Southern Leyte State University conferred with Level II Philippine Quality Award
On April 30, 2024, a significant event took place at the Southern Leyte State University where the university was conferred with Level II Recognition for Quality Proficiency under the CY 2023 Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Regionalization Program. This prestigious accolade, presented by Engr. Celerina T. Bato, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 8, recognizes SLSU’s steadfast commitment to improving the institution's quality standards towards performance excellence. The Philippine Quality Award represents the pinnacle of national acknowledgment bestowed upon both public and private sector entities as they progress toward achieving performance excellence. Serving as a universal benchmark for competitiveness, this award fosters a culture of continuous improvement and motivates organizations and stakeholders to excel in their fundamental activities.
After the Vice President for Academic Affairs extended gratitude to the esteemed guests and partners of the university. Dr. Jude A. Duarte conveyed his appreciation to the SLSU community for their valuable contributions in ensuring the attainment of the award. Furthermore, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, whose exceptional leadership and foresight were crucial in guiding SLSU throughout the PQA application process in 2023.
Following the program's opening, the SLSU Hudyaka Performing Arts Guild: Dance Troupe showcased a short intermission number. Afterward, Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation Services, introduced the guest of honor, Engr. Celerina T. Bato from the DTI Regional Office 8. Engr. Bato discussed the significance of PQA level 2, highlighting the rigorous evaluation process that SLSU underwent during the 2023 assessment cycle.
‘’PQA recognizes the best of the best. Reaching Level 2 or the recognition for proficiency in quality management systems is already a very significant milestone. This means that you have refined a responsive approach that demonstrates innovation, excellent deployment, and good to excellent performance levels in most areas. In addition, there is also good to excellent integration with organizational analysis, learning, and sharing of best practices as key management strategies’’
- Engr. Celerina Bato
The culminating part of the occasion was marked by the presentation of a prestigious trophy to the esteemed figure of the University President, alongside the recognition of four pivotal figures within the institution. These notable individuals include Dr. Dewowogen P. Baclayon, holding the distinguished position of Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Francis R. Sy, who serves as the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, Dr. Annabel M. Hufalar, overseeing the crucial role of Vice President for Students and Auxiliary Services, and Dr. Constantino G. Medilo Jr., who fulfills the significant duties of Vice President for Academic Affairs. The ceremony was observed by various other regional government agencies such as CHED (Commission on Higher Education), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, DOST (Department of Science and Technology), and NEDA (National Economic Development Authority). Although NEDA was regrettably not in attendance due to a prior engagement, they were able to convey their sincere felicitations to SLSU through a video.
Moving forward, it is imperative to highlight the significant role played by the Department of Trade and Industry in fostering a culture of excellence, particularly by extending an earnest encouragement to our university to actively pursue and aspire towards the prestigious Level IV Recognition of the Philippine Quality Award. This commendable feat, if successfully achieved, has the potential to significantly elevate the university's standing and reputation by propelling it to unprecedented heights of distinction and eminence in terms of the quality of services rendered and processes implemented.
