Quality in Focus: PIT Benchmarks SLSU’s Quality Management System & Internal Audit

During the second session of the Shared Approach and Learning for Institutional Growth, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the Offices of the University Quality Assurance and Internal Audit, welcomed delegates from the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) on 16 February 2026. The PIT delegation was headed by Mr. Jiv Codera, Institute Quality Director, and Ms. Pelar Elizza T. Maraya, Internal Auditor III.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Jude A. Duarte emphasized that the role of Quality Assurance at SLSU is both demanding and crucial in ensuring the university's continuous advancement-not only in glocal initiatives, particularly in international rankings, but also in its compliance with various statutory and regulatory requirements. He further noted that the university's Internal Audit Unit is steadly progressing toward the full establishment and effective implementation of its processes and deliverables.

The benchmarking activities were conducted in two separate venues. The Quality Assurance session, held at the SLSU Board Room, focused on the sharing of best practices, strategic goals, and key initiatives related to accreditation, international rankings, documented information, and the Quality Management System. The presentation was led by Dr. James Brian Flores, Director of the University Quality Assurance Office (UQAO). Meanwhile, the Internal Audit Unit conducted its benchmarking activity at the SLSU Learning Commons, where the participants were fully immersed in the processes and operational practices of their respective offices.

Ms. Maraya shared that the benchmarking activity provided them with a clearer sense of direction for their office, an experience she described as both gratifying and challenging, as it highlighted their strengths while also revealing areas for further development.

Mr. Codera, in turn, emphasized that through SALIG, both PIT and SLSU are given the opportunity to support one another as institutions within the same region, working collaboratively to elevate their quality standards and strengthen their roles as centers of educational excellence.

In conclusion, the benchmarking activity between Southern Leyte State University and the Palompon Institute of Technology advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthened quality assurance and accreditation systems, supports SDG 16 (Strong Institutions) by enhancing internal audit, compliance, and documented processes, and promotes SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through inter-institutional collaboration. From an ESG perspective, it demonstrates strong Governance through transparency and structured quality management, while contributing to the Social dimension by building institutional capacity and improving educational outcomes.