Abstract
The University of Cagayan Valley (UCV), a private higher education institution located in Balzain, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, underwent a Remote Technical Panel and Regional Quality Assessment Team (TP-RQAT) evaluation on September 10-11, 2026, for its Master of Arts in Education (MAED) major in Administration and Supervision. The evaluation was conducted to determine the program's compliance with the provisions of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 15, Series of 2019, which prescribes the policies, standards, and guidelines for graduate education programs in the Philippines. (TP-RQAT, 2026)
At the time of evaluation, UCV demonstrated a strong foundation in teacher education, evidenced by the Level IV accreditation of its Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) and Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) programs and the Level III Re-accredited status of the MAED program. These recognitions reflected the institution's long-standing commitment to educational excellence, quality instruction, and continuous improvement. Furthermore, the university had existing research initiatives, graduate school operations, library resources, electronic database subscriptions, and qualified faculty members supporting the delivery of graduate education. (TP-RQAT, 2026)
Despite these strengths, the TP-RQAT evaluation identified several areas requiring immediate attention to ensure full compliance with national standards. Major findings revealed gaps in curriculum alignment with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Level 7 and Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) requirements. The program also lacked complete documentation demonstrating assessment systems, curriculum mapping, continuous quality improvement mechanisms, and other OBE-related processes. Additionally, deficiencies were noted in the implementation of publication requirements, faculty sufficiency, adviser-student ratios, research ethics policies, creative works governance, and the Graduate Program Manual of Operations (GPMO). (TP-RQAT, 2026)
The evaluation further highlighted concerns regarding institutional arrangements, including the absence of a formal Creative Works Agenda, limited research and creative work policies, inadequate budget allocation for the program, insufficient full-time faculty complement, and the need for stronger partnerships with professional organizations relevant to educational leadership and administration. These findings underscored the challenges faced by the university in maintaining regulatory compliance while expanding and sustaining the quality of its graduate programs. As a result, UCV was given specific recommendations and a compliance timeline to address the identified deficiencies and strengthen the overall quality assurance framework of its MAED Administration and Supervision program.
