CMU strengthens quality initiatives through PSQ benchmarking activity in Zamboanga City
Central Mindanao University (CMU) continues to strengthen its commitment to quality, excellence, and institutional performance through its participation in the three-day activity organized by the Philippine Society for Quality (PSQ) in Zamboanga City on October 15–17, 2026.
The activities brought together quality advocates, institutional leaders, and professionals to promote knowledge sharing, benchmarking, and continuous improvement. The program featured the UGNAYAN: Benchmarking Session on October 15, the Perlas ng Kahusayan: Gabi ng Parangal that evening, and the 36th National Quality Forum and Expo on October 16–17.
Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs led the CMU delegates, accompanied by key university officials and personnel representing various offices and units. The delegation included Dr. Raquel S. Salingay, Director of the Office of Extension; Dr. Bienvenido M. Butanas Jr., Director of the Office of Quality Assurance; Dr. Cherry Mae R. Balingit, Director of the Office of Instruction; Dr. Athena Jan I. Derayunan, Director of the Office of Human Resource Management; Dr. Daryl Jane A. Caballero, Dean of the College of Business Management; Prof. Erwin P. Ambasa, Assistant Director of the Office of Quality Assurance; Prof. Reynante M. Buntod, faculty member of the College of Information Sciences and Computing (CISC); Mr. Marcelino F. Duay III, staff of the Office of Human Resource Management; Mr. Charlie A. Mundal, Budget Officer; and Engr. Angelita S. Aguilar, staff of the Office of Quality Assurance.
A major highlight of the delegation’s participation was the benchmarking activity at Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), a recipient of Level III recognition under the Philippine Quality Award (PQA). The engagement provided CMU with an opportunity to learn from the university’s quality management practices, institutional strategies, and approaches to sustaining organizational excellence.
The benchmarking initiative forms part of CMU’s continuing efforts to strengthen its institutional quality management system and enhance its readiness for future PQA activities. By learning from recognized quality organizations, CMU aims to identify effective practices, generate insights for improvement, and further integrate quality principles into its governance, academic operations, human resource management, extension services, and administrative processes.
The participation of officials and representatives from different university offices also underscores CMU’s commitment to a collaborative, institution-wide approach to quality excellence. Such cross-functional engagement is essential in aligning organizational priorities, strengthening evidence-based decision-making, improving performance measurement, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Beyond benchmarking, the three-day PSQ activity provided opportunities for professional networking and engagement with the broader quality community. The National Quality Forum and Expo, in particular, served as a venue for exchanging ideas, exploring innovative quality practices, and reinforcing the importance of organizational excellence in achieving sustainable institutional performance.
Through this initiative, Central Mindanao University reaffirms its commitment to continuous improvement and its pursuit of higher standards of quality in fulfilling its mandates in instruction, research, extension, and production.
Guided by its commitment to excellence and service, CMU continues to pursue meaningful partnerships and learning opportunities that will help strengthen its quality management practices and advance its aspiration for sustained institutional excellence. [Prof. Awe Ambasa, Office of Quality Assurance]
