SLSU-MCC Benchmarks with USeP, UM, and ADDU in Davao City to Boost Public Administration and Social Work Programs
On August 4- 5, 2025, Southern Leyte State University–Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC) successfully conducted a two-day benchmarking activity in Davao City, engaging with three premier higher education institutions, such as the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), University of Mindanao (UM), and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) to strengthen its Public Administration and Social Work programs.
Led by Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES) Head Dr. Jonathan Palco, the delegation included faculty and staff from the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) and Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) programs. The initiative aimed to identify best practices in curriculum design, research and development, community engagement, and student services, aligning SLSU-MCC’s programs with national and international standards while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The host universities showcased exemplary achievements. USeP holds multiple CHED Centers of Excellence and Development, with its BPA program earning Level IV re-accreditation. UM, Mindanao’s largest private university, is recognized for its strong Social Work program and consistent topnotchers on licensure examinations. ADDU boasts PAASCU Level IV accreditation for its Social Work program, a values-driven Jesuit curriculum, and award-winning internationalization and teacher education initiatives.
During the visit, SLSU-MCC delegates explored innovative curriculum structures, internship models, outcome-based education (OBE) strategies, and integration of research into instruction. Highlights included USeP’s broad program scope and advanced academic integrity systems, UM’s in-house licensure exam reviews and long-term community programs, and ADDU’s small OJT supervision ratios and international placement opportunities.
The benchmarking highlighted the importance of linking academic programs with community impact, advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. USeP’s governance innovation agenda, UM’s sustainable extension work for drug surrenderers, and ADDU’s interdisciplinary, evidence-based community interventions provided valuable models for adaptation.
A significant outcome of the activity was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UM to collaborate on academic programs, research, and community extension initiatives — a step forward in realizing SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. USeP and ADDU likewise expressed interest in formalizing future partnerships with SLSU-MCC.
SLSU-MCC plans to enrich its curriculum by integrating special topics such as social entrepreneurship, human rights-based approaches, and climate-resilient governance, aligning with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The university will also develop inclusive internship policies, strengthen faculty research capacity, and enhance community engagement strategies.
“This benchmarking activity not only gave us concrete strategies to improve our programs but also opened doors for long-term academic collaborations,” Dr. Palco said. “We are committed to turning these insights into meaningful results for our students and the communities we serve.”
The initiative reflects SLSU-MCC’s dedication to delivering quality, relevant, and socially responsive education while advancing the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through strategic collaboration with top academic institutions in the country.
