In view of the need to further build the pool of distinguished accreditors for the activities of the Asia-Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), CPSC conducted the 2nd APACC International Training at CPSC, Manila, Philippines from March 17-21, 2014. Eleven (11) TVET experts and educators from Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal and the Philippines participated in the event.

Accreditation provides a systematic process that requires a school to ask why it exists, to establish a version of its future, and to determine specific objectives for reaching that vision. The accreditation status of the school further provides the public an assurance of its basic level of quality in training and reputation. In TVET, accreditation is a proof that a training program has met certain standards necessary to produce graduates who are ready to enter their field of work. Students who graduate from accredited programs have access to enhanced opportunities in the employment landscape, registration and certification, university education and global mobility.

Accreditation and certification can help assess graduates produced by TVET institutions. They can be the best measure to ascertain if the quality-defined objectives are met, maintained or sustained. Indeed, they can be contributors to quality assurance. However, the lack of standards for benchmarking is one of the issues in quality assurance of TVET institutions’ process of accreditation and certification.

The distinguished participants represented institutions such as: Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), Asian Entrepreneurs Technological Institute, Inc. and Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology in the Philippines, Technical Vocational Schools and Associations of the Philippines, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi and Lanna in Thailand, Arau Community College and Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (POLISAS) in Malaysia and Bheri Technical College in Nepal.

Consistent with the modalities of APACC, the participants were exposed to the different criteria of assessment such as: (1) Governance and Management, (2) Teaching and Learning, (3) Faculty and Staff, (4) Research and Development, (5) Extension, Consultancy and Linkages, (6) Resources and (7) Support to Students. The use of the new APACC instrument, which was launched at the first APACC Accreditors’ Training last year, was also discussed in detail.

In his opening speech, the CPSC Director General Dr. Mohammad Naim Yaakub likened accreditation to a medical check-up. He emphasized the need for accreditation exercises as a way to regularly check the health of the institution in terms of services that they provide to the students. This also ensures that the applicant institutions are able to maximize its potential and fulfill its mission to the students.

Dr. Paiboon Sayawongs of the Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi expressed his sincere appreciation to the invitation extended by CPSC to their institution and he hopes that this activity would continue to be the catalyst for relevant TVET development in Thailand. He also expressed his optimism about Thailand’s increased participation in regional initiatives such as APACC.

The participants had a tour of the APACC room and a viewing of the Hytec Power exhibit on display at the CPSC Conference Room. Hytec Power provides for the need of the industry and the academe by supplying trendsetter technologies, after-sales services and support.

The program’s overall supervision was led by Dr. Naim, while program coordination was handled by Dr. Hazrat Hussain, CPSC Faculty Consultant and Dr. Godelyn Hisole, Faculty Specialist who also acted as Resource Person.


Dr. Mohammad Naim Yaakub, CPSC Director General, welcomes the APACC program participants during the Opening Program.


Dr. Mohammad Naim Yaakub, CPSC Director General, led the participants in viewing Hytec Power’s exhibit, while Engr. Cherilyn Blay of Hytec Power (1st fr. R) provides some explanations.


Dr. Hazrat Hussain (standing, left photo) and Dr. Godelyn Hisole (standing, right photo) provide guidance to the participants during sessions.