At the onset, I would like to express my gratefulness to the men and women of Surigao del Sur State University; starting with the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Florfie O. Urbiztondo, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramel D. Tomaquin, the Campus Director of Tandag Campus, Dr. Nemesio G. Loayon, the Deans, other key Officials, faculty, and staff for your concerted efforts even during the midst of the pandemic in preparation of this quality assurance evaluation. It only goes to show that despite the extraordinary times, we at the Surigao del Sur State University which will be known as North Eastern Mindanao State University, are true to our commitment to provide our major stakeholders, the students, education at its best. We can only do such by proactively maintaining and submitting our programs to program evaluation to ensure that we meet the standards for quality education. 

            To the AACCUP team for this survey visit led by its Coordinator, Dr. Riceli Mendoza of USM and the rest of the team to name, we have with us, Dr. Gladys G. Rosales , Dr. Dariel A. Palmiano, both from CBSUA, Dr. Nino B. Corpuz (TSU), Dr. Evelyn S. Angwian (BengSU), Dr. Freddie P. Masuli (CagSU), Dr. Julius T. CApili (CagSU),, Dr. Elsie P. Sandueta (JRMSU), Dr. Estela A. Sescon (JRMSU), Dr. Lita B. Sopsop (WPU), please accept our gratitude and appreciation for your time and for journeying with us in our quest for excellence. Please extend also the same gratitude to AACCUP through its Executive Director, Dr. Milabel Ho because despite the challenges of the Pandemic, these quality assurance efforts is still ardently pursued.

            Accreditation indeed has brought this community together through cooperation, determination and, hard work because of our desire to advance growth and progress through academic excellence. We are firmly anchored in our Vision, Mission and Core Values to offer outstanding academic programs and worthwhile academic experience for our students. Our faculty members are all dedicated to walk with our students in the various phases of their college life and assisting them in order for our students to attain the highest level of achievement within and outside the walls of SDSSU. Thus, we really take this survey visit seriously and by heart because we believe that this can serve as a scaffold as we move forward towards making this University as a premier leading University in this side of the country and continue to produce the best minds who will soon shape the future of the countryside and the nation as a whole.  

            I encourage everyone to keep your momentum and be optimistic as we hurdle the challenges of accreditation because through our strong collaboration and dedication, this shall become our legacy, forming part of the many milestones of SDSSU towards paving a path for our youth and empowering them in their journey to self-actualization. Again, I welcome our proactive and devoted Accreditors, rest assured that our counter parts are more than willing and enthusiastic in working with you as we traverse this weeklong survey visit. To the working committees, focal persons, and everyone behind this toil, you have the administration’s full support and so in advance, thank you and congratulations to all of us for our best efforts! May the good Lord bless the intentions of this endeavor.  I love you all!