The Quality Assurance Office (QAO) serves as the central body responsible for overseeing and strengthening the University’s quality assurance systems at both internal and external levels. Established to uphold and sustain the Quality Policy of the University of the Philippines Manila, the QAO ensures that standards of excellence are consistently maintained across academic, research, and administrative functions.

The Office develops, implements, and monitors guidelines and policies that promote continuous improvement in academic programs, teaching laboratories, and institutional processes. It provides leadership and technical support for outcomes assessment, curriculum review, accreditation initiatives, and benchmarking activities. The QAO also assists units in ensuring regulatory and legal compliance of laboratories and in attaining and maintaining ISO certification standards.

Mandated by the Board of Regents (BOR), the QAO performs key functions in quality assurance, information process development, and institutional database management, supporting evidence-based planning, performance monitoring, and informed decision-making across the University.

Dir. Bhabita V. Murjani, DDM, MHPEd, FPBP

In December 2018, the Board of Regents institutionalized the UP Academic Assessment and Development System (AADS), which served as a mechanism to consolidate previously fragmented efforts in maintaining quality standards in education across the University.

In September 2021, AADS was renamed Quality Assurance to reflect the broader scope of activities and the expanding institutional focus on quality systems and standards.

In UP Manila, academic programs have long engaged in quality assurance initiatives, including periodic program evaluations through the Internal Academic Assessment and Development System (iAADS) and external accreditation processes conducted through their respective colleges.

To further strengthen these efforts, the establishment of a Quality Assurance Office was proposed to coordinate, monitor, and enhance the implementation of quality standards within the University. The QA Office was envisioned to ensure the effective implementation of policies, standards, processes, and procedures related to quality assurance.

The establishment of the UP Manila Quality Assurance Office was approved by the Board of Regents on August 24, 2023. The Office was composed of one Director and three project-based officers, who initially focused on maintaining ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standards across administrative offices.

In January 2024, the operationalization of the QA Office was approved. By the last quarter of 2024, the Office had begun fully performing its mandated functions.

Mission
The UP-Manila Quality Assurance Office is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic, laboratory, and administrative services across all colleges and units. We strive to foster continuous improvement through diligent assessment, the implementation of best practices, and the cultivation of a culture of accountability.

Vision
The UP Manila Quality Assurance Office envisions a dynamic and excellence-driven institution where academic, laboratory, and administrative services meet the highest global standards. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation, ensuring that every college and unit upholds the integrity and quality of service that define UP Manila.

Honor and Integrity, Excellence, Service, Collaboration, and Accountability