Accreditation Coordinator of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), highlighted the university’s accreditation milestones and emphasized the importance of CHED Regional Office support and strong leadership in institutional development.
Dr. Stephenie Busbus, Director of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs at Saint Louis University, discussed how internationalization should be integrated into strategic planning to enhance QA and strengthen institutional reputation.
The learning session is part of CEAP’s ongoing initiative under the National Higher Education Commission (NHEC) to build the capacity of Catholic HEIs and align them with national and global standards of excellence.