Two colleges in CAR conferred with prestigious Philippine Quality Award

Tabuk City, Kalinga - In recognition of their outstanding organizational performance and commitment to excellence, two higher education institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region earned national recognition after being named recipients of the prestigious Philippine Quality Award (PQA) for 2024 at the Malacañang Palace on September 5, 2025.

The Office of the President recognized Apayao State College, which took home Level 1 recognition for commitment to quality management and Mt. Province State University for bagging Level 2 recognition for proficiency in quality management.

Level 1 recognition is granted to institutions committed to improving quality and productivity, whereas Level 2 is awarded to those having significantly advanced in managing these areas.

The PQA, according to the Development Academy of the Philippines, is the highest level of national recognition established through Executive Order No. 448 for exemplary organizational performance.

Said award is granted to public and private institutions that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to quality service and citizen-centered governance.

Other institutions that were given the national recognition included Isabela State University, Nueva Vizcaya State University, St. Mary’s University, and Camarines Norte State College, among others.

To recall, Ifugao State University received Level 2 recognition for proficiency in quality management in July 17, 2024, being the only recipient from the Cordillera region to be awarded at the time.

With said award, building a culture of excellence is affirmed with continuous improvement in delivering high-standard and high-impact education among Cordilleran students.