The University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP SURP) was awarded the Philippine Quality Award on July 17, 2024 at the Heroes Hall, Malacañang Palace, Manila. The award was presented by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual to UP SURP Dean Dina C. Magnaye and UP Executive Vice President Jose Fernando T. Alcantara, at the 26th PQA Conferment Ceremony.
The UP SURP is the first degree-granting unit of the UP System to receive this award, given in recognition of its commitment to Quality Management. It highlights the school’s dedication to continuous improvements in its processes and updates in its curriculum, as well as in the mapping of its competences and preparation of institutional governance manuals. These efforts all contribute to the delivery of exceptional experiences and satisfaction for its stakeholders.
This is the second time that a unit from the university was recognized with a Philippine Quality Award (PQA). In 2015, the UP National Engineering Center (NEC) was also recognized for its commitment to Quality Management. The award however was not received until 2018, where then UP NEC Director Aura C. Matias represented the center and the university.
The PQA is a national award program undertaken by the DTI, which provides a template for global competitiveness. It aims to encourage public institutions and private organizations to aspire for excellence in service delivery, quality management, and enhanced organizational performance. Created by President Fidel V. Ramos though Executive Order 448 on October 3, 1997, and institutionalized through Republic Act 9013 or the Philippine Quality Award Act, it was the centerpiece of his administration’s National Action Agenda for Productivity (NAAP), which was intended to improve the country’s productivity in response to globalization.
Aside from UP SURP, several other universities and private institutions were also recognized with the PQA. To view the full list of this year’s awardees, please click this link from the Philippine Quality Award Program Facebook page.
With reports from UP SURP.
