Emy Ruth Gianan, News, Communication Management Office
As part of the University’s virtual celebration of its 116th Foundation Day, President Manuel Muhi extolled Sintang Paaralan’s accomplishments and milestones amid the coronavirus pandemic in his first Ulat-Talumpati. For this year, the University chose the theme: “PUP sa Ika-116 na Taon ng Pagkakatatag: Katuwang, Kaagapay sa Pagsibol ng Kabayanihan at Pagbabantayog ng Bagong Pag-asa sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”
“Hindi natin batid kung kailan magtatapos ang hagupit ng virus at pandemya. Ngunit ngayon pa lamang umaani na tayo ng maraming pagtatagumpay sa kabayanihan ng bawat isa at matatag na pagsulong natin dahil sa mahigpit na pagtangan sa pag-asa,” the President shared.
“Pamantasang Umiiral ang Pagmamalasakit”
Even with the lockdown restrictions, the University undertook various efforts to deliver immediate system-wide COVID-19 assistance to its students, faculty members, and administrative employees. The President also lauded individual efforts of colleges and student organizations in launching donation drives and assistance programs.
To ensure that quality education would still be delivered, the University developed its Flexible Technology-Enhanced Learning (FLEXTEL) comprised of both online and correspondence modes and synchronous and asynchronous mechanisms for learning. The flexibility of the current system of learning meets the varying demands of students and faculty members, particularly those saddled with issues on access to the internet and gadgets. Faculty members are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 to support teaching needs amid the pandemic.
The President also shared that together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), free Wi-Fi access would be installed across the whole PUP system. The Online Student Support Services Action Center (OSSSAC) was also launched to continue providing frontline services to students.
The cost of swab-testing for PUP employees would also be reimbursed by the University. Employees are entitled to two (2) swab tests to ensure their health and safety. The University is also grateful for the various donations made by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Office of Senator Pia Cayetano, JCI – Makati Princess Urduja, and Star8 Technology.
“Pamantasang Utak ang Puhunan”
Amid the pandemic, the University continued to excel in various fields. PUP placed 4th among top performing law schools with 63 and below examinees according to the Legal Education Board (LEB), with Atty. Jun Dexter Rojas putting PUP in the map as he secured the 9th place among the topnotchers of the bar examinations.
Anna Rose Plenago placed 5th in the Top 10 Certified Plant Mechanic Examinations, while PUP Taguig registered a 100% passing rate. PUP’s excellence continues to shine as it secures the 8th place as one of the top universities in the country, according to web aggregator UniRank.
Professor Gerhard Tan and Dr. Florenda Frivaldo received “Outstanding Trained Graduate Teacher” while Dr. Melcah Pascua “Outstanding Leader” from the International Education Summit in Thailand. Dr. Ricardo Dizon was given the Excellence Award from the Leadership in Education Academy and Development Higher Education. Prof. John Robert Bolledo is among the Finalists for the Ongoing News Report Stand for Truth – GMA News and Public Affairs at the New York Festivals 2020.
PUP Binan students Michiko D. Yasuda and Gio Marcos of the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers – National Student Congress were awarded in the areas of Marketing, Academic, and Research last July. John Roi Tan from PUP San Juan took home five (5) awards and recognitions in chairmanship and service from the Rotaract International District 3000. Meanwhile, Mizael Tilos is lead actor for the film “Limbo”, which has been selected for participation in Hollywood’s Venus Awards. University representatives to the 53rd ASEAN Month Celebration also brought home recognition for the Sintang Paaralan (link to article).
In terms of accreditation, four (4) programs reached Level IV status, 43 at Level III status, 10 programs at Level II, and 55 programs at Level I status. As of June 2020, the University has 117 accredited programs. The President congratulated the leadership of Quality Assurance Director, Dr. Sanjay Claudio.
In terms of research, PUP is also embarking on a more persistent journey towards providing quality knowledge and academic support to various fields of study. Homegrown academic publications such as the PUP Journal of Science and Technology, Mabini Review, and Bisig have already been indexed in the Andrew Gonzales Philippine Citation Index o AGPCI.
“Pamantasang Una ang Paglilingkod”
Sintang Paaralan takes to heart its mandate for public service. PUP Ragay organized Operation Sumpay-Buhay Laban COVID Relief Distribution to support 475 families, while PUP Sablayan launched its “Adopt-a-Scholar” project ably assisting 21 barangays and several groups of indigenous peoples.
A large number of soft and hard infrastructure projects are underway at the Sta. Mesa campus and the University’s satellite branches and campuses. All these anticipate better service delivery for the University’s stakeholders and clients.
Before the pandemic struck, PUP has also led efforts in assisting those affected by the Taal Volcano phreatic explosion last January. More than 2,000 individuals were assisted by the system-wide support directed towards PUP’s campuses in Alfonso, Maragondon, and Sto. Tomas which were greatly affected by the disaster.
Towards the end of his speech, the President appealed for continued cooperation and support amid the challenges faced by the University.
“Sa panahong ito ng pandemya, we have to work hand-in-hand. There is “No Perfect System” po, lalo na ngayong panahong ito. But I am encouraging everyone to have a longer patience when it comes to our tasks, responsibilities, and transactions. Kailangan po nating magkaisa, magtulungan, magbayanihan para patuloy na maging maayos ang ating Sintang Paaralan. Hinihiling ko po ang kooperasyon ng lahat para maisakatuparan natin ang ating mga plano para sa ikabubuti ng lahat,” Muhi quipped.
Watch the full speech here. ###
Please click/tap the appropriate link to help you in your navigation of our services
Applicant Student Faculty Member or Employee Researcher or Extensionist Alumni Campus Life Institutional Accreditation Back to Homepage