NDKC Strengthens Quality Assurance and Internationalization Initiatives Through Benchmarking Visit to UIC
By: Aileen C. Santero, LPT, MA
Davao City | August 20, 2026 — Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC) further strengthened its commitment to institutional excellence through a Benchmarking Activity on Quality Assurance, Accreditation, and Internationalization conducted at the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), Davao City.
Representing NDKC were Klemm Ryan Z. Bernabe, DBM, Vice President for Administration and International Relations Officer, Aileen C. Santero, LPT, MA, Acting Director for Quality Assurance and Accreditation, and Ms. Jhanness E. Constantino, Quality Assurance and Accreditation Coordinator.
The benchmarking activity was facilitated by the UIC administrators, Dr. Jo-Ann Y. Solomon, Vice President for Planning and Quality Management, and Mr. Rene M. Babiera II, Director of the External Relations and Internationalization Office (ERIO), whose guidance and insights contributed significantly to the meaningful exchange of institutional practices and experiences.
The activity served as a meaningful avenue for NDKC to gain deeper insights into UIC’s experiences, systems, and strategies in advancing quality assurance, accreditation, and internationalization. It also provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange practices, experiences, and perspectives that may contribute to strengthening institutional policies and programs.
Particular focus was given to quality assurance systems, policies, and implementation mechanisms, including approaches that promote a culture of quality and ensure that institutional processes are systematically implemented and monitored.
The benchmarking also explored accreditation processes, documentation, and continuous improvement practices, providing NDKC with valuable insights into how UIC sustains compliance with quality standards while utilizing assessment results and institutional data to drive continuous improvement.
Another significant area of discussion was internationalization, particularly UIC’s initiatives on institutional partnerships, mobility programs, external linkages, and global engagement strategies. These practices offered valuable perspectives on how higher education institutions can expand their international networks and create meaningful opportunities for students and personnel.
The activity further highlighted best practices that have contributed to institutional excellence and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, evidence-based decision-making, and continuous innovation in sustaining institutional quality.
More than an exchange of information, the benchmarking activity strengthened NDKC’s commitment to learning from established practices and adapting relevant strategies to its own institutional context. The insights gained from UIC are expected to contribute to the continuing enhancement of NDKC’s quality assurance and accreditation mechanisms, as well as its internationalization programs and partnerships.
NDKC expresses its sincere appreciation to the administrators and personnel of the University of the Immaculate Conception for the warm welcome, generous sharing of experiences, and meaningful exchange of best practices.
The benchmarking activity reflects NDKC’s continuing pursuit of quality, excellence, collaboration, and global engagement as it advances toward a stronger and more sustainable institutional future.
