Development of a Quality Manual for the City College of Calamba: A Framework for Institutional Integrity

Abstract

Many higher education institutions face significant challenges in establishing coherent quality assurance (QA) systems due to fragmented policies, inconsistent documentation, and limited coordination between academic and administrative units. This study addresses these issues by developing a contextualized Quality Assurance Framework and Quality Manual for the City College of Calamba (CCC) to strengthen systematic quality management and institutional integrity. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research examined current QA practices and institutional requirements in instruction, research, extension, and support services. Through purposive sampling, the study selected 22 respondents, including administrators, faculty, and staff involved in QA. The study used key informant interviews, open-ended surveys, and document analysis, and applied thematic analysis to identify core themes. To ensure credibility and reliability, the study conducted expert validation and member checking. Findings show that although basic QA mechanisms exist, the lack of a formal quality manual has led to inconsistent implementation, weak documentation systems, fragmented coordination among units, and insufficient data-driven monitoring of institutional performance. Stakeholders emphasized an urgent need for a unified framework, standardized procedures, clear role definitions, and ongoing capacity-building to foster a culture of quality within the institution. To address this, the study suggests a combined QA Framework that uses the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle and Total Quality Management. The newly developed Quality Manual aligns with CHED policies, ALCUCOA accreditation standards, and ISO 9001:2015 principles, offering standardized policies and procedures. This model offers pragmatic, policy-oriented guidance for higher education institutions aiming to institutionalize continuous improvement and accountability.