APACC conducts on-site visit at COBSAT, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Continuing the accreditation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the Philippines, the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) conducted a two-day on-site visit to the Cagayan de Oro (Bugo) School of Arts and Trades (COBSAT) located in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Province from May 20 to 21, 2009. The team leader, Prof. Dr. Rajesh Khambayat and team member, Prof. TJ Tesoro-Gayondato led the visit.

COBSAT is a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Vocational Training Institute created by the Philippine Republic Act 7839 on December 16, 1994 - an act converting the City High School into a School of Arts and Trades. The school’s mission is to provide quality Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with the involvement of the stakeholders to meet the global demand of world class workforce. It is presently headed by the Vocational School Administrator III, Dr. Eulogio Pancho Sullano, Jr.

Competency-Based Courses being offered in COBSAT include Automotive Servicing – their flagship course, Baking/Pastry Production, Bartending, Building Wiring Installation, Carpentry, Commercial Cooking, Construction Painting, Dressmaking, Food and Beverage Service, Food Processing, Front Office, Household Service Worker, Housekeeping, Masonry, Personal Computer Operations, Plumbing, and Welding (SMAW).

Throughout the on-site visit, the accreditors validated the Self Study Report submitted by the institution to assess if it meets the standards to qualify as an APACC accredited TVET institution. Interview with the Vocational School Administrator, instructors, staff, and former students of the institution were also conducted to strengthen the data gathered by the accreditors as well as to seek their suggestions and views.

Mr. Edwin C. Gatinao, Officer-in-Charge-Regional Director and Mr. John D. Simborios, Officer-in-Charge-Chief, Regional Operations Division of TESDA Regional Office 10, and Ms. Ofelia M. Del Bando, Provincial Director (Misamis Oriental) were also in attendance to provide support to COBSAT.

Further validation of submitted reports by COBSAT is being undertaken by APACC, results of the accreditation status will be declared by CPSC in due time.