29/01/2026
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๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ |
The College of Hospitality Management (CHM) of Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation (OLLCF) formally opened its doors to the accrediting team from the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and UniversitiesโAccrediting Council Incorporated (ACSCU-ACI) for a four-day Preliminary Visit held from January 20 to 23, 2026. This pivotal event aimed to evaluate the Hospitality Management Program, marking a significant milestone in the institutionโs journey toward academic excellence and global industry relevance. Administrators, faculty, students, and the Board of Trustees gathered to showcase the college's readiness and commitment to continuous quality assurance.
The visit commenced with a well-organized Welcome Program where Ms. Josephine G. Palencia, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered a heartfelt address. She emphasized that the accreditation process is a vital mechanism for institutional growth rather than mere compliance, viewing the evaluation as a prime opportunity for reflection and collaboration. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect, as the college community expressed its sincere gratitude to the ACSCU-ACI team for their guidance in aligning the program with international standards of hospitality education.
During the opening ceremonies, the leadership of OLLCF was prominently recognized. Mr. James P. Lopez, Vice President for External Affairs, introduced the key officials, while Ms. Janette D. Kho-Paguigan, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, acknowledged the visionary leadership of President Dr. Philip G. Palencia. This segment of the program highlighted the administration's unwavering support in providing the necessary facilities and resources required to sustain a high-caliber Hospitality Management Program that effectively responds to the needs of modern industry partners.
Setting a professional tone for the technical evaluation, Ms. Virginia B. Villegas, School Accreditation Program Coordinator, introduced the ACSCU-ACI team and outlined their developmental roles. Following this, Ms. Kanee Corazon P. Iglesia, Dean of the CHM, provided an in-depth presentation of the programโs vision and curriculum. Her report illustrated how the college integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills, preparing students for competitive careers through a holistic approach that includes faculty development and robust co-curricular activities.
Dr. Eunice D. Mercado, Chairman of the Accrediting Team, encouraged the CHM family to use the visit as a platform to showcase their strengths while identifying areas for enhancement. Her message was supplemented by words of appreciation from team members Dr. Fernando V. Trinidad III, Ms. Nora Catimbang, and Ms. Karen Bajo, who all commended the institution for its warm hospitality and organized preparations. The first day concluded with a strong sense of unity, establishing a collegial environment for the rigorous validation activities that followed.
The second day focused on institutional operations and academic delivery, beginning with a meticulous examination of exhibits and documentary evidence. Accreditors reviewed faculty credentials, curriculum documents, and academic records to ensure consistency with ACSCU-ACI standards. This was followed by high-level interviews with the Executive Vice President for Administrative Affairs and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, focusing on academic governance and strategic planning, which reinforced the institutionโs transparent and sound management practices.
Instructional quality was put under the spotlight as the team observed various Hospitality Management classes to assess teaching methodologies and student engagement. The accreditors also interviewed heads of support offices, including the Registrar, HRDO, and Library, to validate how administrative units sustain the academic environment. Discussions with faculty representatives and the Board of Trustees further demonstrated the collaborative effort behind the programโs success, highlighting the support systems provided for faculty innovation and long-term institutional sustainability.
Community engagement and stakeholder feedback took center stage on the third day of the visit. The accreditors conducted an outreach site visitation to interview beneficiaries, witnessing firsthand the positive social impact of the programโs extension services. Back on campus, the team inspected laboratories and held interviews with parents, alumni, and industry partners. These conversations were crucial in validating the curriculum's relevance to current industry demands and the high employability of OLLCF graduates in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The final day featured an open and flexible schedule designed for follow-up validations and a meaningful dialogue with student leaders. Representatives of the student body shared their experiences regarding campus life, leadership development, and the support systems available to them. This direct engagement allowed the accreditors to gain a comprehensive view of the student-centered environment OLLCF fosters. The morning and afternoon sessions remained open for the team to cross-check records and finalize their initial findings in a transparent and cooperative atmosphere.
The four-day visit concluded with a farewell dinner, marking the successful completion of the preliminary accreditation phase. President Dr. Phillip Palencia delivered the closing remarks, expressing profound gratitude to the accreditors and the entire OLLCF community for their tireless efforts. As the ACSCU-ACI team departed, the College of Hospitality Management reaffirmed its mission to provide values-driven, industry-relevant education, standing ready to uphold the high standards of quality that define the Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation.
Initial Report by Jan Marcuz De Leon/ Nicole Anne Cabellero
Photos via Jan Marcuz De Leon/ Aira Salumbides/ Eryka Era/ Warren Mabeza - HM Publication Team
