The College of Maritime Education (CME) of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) underwent a significant evaluation from December 11 to 13, 2024. Its two programs—BS Marine Engineering and BS Marine Transportation—were assessed by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) for Level IV accreditation. This level represents the highest accreditation granted by AACCUP, marking a key milestone in the college’s pursuit of academic excellence and institutional development.

The accreditation process culminated on December 13, 2024, with a virtual exit conference and closing program. Dr. Grimson P. Gines, the lead accreditor for BS Marine Engineering, commended the ZSCMST community for their dedication and efforts throughout the evaluation. In his speech, he emphasized, “Quality is essential. Without quality, any institution cannot evolve and will eventually become extinct.” His remarks highlighted the critical role of accreditation in driving continuous improvement.

In response, OIC-College President, Mr. Roderick D. Trio, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the accreditors for their guidance and encouragement. He shared how their efforts had inspired the ZSCMST community to strive for greater heights. Mr. Trio stressed that the accreditation was not only a recognition of the institution’s achievements but also a commitment to the future of its students, the institution itself, and the nation.

Throughout the three-day survey visit, AACCUP auditors rigorously evaluated the programs, focusing on academic quality, institutional performance, and overall effectiveness. Their thorough assessment ensured that the programs met and exceeded established standards, reflecting ZSCMST’s unwavering dedication to excellence.

The AACCUP accreditation survey was a pivotal step in the College of Maritime Education’s journey toward becoming a benchmark for quality education. It reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding the highest standards, embracing feedback for improvement, and continuously evolving to serve its students and the broader community effectively.