The PNU community gathered for the University Convocation on February 5, 2025, held at the Geronima T. Pecson Main Auditorium and live-streamed via PNU’s social media platforms. This year’s convocation featured two highly distinguished leaders in the field of teacher education: Dr. Evelyn C. Cruzada, former President of Leyte Normal University and Consultant at the Research Institute for Teacher Quality (RITQ), and Dr. Ester B. Ogena, former President of the Philippine Normal University and Member of the Standing Committee on Teacher Education of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). They delivered insightful talks on PNU’s evolving role as a highly specialized tertiary education institution (TEI) within the Philippine education ecosystem.

In her opening remarks, Vice President for Academics Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas emphasized that PNU stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. She underscored that to sustain academic excellence, PNU must not rest on its laurels but should continuously strive for improvement by pushing boundaries and nurturing critical thinking, among other initiatives.

University President Dr. Bert J. Tuga highlighted PNU’s leadership in education and policy reforms. With the recent findings of EDCOM II made public, Dr. Tuga urged the PNU community to take on the challenges posed by these findings and work collectively to address the evolving needs of Filipino learners. He also acknowledged the two guest speakers, whom he deemed highly credible in delivering an insightful discourse on PNU’s role within the broader education landscape.

Dr. Cruzada, in her address, reflected on PNU’s mandate as the National Center for Teacher Education and its role in guiding other normal institutions, particularly through the Network of Normal Schools (3NS). She commended PNU for serving as an exemplary model in developing programs responsive to contemporary needs and encouraged the university to continue leading and innovating.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ogena’s discussion began with a summary of the challenges outlined in the EDCOM II reports, which she categorized under people, things, and ideas. She elaborated that for PNU to effectively contribute to solutions, it must define its purpose with the end goal in mind, provide leadership capable of managing change, and act as a catalyst for transformation by pioneering new educational models.

An open forum followed the convocation addresses. One of the questions centered on PNU’s readiness to become the National University for Teacher Education. Both Dr. Cruzada and Dr. Ogena expressed support for the idea, encouraging the PNU community to seek guidance from key stakeholders and engage in careful strategic planning.

During the program, PNU also formally received its certificate of compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards from W3 Solutionz Ph. Presenting the certificates were Ms. Princess G. Ramos and Mr. Rahfael V. Singit of W3 Solutionz Ph, while university officials, along with Quality Assurance Management Office Director Prof. Ruel A. Avilla and IQA Lead Auditor Prof. Elanor O. Bayten, received them on behalf of PNU.

Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholder Services Dr. Denmark L. Yonson delivered the concluding remarks, summarizing the key points presented by the convocation speakers.

The University Convocation served as the culminating activity of PNU’s 33rd Universityhood Anniversary, celebrated under the theme “Producing Future-Ready Educators: Sustaining Excellence, Transforming the Future of Education.”