Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) has made history as the first higher education institution (HEI) in the Philippines to receive the prestigious Quality and Sustainability Seal from the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). This achievement highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation, particularly in its Business Administration (BA), International Hospitality Management (IHM), and International Tourism Management (ITM) programs.
The recognition was officially presented during PACUCOA’s 51st Founding Anniversary and 35th General Assembly, held on 10 December 2024 at Novotel Manila. The Quality and Sustainability Seal is awarded to institutions that demonstrate exceptional academic quality and a commitment to sustainability, two key factors in shaping the future of higher education.
To receive the award, University President Dr. Caroline Marian S. Enriquez was represented by key members of the OLFU leadership team: Executive Vice President Don August O. Santos; Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Heracleo D. Lagrada; Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) and the College of Hospitality and Institutional Management (CHIM) Dr. Ignacio C. Cordova Jr.; ITM Program Head Riza Delos Santos; IHM Program Head Gemili Cabatic; BA Program Head Arsenia Gallardo; Head of the Center for Quality Management Dr. Ana Liza Ocampo; Quezon City Campus Administrator Dr. Ramonita Salazar; and Antipolo Campus Administrator Engr. Wilfredo Basilio.
The University’s commitment to quality has been evident in the exceptional progress of its programs, particularly those within CHIM and CBA. These programs were specifically recognized for their efforts in securing the PACUCOA Quality and Sustainability Seal.
The recognition followed a comprehensive accreditation review conducted by PACUCOA on 8 November 2024 at OLFU’s San Lorenzo Hall. The review team, which included Dr. Esther Vedaña, Dr. Gloria Baken Wong-Siy, Dr. Noli Valera, Dr. Lourdes Fumera, Dr. Dante Silva, and Dr. Erwin Quendangan, evaluated the University’s programs against rigorous quality standards and industry benchmarks. This thorough process reaffirmed the OLFU’s commitment to delivering sustainable and relevant education. For the OLFU community, this achievement represents a proud milestone, reaffirming the University’s leadership in higher education. The PACUCOA Quality and Sustainability Seal not only enhances OLFU’s reputation but also solidifies its position as a leader in preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.
As OLFU continues to enhance its academic offerings, this recognition underscores its unwavering commitment to advancing educational standards and fostering excellence across all its programs.
Story by Raymond Lumagsao
