DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Assumption College of Davao (ACD) successfully concluded the GIYA Initiative Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 on July 22, 2026, at the Assumption College of Davao Auditorium, bringing together industry leaders, government agencies, alumni, faculty members, student representatives, and community partners in a unified commitment to advancing quality education and graduate success.
The forum marked the official launch of the Program Advisory Board (PAB) under the GIYA Initiative, the College Department’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Ecosystem for Outcomes-Based Transformative Quality Education. The initiative aims to strengthen academic programs through meaningful stakeholder engagement, curriculum enhancement, faculty development, internship-to-employment opportunities, alumni involvement, and evidence-based continuous improvement.
The program commenced with registration, followed by an opening prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Sr. Elvira D. Soleminio, m.a., MBA, President of Assumption College of Davao, formally welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of collaboration between the academe and its stakeholders in producing competent, values-driven, and industry-ready graduates. The rationale for the GIYA Initiative was then presented by Dr. Mylen C. Cano, who highlighted it as the College Department’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) ecosystem, designed to strengthen outcomes-based education through stakeholder engagement, curriculum enhancement, faculty development, and graduate success.
A significant highlight of the event was the introduction of the Program Advisory Board members representing the College’s five academic programs—Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, Teacher Education, and Social Work—followed by the Ceremonial Signing of the Engagement Agreement, symbolizing the stakeholders’ shared commitment to institutional excellence and continuous quality improvement.
The forum brought together an impressive roster of stakeholders from across sectors. For the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), representatives came from the Social Security System (SSS), GH Max, 8Telcom, Inc., DSG Sons, Inc. (GMall), Motormall Davao Corporation, RE/MAX Sur Properties, Casiano Rebucas Accounting and Auditing Services, alumni representatives, faculty members, and the Business Administration Society.
The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) welcomed stakeholders from Discovery Samal, Kavanah Haven Resort, AFPHI, TVET partners, alumni representatives, and institutional partners who shared valuable perspectives on hospitality education and workforce readiness.
Representing the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) were leaders and professionals from the City Information Technology Center of Davao, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region XI, Smart Ecosystem Philippines, CodeBloom Solutions, itGenius, Rypaci IT Solutions, Data2Stat, Davao DeFi Community, APCSM, and student and institutional representatives.
The Teacher Education Program convened respected education stakeholders, including Dr. John Mart Elesio, Dr. Novilla R. Canalita, Evelyn Virador, LPT, and Angelica Hinautan, who represented the program’s student leaders, alongside faculty members and education practitioners. Together, they contributed valuable insights to strengthen teacher education and ensure its continued relevance to the profession’s needs.
Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Science in Social Work brought together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Family and Childcare Development Inc. (FCCDI), Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP), Tambayan Center, SOS Children’s Village, Balay Pasilungan, Amaya Lay in Mindanao Inc., alumni, and Social Work faculty, reaffirming the program’s strong collaboration with social service institutions.
Following the ceremonial activities, participants proceeded to their respective breakout sessions, where each academic program presented its curriculum and syllabi. Stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussions, providing recommendations on curriculum relevance, graduate competencies, industry trends, and professional expectations. During the afternoon session, participants evaluated existing curricula and shared constructive insights that will serve as valuable inputs for future program enhancement and continuous quality improvement.
The GIYA Initiative is anchored on four integrated programs—the Program Advisory Board, Internship-to-Employment Program, Faculty Immersion Program, and Alumni Engagement Program—guided by the principles of Guided Preparation, Industry and Stakeholder Engagement, Yielding Measurable Outcomes, and Adaptive Improvement (GIYA). Through these interconnected programs, the College Department seeks to ensure that graduates remain competent, ethical, employable, and responsive to the evolving needs of industry and society.
The Stakeholders’ Forum concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Cristy Q. Efondo, Teacher Education Program Head, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable participation, expertise, and unwavering support in advancing transformative, high-quality education.
The successful conduct of the GIYA Initiative Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 marks another milestone in Assumption College of Davao’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships, promoting evidence-based academic enhancement, and ensuring that its programs remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with the needs of learners, industry, and the community.
