Saint Mary’s University (SMU) welcomes representatives from Our Lady of the Pillar College–Cauayan, Inc. (OLPCC) for a benchmarking visit on October 29, 2026, at the University Boardroom. The activity promotes institutional learning and knowledge sharing by showcasing SMU’s best practices, policies, and strategies in research ethics, library services, community extension, and creative works.

The activity brings together selected office heads and representatives from both institutions to exchange insights, discuss operational practices, and explore approaches that support quality assurance and continual institutional improvement. The program opens with a prayer led by Miss Kristine Ann L. Israel, Assistant Director of the Institutional Development and Quality Assurance Office (IDQAO), followed by a welcome message from University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina. In his message, Dr. Palina expresses his gratitude to OLPCC for recognizing SMU as a benchmarking institution and emphasizes the importance of institutional collaboration and sharing best practices to advance quality higher education. Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva, IDQAO Director, then introduces the participants.

The discussions focus on four key areas: the Institutional Research Ethics Board, library services, community extension, and creative works. Participants exchange insights on institutional policies, operational procedures, and effective practices in these areas. To complement the discussions, the activity also includes a tour of selected university facilities, including the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, providing OLPCC representatives with a closer look at SMU’s initiatives and practices.

SMU’s representatives include Ms. Lorna C. Aban for research ethics, Mrs. Rhenalyn B. Pimentel for library services, Ms. Claire L. Guinomon for community extension, and Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento for creative works. They engage with their OLPCC counterparts in sharing relevant experiences and practical approaches that support institutional learning and development.

Through this benchmarking initiative, SMU strengthens institutional collaboration, promotes knowledge exchange, and reinforces its commitment to quality assurance and continual improvement. By sharing good practices and learning from peer institutions, the University continues to advance quality, innovation, and institutional excellence in higher education.