CSSP, NCPAG degree programs complete External Quality Review
November 3, 2026
Project proponents of approved applications under the Academic Program Improvement (API) Fund for 2026 gathered on Monday, February 2, in the Seminar Room C of the National Engineering Center for an onboarding session.
The resource speakers posed for a group photo with the project proponents during the onboarding session for the API Fund 2026.
In her opening message, UP Diliman Quality Assurance Office (QAO) Director Evangeline C. Amor acknowledged the rigor of the tasks ahead and affirmed UPD QAO’s commitment to supporting and guiding the proponents throughout the implementation of their projects.
UPD QAO Director Evangeline C. Amor delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for the afternoon session.
The session was organized by the External Quality Assurance (EQA) Team of the UP Diliman QAO, which administers the API Fund. The discussions were led by Atty. Flor L. Ofilada, Director of the UP Procurement Office; Ms. Cecilia J. Morales, Director of the Diliman Accounting Office; and Ms. Melynda Acar and Ms. Marielle Ann L. Cruz of the Diliman Budget Office. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the budgeting, accounting, and procurement requirements that guide the implementation of API-funded projects.
UP Procurement Office Director Atty. Flor L. Ofilada, UP Diliman Accounting Office Director Ms. Cecilia J. Morales, and Ms. Marielle Ann L. Cruz of the UP Diliman Budget Office addressed the audience to discuss guidelines and key processes related to the API Fund.
Members of the API Portal development team, namely Asst. Prof. Pierre Allan C. Villena and Ms. Samantha B. Solis, were also in attendance. Ms. Solis conducted a technical walkthrough of the API Portal, showcasing the newest features for project monitoring. The portal has been expanded to enable the submission of reports, updating of finances, and application of project revisions, helping ensure the consistent tracking of project implementation and compliance with reporting and accountability requirements.
Ms. Samantha Solis of the API Portal Development Team led a demonstration of the API Portal’s project management module.
Project proponents actively participated in the open forum where they addressed questions and concerns directly to the resource speakers. The exchange facilitated a productive discussion and allowed for a more detailed and project-specific alignment of expectations between the proponents and the offices involved.
Project proponents from different academic units engaged in the open forum, addressing their questions directly to the resource speakers.
The API Fund is classified as Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and is therefore governed by existing government laws, rules, and regulations on public fund administration, utilization, procurement, and financial accountability. UP Diliman receives a corresponding allocation for each fiscal year. Academic programs submit project proposals for funding support during the application period. The UP Diliman Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) sets the policies and criteria for evaluating applications and approves them based on the identified priority areas for the current cycle.
For more information on the API Fund, you may send an email to apifunds.upd@up.edu.ph.
The Master of Science (Geography), Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), and Bachelor of Public Administration programs of the University of the Philippines Diliman successfully completed the 5th External Quality Review (EQR) Visit held from September 30 to October 2, 2026. The three degree programs serve distinct academic and professional purposes, from advancing geographical research and understanding complex ideas to preparing students for careers in education, private industries, and public service. Reviewing them presented an opportunity to examine how their curricula and learning experiences prepare graduates to apply their knowledge in their respective fields and respond to the needs of the communities and sectors they serve. The External Quality Reviewers, UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, UPD QAO Director Evangeline C. Amor, CSSP Dean Ruth R. Lusterio-Rico, and NCPAG Dean Kristoffer B. Berse posed for a group photo during the opening session. The review was conducted by an EQR Team composed of academic and quality assurance practitioners from UP Diliman and UP Manila. Professor Emeritus Irene M. Villaseñor of the Institute of Chemistry served as the Lead External Quality Reviewer (EQR) for the MS Geography program, as well as the Chief of the EQR team. She was assisted by Associate Professor
Culminating a week of collaborative learning and unit showcases, the inaugural UP Diliman QAhusayan Fair concluded on September 11, 2026 with a celebratory closing ceremony.
During the opening ceremony of the inaugural UP Diliman QAhusayan Fair 2026 held on September 7, 2026, Dean Dina C. Magnaye, presented the transformative journey of the School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP) as a world-class academic unit of the University of the Philippines.
The UPD QAO held the inaugural QAhusayan Fair from September 7 to 11, 2026, officially marking September as the University’s QA Month, with the theme “Empowering Excellence through a Culture of Quality.”
The UP Diliman College of Engineering, in partnership with UP Diliman Quality Assurance Office, successfully conducted the week-long CoE Self-Assessment Report (SAR) Writing Workshop on August 10-14, 2026, targeting the continuous quality improvement of their graduate degree programs.
The BS Biology and BS FLCD programs of UP Diliman successfully underwent the 504th AUN-QA Programme Assessment on July 21-23, 2026, together with the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Arts programs of UP Mindanao.