On November 9, 2026, members from the University of Baguio Graduate School (GS) warmly welcomed representatives from the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro (DAB), under the Office of the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), for a benchmarking and academic consultation. The visit aimed to expand skill sets and joint practices, facilitate knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities for academic collaboration.
The engagement, held at the Centennial Hall, promoted the Bangsamoro Government’s specialized graduate degree programs for qualified BARMM civil servants through the central human capital development, training, and research arm, DAB, and its Center of Education and Extension (CEE).
UB and DAB: A Benchmark for Responsive and Regional Development
The consultation focused on four key areas:
- curriculum mapping to align proposed programs with established academic standards and graduate education requirements
- benchmarking practices and relational techniques through curricula across DAB’s nine priority fields
- strengthening institutional and academic coordination through technical collaboration, faculty and academic resource sharing, and quality assurance
- integrating Bangsamoro values, historical narratives, cultural identity, and governance priorities into the proposed curricula
Representing UB were Dr. Antonio A. Mangaliag, Dean of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA); Dr. Ian Steve C. Bandaay, Dean of the School of Dentistry (SD); Dr. Warren G. Moyao, one of the Program Chairs of the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS); Dr. Rudina S. Abarientos, Faculty member of the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA); Ms. Jessa Mae G. Bustillo, Secretary of the Graduate School; Ms. Nahdia O. Wallang and Ms. Katrine P. Dumling, Staff of the Quality Assurance Office (QAO); and Dr. Kareen B. Leon, Director of the QAO.
Alt Text: DAB representatives alongside Dr. Antonio Managliag, STELA Dean, during the benchmarking activity for best practices and organizational techniques on November 9, 2026
The DAB delegation was composed of Dr. Noraida A. Datumanong, Chief Education Program Specialist; Ms. Gebracel N. Makaton, Senior Education Program Specialist; Dr. Racma M. Abas, Education Program Specialist III; Mr. Pahamudin K. Hussen, Education Program Specialist I; and Mr. Muaz Jubair A. Datumarong and Mr. Tuscana M. Abas of the DAB-CEE.
The interschool engagement supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs):
- Goal 4: Quality Education – by advancing access to quality graduate education, lifelong learning, and opportunities for professional development
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – through the development of competent, ethical, and effective public servants who can contribute to responsive governance and institutional capacity
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering inter-institutional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of academic expertise and resources
The University of Baguio and the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro investigated ways to connect academic knowledge with public sector development through this benchmarking partnership. The program emphasizes the value of context-responsive education and collaborative learning in fostering inclusive and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro region and producing future public service leaders.
To strengthen the competencies of public servants and promote ethical governance, effective public administration, and sustainable regional development. The proposed specialized graduate programs are envisioned to equip government officials and employees with advanced knowledge, professional competencies, and leadership capacities aligned with the region’s governance and development priorities.
—
Written by: Katrine P. Dumling, QAO | Jamaica Tamsi (Photos), Student Intern
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
