The Philippine Normal University (PNU), together with five other tertiary education institutions (TEIs), formalized its designation as one of the country’s Teacher Education Excellence Centers (TEECs) through the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Teacher Education Council (TEC), represented by its Secretariat. The ceremonial signing formed part of the program held earlier today, March 9, 2026, in Makati City, during which the DBM–TEC Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC), mandating the establishment of TEECs, was also signed.

Representing PNU were University President Dr. Bert J. Tuga and Vice President for Academics Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas. Joining PNU in the pioneering batch of TEECs are the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the University of San Carlos, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology, Caraga State University, and Cotabato State University.

As a TEEC, PNU will collaborate closely with the Teacher Education Council in designing and conducting research and development initiatives, implementing monitoring and evaluation activities, and planning the dissemination of research outputs and knowledge products. The university will also co-author research reports, presentations, and other relevant materials in support of advancing teacher education in the country.

Present during the event were key officials from involved government agencies, including Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, Department of Budget and Management Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo, and Teacher Education Council Secretariat Executive Director V Jennie Jocson.

Dr. Tuga delivered the acceptance message on behalf of the newly designated TEECs. In his message, he affirmed the institutions’ collective commitment to raising the quality of teacher education in the country. He underscored the importance of collaboration among education agencies, teacher education institutions, and schools, emphasizing that only through “shared vision, shared responsibility, and shared innovation can we transform teacher education into a force that uplifts the entire system.”