What You Need to Know About UM’s PTC Accreditation Review

The University of Mindanao is once again placing academic excellence at the forefront as it welcomes accreditors, observers, and secretariats from the Philippine Technological Council – Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC ACBET) for a three-day accreditation review that began on June 24-26, 2025. This important visit reflects UM’s continuous effort to maintain and exceed national and international standards in engineering education.

UM’s selected engineering programs were first accredited in 2015, followed by an interim review in 2017. These accreditations confirmed that the programs met rigorous outcomes-based standards and positioned the university as one of the country’s leading institutions for engineering. The current review seeks to evaluate how UM has sustained and improved those standards over time, ensuring that its graduates remain competitive in an ever-evolving global industry.

The accreditation process is not merely a compliance requirement but a gateway to international recognition. PTC ACBET is a signatory of the Washington Accord, a global agreement among engineering education quality assurance agencies. This means that engineering degrees from accredited programs at UM are recognized by other signatory countries, giving UM graduates an edge in international employment, licensure, and advanced study opportunities.

Beyond the benefits to students, the review also strengthens UM’s internal systems and academic culture. It encourages continuous improvement in curriculum development, faculty qualifications, instructional methods, research outputs, and infrastructure. More importantly, it ensures that programs remain relevant to industry needs and responsive to global standards of excellence.

UM’s participation in this accreditation effort also aligns with its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, it supports Goal 4: Quality Education by promoting inclusive and high-standard academic programs; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by producing graduates who can drive technological progress; and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration with national and international accreditation bodies.

Through this review, the University of Mindanao reaffirms its commitment to delivering globally recognized, industry-relevant education. As it undergoes this rigorous accreditation process, UM continues to lead in shaping future-ready engineers who are prepared to make a difference in both local and global contexts.