DMMMSU’s Top Management, members of the Administrative Council, and Quality Assurance Heads and Staff attended the General Orientation on the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Audio-Visual Room, Mid La Union Campus on March 17, 2025. 

President Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., who has been a strong advocate for continuous improvement and excellence in governance and administration, addressed the participants and sought their support for this institutional quality assurance endeavor, which aligns with one of his key goals as President.  

The Vice Presidents also took part in delivering their respective roles in the orientation program. 

DTI-Bureau of Competitive Development Director – Director Lilian G. Salonga, Supervising Trade and Industry Development Specialist- Carolina R. Velasco, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Region 1 Director Merle D. Membrere presented the PQA and Regionalization Frameworks and their benefits: 1) recognition of excellence, with PQA being the highest national recognition for exemplary organizational performance; 2) continuous improvement as PQA framework helps organizations adopt best practices in leadership, customer focus, strategic planning, and operations; 3) competitive advantage; enhanced operational efficiency; 5) customer satisfaction and stakeholder confidence; and 6) support for national development. 

Other DTI representatives, namely Krissy Bendaña – PQA Regionalization Focal of DTI Central Office, Ms. Jobelle M. Raut and Ms. Rogelene M. Bartolome – PQA Focal Persons of DTI-RO1, Ms. Artlene Aromin – PQA Focal of DTI-La Union, Ms. Niña Sandra Cadiz – PQA Focal of DTI-Ilocos Norte, and Ms. Genevive Waklin – PQA Focal of DTI-Ilocos Sur were also attended the orientation to express support. 

The program concluded with an open forum and a discussion on initial strategies for achieving the PQA. (By Ayu)