As part of its commitment to excellence and quality Catholic education, the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT)–Basic Education School (BES) Administration conducted a two-day benchmarking activity on October 9–10, 2025. The activity focused on the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum, particularly on curriculum design, delivery approaches, and overall academic program development.
The delegation was composed of the following: Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, Ph.D., University President; Dr. Emily T. Mabborang, Basic Education School Principal; Dr. Darwin F. Dumlao, Assistant Principal for Administration and Student Affairs; John Mosel B. Bitonio, MBA, Accountancy, Business and Management Area Head; Liza P. Maquera, MAEd, English Area Head; Jomel M. Mabborang, MAEd, Center for Basic Education Research Head; Melvie T. Mabbonag, MAEd, TLE Area Head; Darwin B. Caronan, MST, Araling Panlipunan/Social Science Area Head; Joan C. Adducul, MST, MAPEH Area Head; Bryan F. Arugay, LPT, Science Area Head; Ajie C. Dagohoy, Jr., LPT, Filipino/Mother Tongue Area Head; Mary Ann P. Bunagan, LPT, ICT/Computer/Robotics Area Head; and Jeremae V. Sagario, MST, Immersion Area Head.
The team visited three esteemed institutions in the Philippines that are part of the pilot implementation of the SSHS Curriculum: University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and Pasig Catholic College (PCC). On the first day, the team visited UA&P, where they were warmly welcomed by Ms. Aurea Cruz, Program Director, and Ms. Ele Caparas, Deputy Program Director. The event was graced by Atty. John Philip R. Yeung, UA&P President, along with representatives from the Academic Quality Assurance (AQA) Office. The benchmarking process began with a brief campus tour that showcased UA&P’s facilities. The presentation featured the Junior College Program, highlighting its innovative 6-Year Program (6YP) and 6YP Plus pathways, which integrate college readiness and industry-linked competencies.
In the afternoon, the team proceeded to UST Senior High School, where they were welcomed by Prof. Rodrigo A. Litao, Ph.D., Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, together with members of the UST-SHS Administration. The session provided an overview of UST’s program structure, curriculum design, and effective delivery strategies adopted in its pilot implementation. The UST team also shared valuable insights and recommendations that could guide USLT in preparing for its own implementation. The visit concluded with a campus tour of UST’s learning facilities.
On the second day, the team visited Pasig Catholic College (PCC), a school founded by a CICM priest, making the visit providential and meaningful for USLT. The delegation was welcomed by Fr. Daniel Estacio, College President; Dr. Jennifer Apolinario, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Melinda Segismundo, SHS Principal, along with Learning Area Coordinators. PCC generously shared their journey in the preparation and implementation of the Strengthened SHS Curriculum.
After the discussion, the team toured the various academic and student-centered facilities of the school. Specifically, the following key observations and reflections were shared by members of the USLT-BES delegation: Mr. Dumlao remarked, “From the benchmarking, I realized how highly these institutions value their faculty, ensuring that no one was displaced during the curriculum transition by providing retraining and reassignment opportunities. I also noted how their subject offerings and schedules were carefully structured to balance teacher workload and support student learning effectively.”
Mr. Bitonio shared, “The benchmarking activity opened our eyes to how innovation and compassion must go hand in hand in implementing the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum. The three esteemed institutions illuminated a clearer path for us to navigate complexities and refine our own plans for implementation. With this, USLT is now equipped with insights and knowledge that will help transform our plans into reality, one that will advance our shared mission of delivering a holistic, responsive, and future-ready education for all Louisian GEM learners.”
Ms. Maquera expressed, “Learning from the prestigious schools—University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), and Pasig Catholic College (PCC)—has been truly insightful as we prepare for the implementation of the Strengthened SHS Curriculum. These institutions offered not only exemplary curriculum models but also showcased excellent facilities that foster quality education. I truly admire the warmth and hospitality of their administrators and learning heads; their generosity in sharing their time, expertise, and best practices is deeply appreciated. Most of all, their humility despite their institutional achievements is genuinely inspiring. This onsite benchmarking proved far more meaningful than virtual engagements, as it allowed us to experience firsthand the practices and gain a deeper understanding. With the good ideas and best practices we have learned from these pioneering schools, I can confidently say that we are ready to implement the new curriculum next school year.”
In essence, the USLT-BES Administration’s benchmarking initiative underscores its steadfast commitment to educational innovation and continuous improvement. Guided by its mission of providing transformative, faith-based, and globally competitive education, USLT-BES remains resolute in offering only the BEST for its learners.
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