Strengthening academic collaboration through the exchange of best practices in higher education
The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (UC-CONAHS), led by Dean Dr. Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, actively participated in a benchmarking activity by F.L. Vargas College, Inc. – Tuguegarao Campus on January 23, 2026, at Cañao Hall. Joining the Dean were Program Coordinator Ms. Judith A. Layao, Level II Coordinator Mr. Nasper Anod, Level III Coordinator Dr. Sheila Maria Batoon, and Level IV Coordinator Ms. Josephine Minger. The activity served as a platform for academic leaders to engage in institutional dialogue aimed at strengthening program delivery, governance, and student-centered learning initiatives.
The benchmarking program featured keynote presentations from participating colleges, including Business Administration, Criminal Justice Education, Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Science, Teacher Education, and Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. Discussions focused on instructional innovations, curriculum alignment, quality assurance systems, and strategies for faculty development and student support services. A guided campus tour further enabled the participants to observe institutional facilities, learning environments, and administrative processes that contribute to effective academic operations. Through this collaborative engagement, UC-CONAHS administrators gained practical insights into adaptable models of academic management and instructional practices that may be contextualized within the College’s nursing and allied health programs.
The participation of UC-CONAHS in the benchmarking activity underscores the College’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and evidence-informed academic leadership. By fostering inter-institutional partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange, UC-CONAHS strengthens its capacity to deliver responsive, innovative, and outcomes-based nursing and allied health education. The activity further supports the College’s vision of producing competent and socially accountable healthcare professionals equipped to meet the evolving demands of the health sector.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
| SDG | Indicator | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4 – Quality Education | 4.3 | Ensuring equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education |
| 4.4 | Increasing the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills for employment and decent work through improved higher education practices | |
| 4.7 | Promoting education for sustainable development and global citizenship through academic benchmarking and quality assurance initiatives | |
| SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16 | Enhancing global and regional partnerships that complement and share knowledge, expertise, and resources |
| 17.17 | Encouraging effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships through inter-institutional collaboration and benchmarking activities |
