The General Education Center (GEC) welcomed representatives from Sulu State University (SSU) for an in-person benchmarking activity on May 6, 2026, at the Diliman Interactive Learning Center, UP Diliman.
The visit reflected SSU’s commitment to strengthening its General Education curriculum as the institution undergoes a significant transition from a State College to a University, a notable achievement that highlights its dedication to academic excellence and innovation. This benchmarking activity aimed to gain insights and survey best practices that would guide the development of their GE structure, including the strengthening of the GEC Chairperson’s functions and academic governance, as well as the capacity building of their GE faculty. Moreover, the engagement provided a comprehensive discourse on GE operations, frameworks, curriculum strategies, and innovative teaching methodologies, which are significant in establishing a well-grounded General Education department befitting a university.
Leading the SSU delegation were Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Asst. Prof. Imelda Paraja, GEC Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Venjilyne I. Alian, Assoc. Prof. Patricia I. Amilhusin, GE Instructors Fatima Aimeera Thadzra M. Tan, and Soraya B. Sala. The group was warmly received by GEC Director Prof. Anna Sibayan-Sarmiento and the GEC staff.
As part of the benchmarking activity, SSU was given the opportunity to observe Theatre 11, a GE elective class. As they witnessed and immersed themselves in the class, a spontaneous discussion on the parallelisms between Bontoc and Sulu rituals unfolded, with SSU delegation finding personal resonance in the conversation, illustrating how GE electives deepen cultural appreciation among students.
The session featured a presentation of GEC’s accomplishment reports, highlighting the office’s core mandate around its three-fold task of Coordination, Research, and Incubation. The SSU delegation was likewise given the opportunity to raise questions and draw deeper insights into GEC’s practices and approaches.
Through such engagements, the GEC continues to build meaningful partnerships that promote quality education and help institutions strengthen collaboration and responsiveness.
