THE POTENTIAL LEVEL OF THE ILAGAN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS SYSTEM BASED ON THE CRITERIA OF ACCREDITATION: A BASIS FOR INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

This study aims to assess the potential level of the Ilagan Diocesan School System based on the criteria of accreditation, with the goal of developing an institutional development plan. Quality education is a basic right enshrined in the Philippine Constitution and mandated by various laws and programs, including the Education Act of 1982, the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and the Government Assistance for Students and Teachers (GASTPE) program. Schools play a vital role in the development of citizens' intellectual, political, social, and economic well-being, and are responsible for delivering quality education. However, quality education remains a challenge in the Philippines. Accreditation has been identified as a means of ensuring quality education, with the evolution of accreditation in the country being characterized by several aborted starts and setbacks. This study builds on previous research that highlights schools’ responsibility to pursue and deliver quality education. The government has implemented various initiatives such as the Education for All (EFA) program, the Kinder Basic Education Act, and the enhanced Basic Education Act (K-to-12 Curriculum) to improve the quality of education in the country. The findings of this study contribute to the development of an institutional plan aimed at enhancing the quality of education provided by the Ilagan Diocesan Schools System.