Limay Polytechnic College

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𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | LPC Welcomes SSRAC for Benchmarking on Institutional Recognition Requirements, Processes, and Best Practices

Date Posted: May. 08, 2026

Limay Polytechnic College (LPC) warmly welcomed officials from Santiago “Santy” R. Austria College (SSRAC) for a benchmarking activity focused on the application, processing, and acquisition of Institutional Recognition (IR), a requirement for local colleges and universities pursuant to CHED Memorandum Order No. 18, series of 2022.

SSRAC is currently preparing for its application for Institutional Recognition. During the benchmarking session, LPC President Dr. Elmer De Leon shared LPC’s challenging yet inspiring journey toward obtaining its IR status. He recounted the institution’s experiences marked by sacrifices, struggles, stress, and resilience that tested the faith and determination of the entire academic community.

Despite numerous challenges, LPC successfully secured its Institutional Recognition in 2022, coinciding with the resumption of its first face-to-face graduation ceremonies after the pandemic and the celebration of its 25th founding anniversary. Historically, LPC was among the last two institutions in the country granted IR at a time when nearly 22 local universities and colleges (LUCs) were reportedly delisted.

Dr. De Leon likewise presented LPC’s institutional journey through the years, highlighting its humble beginnings, challenges, milestones, recent developments under its concluded five-year development plan, and strategic directions for the next five years. He emphasized how LPC continues to thrive and achieve significant milestones despite limited resources, environmental challenges, and regulatory demands.

“If we, as a small school with limited resources and a roller-coaster journey, were able to make it, then all the more that you can,” Dr. De Leon encouraged the SSRAC delegation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mark Anthony Banda, Coordinator for Quality Assurance, discussed LPC’s actual IR application process, including documentary preparations and compliance requirements leading to the approval of the CHED Commission En Banc. He also presented sample forms and institutional documents from LPC’s digital and physical archives. Furthermore, he extended his assistance by sharing his contact details to help address future queries from SSRAC throughout their IR journey.

On the other hand, SSRAC President Dr. Irene Diaz expressed her heartfelt gratitude and admiration for LPC’s warm hospitality, invaluable assistance, and genuine willingness to guide their institution.

“Para sa amin ay napakahalaga ng araw na ito na aming tatanawin habambuhay sa LPC, sa pangunguna ni Dr. De Leon na walang sawang nag-iinspire, nag-eencourage, at umaalalay sa amin na kaya namin ito mula pa noong kami ay kanyang inaRQAT. Sa gitna ng mga hamon at minsang panahon ng pagsuko, ito ang aming nagiging sandigan kasama ang pagsisikap ng buong SSRAC at ng aming pamunuang bayan. Kaya’t walang hanggang pasasalamat,” shared Dr. Diaz.

In response, LPC reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support SSRAC not only in its Institutional Recognition journey but also in various academic and developmental undertakings, including research and extension, faculty development through LPC’s CPD Providership, student development, records management, quality assurance, internationalization, and library development.

This initiative reflects LPC’s continuing thrust of inspiring and empowering small schools to attain quality standards and become globally competitive institutions despite limitations.

Together, both institutions aspire to build a strong culture of quality education that will benefit Filipino learners and create meaningful impact in communities and global society at large.

Following the successful implementation of LPC’s Institutional Twinning Program, the College is now advancing toward a “Tri-Winning Program,” with SSRAC envisioned as one of the tri-partner institutions.

Present during the benchmarking activity from SSRAC were Dr. Irene Diaz, Mr. Mark Jason Maducdoc, Ms. Danielle Joy Yabes, Ms. Angeline Esteban, and Ms. Romina Pillarina.

They were welcomed by LPC officials led by Dr. Elmer De Leon, together with Ms. Remedios Mendoza, Mr. Mark Anthony Banda, Ms. April Cruz, Dr. John Levy Rueda, Mr. Joemark Ablian, Ms. Jesica Marata (host) and Mr. John Rudolph Barbin (documenter).

As part of the program, LPC, through Dr. De Leon and Ms. Mendoza, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to SSRAC through Dr. Diaz. The benchmarking activity concluded with a campus tour showcasing LPC’s internationalization initiatives, SDG Corner, and extension projects, such as Pamahayanan, Edukalinga, and Fineries Emporium.

The said benchmarking activity was organized, coordinated, prepared and processed by Mr. Mark Anthony Banda assisted by Ms. Cheyser Charrese Gatchula (for multimedia, corporate commemorative and certificates), Ms. Sheryl Bartolo (for financial processing and transaction), Ms. Belen Marteja (for food and arrangement), and Mr. John Rudolph Barbin (for technical assistance and documentation).