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HIGHLIGHT | CHED RQAT XII Conducts Preliminary Assessment of New Program Proposals at South Cotabato State College
February 25, 2026 — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) XII conducted its preliminary evaluation of the proposed additional program offerings of South Cotabato State College (SCSC), marking a significant step in the institution’s continuing pursuit of academic excellence and regional development.
The evaluation focused on SCSC’s proposed programs, which aim to respond to emerging industry demands and strengthen the province’s agricultural and creative sectors. These include:
1. Bachelor of Multimedia Arts 2. Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness 3. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with majors in: Animal Science, Agricultural Extension, Crop Science (Agronomy), Crop Science (Horticulture), Crop Science (Organic Agriculture)
The RQAT XII assessed the college’s readiness in terms of faculty qualifications, library and laboratory resources, research capability, extension services, curriculum design, and alignment with national and regional development priorities.
A Call to Go Beyond Compliance
In his message during the exit conference, Genaro R. Andres, CESE, PhD, Officer-in-Charge Supervising Education Program Specialist, underscored the deeper purpose of quality assurance in higher education. He emphasized:
“Don’t be just compliant, be transformative.”
The statement resonated strongly with the academic community of SCSC. Dr. Andres explained that compliance with CHED standards is only the minimum requirement; true educational leadership lies in creating programs that transform students, communities, and industries. He encouraged the institution to go beyond documentary completeness and infrastructure adequacy, and instead focus on outcomes that produce innovative graduates, sustainable agricultural practices, empowered farming communities, and globally competitive creative professionals.
“Being transformative,” he stressed, means cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, investing in research-driven instruction, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring that programs directly address local and national development challenges.
For SCSC, whose mandate includes supporting South Cotabato’s strong agricultural backbone, the proposed agriculture and agribusiness programs are expected to modernize farming systems, promote sustainable and organic agriculture, and strengthen extension services. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Multimedia Arts is envisioned to harness the region’s growing creative industry and digital economy.
Leadership’s Commitment and Gratitude
The SCSC administration expressed its sincere gratitude to CHED RQAT XII for its thorough and constructive evaluation.
College President Dr. Edward Lovell B. Brillantes expressed his appreciation for the guidance provided by the assessment team, noting that the recommendations will serve as a roadmap for institutional enhancement. He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and transformative education.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joebert C. Legreso likewise emphasized that the feedback from CHED will be carefully integrated into program refinements to ensure quality delivery from the outset. He highlighted the institution’s dedication to strengthening faculty development, research initiatives, and laboratory facilities in preparation for program implementation.
Director for Instruction Hope P. Esparagosa, MAgDev expressed his gratitude for the collaborative spirit of the evaluation process, describing it as an opportunity for growth rather than mere inspection. He underscored that the college views quality assurance as a shared responsibility and a continuous journey.
The administration collectively acknowledged the invaluable insights provided by Dr. Andres and the RQAT XII members, recognizing their role in guiding SCSC toward becoming not only compliant with national standards but also transformative in its mission.
With agriculture remaining a cornerstone of South Cotabato’s economy and innovation reshaping global industries, SCSC’s proposed additional programs reflect a strategic vision aligned with regional needs and future trends.
As the college moves forward in addressing the recommendations of CHED RQAT XII, the message remains clear: compliance is only the starting point. Transformation is the goal.
