As part of its efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and institutional excellence, Partido State University (ParSU) engaged in a Benchmarking Activity with the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Pili, Camarines Sur, on June 23, 2026, in preparation for its ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) Certification and Philippine Quality Award (PQA) initiatives.
The activity provided ParSU officials with insights into CBSUA's experiences and best practices in environmental management and quality assurance, which will supplement the university's EMS implementation, ensure compliance with Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) requirements, and enhance its readiness for quality recognition.
The ParSU delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Melinda A. Parro-Pan, Vice President for Academic Affairs and ISO Chairperson, and Ms. Rose Lynnor A. Matos, Quality Assurance Director, reflecting the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving continuous improvement.
The benchmarking activity featured discussions on key areas essential to ParSU's sustainability and quality journey, such as CBSUA's practices on EMS documentation and implementation by Ms. Christine Allen Riza N. Boncodin, Assistant Director for Local and National Quality Assurance and ISO Vice Chairperson, and ECC requirements and EMS compliance obligations by Pollution Control Officers Ms. Rhea Catalina P. Padayao and Engr. Sheryl P. Miradora, who provided practical guidance on environmental management and regulatory compliance.
ParSU also gained insights into institutional resilience and campus development through the presentations of Dr. Phillip N. Talay, Director of the CBSUA Resilience Center, and Mr. Teofisto L. Arreglo Jr., Administrative Officer III, who highlighted initiatives and best practices that contribute to a resilient, safe, and sustainable campus environment. Completing the learning sessions, Dr. Rolando P. Oloteo, Program Chairperson of CAS-GED, discussed the PQA framework and its role in advancing organizational performance.
To conclude, the open forum provided participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, raise concerns, and explore strategies adaptable to ParSU's context. The exchange of best practices was further amplified through visits to CBSUA's key facilities and offices, allowing the delegation to observe the systems and initiatives that support CBSUA's environmental management and quality assurance initiatives.
By learning from institutions with established environmental and quality management systems, ParSU continues to drive its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement for a more efficient public service delivery.
