SMU Hosts St. Louis College of Bulanao for Benchmarking and Partnership Building
Saint Mary’s University (SMU) welcomed delegates from Saint Louis College-Bulanao on April 8, 2026, for an inbound benchmarking activity held at the University Boardroom.
The activity brought together key academic and administrative leaders from both institutions. Leading the SMU delegation were Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, University President, with Mrs. Pearl Via Coballes, Director of the Institutional Development and Quality Assurance Office, Dr. Harrison Villanueva, Assistant Director of IDQAO, along with deans, department heads, and program coordinators from IT, Teacher Education and Humanities, Criminal Justice Education, and Research.
The SLCB delegation was headed by Brigido B. Dubao, Executive Officer, together with Cherry Dia L. Awing, Quality Assurance Coordinator, and program heads from Information and Computing Sciences, Education, Arts and Sciences, Criminal Justice Education, and Research.
Benchmarking discussions covered Quality Assurance systems, Information Technology programs, Criminal Justice Education, Teacher Education and Humanities, as well as Research and Research Ethics, providing a platform for sharing best practices in curriculum development, laboratory facilities, accreditation processes, and ethical research standards.
A key highlight of the visit was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, symbolizing a strengthened partnership between the two institutions.
In his message, SMU President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina expressed optimism that the benchmarking activity and MOA signing would inspire a deeper institutional commitment for both schools. He emphasized that the collaboration is hoped to lead to concrete steps toward elevating standards and strengthening the delivery of quality education.
The activity concluded with facility visits and collaborative discussions, reinforcing a shared vision of continuous improvement and academic excellence.
SDG 4 (Quality Education), supported by SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
Written by: Pearl Via Coballes
IDQAO Director
