Benchmarking is a strategic process of learning from higher education institutions that demonstrate exemplary quality standards and outcomes. It enables universities to identify and adopt evidence-based practices, foster innovation, and establish meaningful partnerships while engaging in critical reflection to assess institutional strengths and areas for improvement.
In pursuit of this goal, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs spearheaded a benchmarking visit to three of Davao City’s top-performing universities: the University of Mindanao (UM), Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). The academic delegation was led by Atty. Marlumina B. Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs, together with academic coordinators, program chairpersons, and program heads.
UM is recognized as a leading research institution, ranking 65th nationally, 2nd in the Davao Region in the AD Scientific Index, and 23rd out of 235 Philippine universities in the latest UniRank rankings. The UB delegation was warmly received by Dr. Carmencita E. Vidamo, Senior Vice President for Personnel Services and University Registrar, and Ms. Esterlina B. Gevera, Deputy Quality Management Representative for Academics. A key highlight was UM’s Academic Affairs and the Institute of Pedagogical Advancement and Competitiveness (IPAC), which ensures curriculum quality, academic standard enforcement, and faculty development through data-driven processes. UM has institutionalized academic performance tracking through a proprietary software system equipped with a curriculum map calculator and AUN-QA calculator. The team also toured UM’s cutting-edge laboratories, museum, research centers, and its three-storey library, renowned as the largest in Mindanao.
AdDU continues to distinguish itself as a center of academic innovation, ranking 1st in Mindanao and 11th in the Philippines in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab, Executive Vice President, welcomed the UB team. The benchmarking discussions centered on curriculum development, instructional innovation, research initiatives, student services, and institutional advancement. It also shared its best practices on systems thinking, digital transformation, flexible learning environments, and inclusive governance.
USeP holds a national ranking of 17th and is 2nd in the Davao Region according to the 2025 UniRank assessment. The UB delegation was received by Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who emphasized benchmarking as a vital collaborative practice among higher education institutions for mutual growth. Among the key takeaways was USeP’s Project Agila—an innovative research program progressing from incubation to commercialization, reflecting the university’s commitment to knowledge and technology transfer. The UB team also visited its advanced laboratory facilities and 11 specialized research centers focused on collaborative research, innovation, training, and creative academic outputs.
(Dr. Marilou V. Fudalan)
