Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) was one of the recipients of the Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) Awards by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The awarding ceremony was held at the Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila, on April 2, 2025. 

The EQUATE Awards celebrate Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that demonstrate outstanding quality assurance in teacher education. This includes adherence to CHED’s rigorous standards, accreditation of programs, and exceptional performance in the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT). CHED presented this inaugural award to only 120 Teacher Education Institutions out of 1,553 nationwide. As Dr. Edizon Fermin, Chairperson of the Technical Panel for Teacher Education of CHED, emphasized, the recipients of these recognitions are given priority access to the application process for development grants. 

Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., President of DMMMSU, conveyed his appreciation for the award, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to maintaining top-tier quality in its teacher education programs.

“We at DMMMSU are deeply honored and grateful to receive this prestigious recognition from CHED. This award affirms our unwavering commitment to excellence in teacher education. It is a recognition of the tireless dedication of our faculty members, nonteaching personnel, and students. It validates our efforts to cultivate not just competent teachers, but also transformative leaders who will shape the future of education in the Philippines and contribute significantly to our national development. This inspires us to further elevate our standards and continue empowering the next generation of exceptional educators,” President Manuel said. 

Dr. Nona M. Rivera, Dean of the College of Education (SLUC), Prof. Zita Ballesteros, BEEd Program Chair, and Mr. Renan Flores, BCAEd Program Chair, represented President Manuel during the awarding ceremony. (By Ayu)