ISU Roxas once again proved that excellence is not just for compliance, but for impact, as it successfully held the 3rd AACUP Accreditation Survey Visit Phase I for the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program. The five-day accreditation visit commenced on August 4 and concluded on August 8, 2025. The closing program was conducted online and was attended by the esteemed accreditors led by Dr. Adolfo C. Manuel, together with the two lead accreditors, Dr. Mario B. Mendoza and Dr. Liza M. Tamargo. Also present during the program were Prof. Dr. Precila C. De Lima, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Emerson V. Barcellano, along with other administrators faculty members and staff.

The accreditation visit served as a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the services, systems, and processes being implemented by the department. For five days, the accreditors assessed, monitored, and validated various aspects of the BS Agriculture program. The purpose of the evaluation was not only to measure compliance with the set standards but also to strengthen the institution’s identity and reaffirm its mission of delivering quality education. It was a meaningful opportunity for the department to showcase its dedication, hard work, and continuous improvement.

In his message, Dr. Adolfo C. Manuel emphasized that excellence is not a trophy, it is a habit. He commended ISU Roxas for living up to this standard, noting key strengths observed during the survey. Among these were the presence of qualified faculty members who are actively involved in seminars, trainings, and research, some of whom are even invited as resource speakers outside the university. The curriculum was also praised for being aligned with the vision of achieving transformative and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the strong support from the administration, particularly in providing funding and resources for student services, was recognized.

Faculty engagement in research and extension was also highly appreciated, especially projects that bring direct impact to communities, supported by partnerships with the local government units. The accreditors also observed that laboratories and facilities are well maintained through annual inventory and monitoring. The administrators’ unwavering commitment to quality and service was seen as a driving force behind the department’s current status and progress.

While commendations were given, the accreditors also provided recommendations for continuous improvement. These recommendations are seen not as setbacks but as challenges that call ISU Roxas to strive for greater heights. They serve as a reminder that in the pursuit of academic excellence, there is always room for growth, innovation, and transformation—all crucial elements in achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education).

ISU Roxas stands firm in its commitment to sustain what has been built and to innovate with purpose not just to meet requirements, but to leave a lasting impact. During the closing program, Prof. Dr. Precila C. De Lima, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also gave her words of commitment, emphasizing the university’s continuous pursuit of academic excellence, institutional growth, and service to the community—a commitment that directly supports the aims of SDG 4 (Quality Education). With the heart to serve and the determination to grow, the university is ready to take bold steps forward, inspired not by recognition alone, but by the genuine goal of changing lives through education.