In recognition of her exceptional accomplishments and outstanding contributions to teacher education and teacher quality in the country, the Philippine Normal University has conferred the degree of Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa, upon Dr. Joy Hardy, the Deputy Director of the National Centre of Science, Information, Communication Technology, and Mathematics Education for Rural and Regional Australia (SiMMER), University of New England, Armidale, Australia.
The conferment ceremony held on the afternoon of May 28, 2025, was attended by family members of the honoree, guests from various institutions, and members of the administrative council of PNU. Notable attendees included a contingent from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, led by their First Secretary for Education, Ms. Vivienne Sykes; SiMMER National Research Centre Director and collaborator of Dr. Hardy, Professor John Pegg; colleagues from the Department of Education, headed by Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching Dr. Gina O. Gonong; and the Teacher Education Council Secretariat, led by Executive Director Dr. Jennie V. Jocson. Officials from higher education institutions in the country, who have collaborated with Dr. Hardy, were also present at this momentous event. Former PNU President Dr. Ester B. Ogena and former university leaders also joined to witness the special occasion.
Vice President for Academics Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas delivered the event’s salutation. In her message, Dr. Balagtas underscored that the occasion was also a celebration of Dr. Hardy’s life, dedicated to education and teacher quality that has, since then, transcended borders. She also summarized the essence of Dr. Hardy’s work, which revolves around the commitment to inclusive learning, equity, access, and teacher education policies and practices that she emphasized as both contextually grounded and globally responsive. Dr. Balagtas further recognized Dr. Hardy’s efforts to ensure that education is not a privilege for a few but a promise for all.
Commission on Higher Education—National Capital Region Director Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes reaffirmed in his message that Dr. Hardy’s accomplishments are a testament to the enduring value placed on education in nation-building. He further emphasized that the honoree’s work serves as a reminder that “education is not just a profession” but a mission.
The conferment rites shortly followed. It commenced with the presentation of the candidate for the honorary degree by University Registrar Dr. Rosario M. Belmi. In this presentation, it was revealed that Dr. Hardy’s candidacy was approved by the Board of Regents through Resolution Number U-3842 series of 2024, upon the recommendation of the university’s Academic Council on October 16, 2024. The statement of conferment, which formalized the bestowal of the degree to Dr. Hardy, was delivered by the Commission on Higher Education Commissioner and PNU BOR Chairperson-designate Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela. The Hooding Ceremony and awarding of the diploma followed immediately after the conferment. This ceremonial event was facilitated by PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga, assisted by the vice presidents, while members of the BOR and college deans served as witnesses.
The PNU Chorale’s rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Let It Be” provided an interlude for the occasion, with the group performing under the baton of Prof. Luzviminda B. Modelo.
Concluding the ceremony was a response from the honoree. Dr. Hardy traced the history of her engagement with PNU, which is deeply rooted in her work with the then Research Center for Teacher Quality (RCTQ). She elaborated on the successes and challenges faced by various initiatives that served as interventions in the country’s education reform efforts. Dr. Hardy also contextualized the theory of practice architecture by providing examples of its prevalence in the current education system. She then circled back to the honor she has received from the PNU Community and reiterated her immense gratitude.
