To celebrate a significant milestone in their PNU journey, 1,628 scholar-completers of the Linking Standards & Quality Practice (LiSQuP) scholarship program attended the Philippine Normal University’s (PNU) 117th Commencement Exercises on September 9-10, 2025, at the Manila Hotel Tent City. The scholars received notable recognition through graduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas for their successful achievement in LiSQuP. The program featured the theme, “Hinubog na Kahusayan: Ang Panibagong Landas ng PNU sa Edukasyong Pangguro,” reflecting the historical and transformative contributions of PNU, as the National Center for Teacher Education.

The LiSQuP completers from twelve (12) Master’s Degree Programs and eight (8) Doctorate Programs were divided into four (4) schedule clusters, along with the PNU graduates in the regular programs. On September 9, 2025, graduates of certificates and diplomas in English Language Education, Edukasyong Pangwika sa Filipino, and Reading Education made up the Cluster 1 AM schedule; while those from Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Assessment and Evaluation, and Educational Leadership and Management comprised the Cluster 2 PM schedule. On September 10, 2025, graduates of certificates and diplomas from Values Education, Counseling, Social Science Education, and Early Childhood Education attended the Cluster 3 AM schedule; meanwhile, completers from Science Education and Mathematics Education programs participated in the Cluster 4 PM schedule.

For the Academic Year 2024-2025, a total of 1911 LiSQuP scholars were endorsed to the Board of Regents for graduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas. As indicated in the Multipathways Ladderized Teacher Education Program (a feature of the Outcome-based Graduate Teacher Education Curriculum 3.0), scholars who completed at least 15 units of specialization and elective courses were awarded graduate certificates. Furthermore, scholars who received graduate diplomas completed 15 units of required core courses in addition to meeting the minimum requirements for a graduate certificate. Therefore, those who meet the minimum requirements are called “completers” as they have finished the academic requirements for both the certificate and diploma credentials in the regular pathway. 

Scholars in the PhD-level programs were also recognized for completing their postgraduate certificates and diplomas. PhD candidates who earned 18 units of specialization and elective courses received postgraduate certificates. Meanwhile, scholars who exceeded the requirements were awarded postgraduate diplomas after completing at least 12 units of required core courses in addition to the postgraduate certificate requirements.

Each cluster received thought-provoking and congratulatory messages from leaders of the Philippines’ education agencies, including the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sen. Sonny Angara, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Dr. Kiko B. Benitez, and Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Guests from the Department of Education also attended the program. Present were Dr. Teacher Education Council Secretariat Executive Director V and former LiSQuP Project Director Jennie V. Jocson, along with Chief Marife T. Morcilla, Ms. Rizza A. Pereyra, Ms. Dia Sielo Carabana, and Mr. Paolo Alinojan from the Scholarship Secretariat of the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP). Regional directors, chiefs, and focal persons from DepEd also made their appearances, including Ms. Elvernice S. Fanged (CAR), Ms. Kathleen May M. Bautista (Region I), Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) Chief Dr. Dinah C. Bonao (Region I), Ms. Isidra L. Nicolas (Region II), Mr. Jedd Pamintuan Guevarra (Region III), OIC Chief Ms. Jisela N. Ulpina (Region IV-A), Assistant Regional Director Ms. Loida N. Nidea (Region IV-A), Assistant Regional Director Cheerylou D. Repia (Region IV-B), Mr. Jeremy A. Atad (Region V), HRDD Chief Dr. Susan D. Severino (Region VI), Regional Director Mr. Salustiano T. Jimenez (Region VII), Ms. Rosa H. Cabotaje (Region VII), Mr. Alan D. Bautista (Negros Island Region), Mr. Ted Juan Peleño (Region X), Mr. Henry Fritz H. Diaz (Region XII), and Ms. Isidra C. Moral (Region XIII). They joined PNU President and LiSQuP Project Lead Dr. Bert J. Tuga, along with PNU Vice President for Academics and LiSQuP Project Director Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas, in the completion ceremonies.

In particular, 832 scholars in the Thesis Writing term who received their Graduate Diplomas are currently working toward their MA degrees, as part of the expectations of the scholarship. On the other hand, several scholars in PhD programs continue with Dissertation Writing through their individual endeavors. LiSQuP spans support for its scholars until they finish their MA degrees and, in PhD programs, until the scholars pass their comprehensive examinations.

LiSQuP is a professional development program designed to support the career advancement of teachers, school heads, and supervisors. In line with PNU’s commitment to lead in the teacher education sector in the Philippines by cultivating innovative teachers, education leaders, and research scholars, LiSQuP scholars continue to be pioneers in their respective fields within DepEd as they work toward meeting the requirements of their degrees. Through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), the DepEd’s training and development division, and under the PNU Office of the Vice President for Academics, LiSQuP promotes continuing reskilling and upskilling of education personnel by emphasizing standards-based practices in classrooms and workplaces. This initiative ultimately contributes to a national impact aligned with current education reforms.