On July 9, 2024, Samar State University (SSU) hosted a benchmarking visit from Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), organized by SSU’s Office of International Affairs, headed by Dr. Elmer A. Irene, in collaboration with the Office of Quality Assurance, led by Mr. Jake Boy D. Carbonquillo. The benchmarking session was held at the SSU Convention Center, and participated in by 25 participants from ESSU, led by Dr. Marina S. Apilado, Vice President for External Linkages and Quality Assurance together with Dr. Rhodora Mendoza, Vice President for Research and other key officials from different campuses of ESSU.
The visit began with a courtesy call to the SSU Office of the President, where the ESSU team was welcomed by Engr. Ma. Lourdes P. Amante, Officer-in-charge and Vice President for Administration and Finance. They were ushered for snacks, coffee and refreshments at the office of International Affairs and at the third floor of the Convention center where the a short program followed. During the benchmarking session, Engr. Amante initiated the program by reading a welcome address from Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, followed by Dr. Apilado’s speech, where she highlighted the significance of the visit and praised SSU. In her remarks, she stated, “SSU is our idol,” the very reason why they always come to SSU for benchmarking activities.
The SSU presentations shared SSU’s strategies and successes in various quality assurance initiatives. Mr. Ariel N. Abarratigue, OIAS International Quality Assurance staff, presented the QS Stars Rating application, Dr. Elmer A. Irene on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and Engr. Mirador G. Labrador, Vice President for Research and Extension Services on the WURI Ranking Application. The ESSU delegation was thankful to SSU’s presenters for sharing their valuable knowledge and expertise, which they can also integrate into their own quality assurance processes. This exchange of insights and best practices further strengthened the collaborative relationship between the two institutions, paving the way for future partnerships and shared achievements.
The event concluded with remarks by Mr. Carbonquillo, expressing gratitude to the ESSU delegation. The ESSU team presented certificates and tokens to the presenters, followed by a group photo session and exchange of contacts, reinforcing the collaborative relationship between SSU and ESSU.
