UST-LEGAZPI GRADUATE SCHOOL PROGRAMS ATTAIN LEVEL IV ACCREDITATION STATUS

The certificates were received on October 7, 2026, formally marking the completion of the accreditation process that began with the PACUCOA Accreditation Visit held on November 7–8, 2025. The two-day visit covered the Level IV Accreditation of the MAEd and MBA programs. It also included a Preliminary Visit for the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) program, focusing on the core areas of Faculty, Curriculum and Instruction, and Other Resources. During the accreditation visit, PACUCOA accreditors reviewed the Graduate School programs and provided constructive observations and recommendations aimed at further strengthening their academic offerings and practices. The visit concluded with a closing meeting attended by UST-Legazpi administrators and supervisors together with the members of the accrediting team, headed by Dr. Dante Silva. The achievement reflects the collective efforts of the Graduate School, led by Sylva Elena B. Payonga, DBA, Dean of the Graduate School, together with the program chairs who guided the respective programs through the accreditation process: Flor Jenkin, PhD, for the Master of Arts in Education; Dr. Sylva Elena B. Payonga for the Master of Business Administration; and Maria Shane Del Rosario, PhD, for the Master of Arts in Nursing. The Office of Planning and Development (OPD), headed by Angelica R. Sajuela, LPT, MALit, also played a key role in organizing and facilitating the accreditation process. The University's continuing pursuit of academic quality and institutional development is further supported by the leadership of Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, O.P., MM, DBA, University Rector and President. The formal recognition of the MAEd and MBA programs affirms UST-Legazpi's sustained commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement in graduate education. With the collaborative efforts of its academic leaders, faculty, personnel, students, and alumni, the University continues to strengthen its graduate programs in support of professional development, research, leadership, and lifelong learning.